Team Asano’s upcoming title, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, has already garnered significant attention for its punchy, action-oriented combat, rewarding exploration, and a vibrant, nostalgic fantasy aesthetic. While we still have a bit of a wait ahead of us, there is a timeless classic that captures that exact spirit perfectly. Two decades ago, Nihon Falcom launched Ys Origin with the specific intent of creating the quintessential entry point into their storied franchise—and in doing so, they crafted an enduring masterpiece.
Following the success of Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, Nihon Falcom has significantly broadened its international footprint. However, many newer JRPG enthusiasts might not realize just how deep the developer’s roots go; founded by Masayuki Kato in 1981, Falcom is a true pillar of the industry. Ys Origin originally debuted on Windows in 2006, arriving 19 years after the franchise’s inception with Ys 1 — The Vanished Omens. After a six-year wait for XSEED Games to bring it to Western shores, the title is now readily available on all major modern platforms.
As the title suggests, this entry serves as a prequel, unfolding 700 years before the events of the original Ys. The narrative depicts a desperate struggle for survival as the magical realm of Ys is besieged by demonic forces. To safeguard their people, the twin goddesses Reah and Feena harness the power of the Black Pearl—the source of all magic—to elevate their sacred shrine into the heavens. Yet, the demons refuse to yield, erecting a monumental tower that pierces the clouds in a relentless pursuit of the sanctuary.
Your objective is to ascend the 25 floors of this demonic monolith to locate the vanished goddesses. Upon starting your journey, you choose between two protagonists: the grounded Yunica Tovah or the magically gifted Hugo Fact.
While both characters share a common goal, their motivations are worlds apart. Yunica is a valiant soul fighting to find her purpose in a land where she lacks magical ability, all while coping with the loss of her father. Conversely, Hugo is an arrogant, brilliant prodigy from a noble bloodline; for the better part of his campaign, he is frankly quite difficult to like, though his perspective is undeniably fascinating.
These two paths are not merely supplementary; they act as parallel lenses through which you view the same crisis. Navigating their unique perspectives provides a much richer understanding of the lore and the internal politics of Ys, ultimately paving the way for a hidden third route where the true story is unveiled. Beyond the narrative depth, the core gameplay loop is what elevates Ys Origin. It favors fluid, rhythmic action over lengthy cutscenes, encouraging you to master combat mechanics and platforming secrets rather than simply reading text. Despite the charming, stylized visuals, the difficulty is deceptively sharp, even on standard settings.
The combat relies on a satisfying blend of standard strikes and elemental magic, both of which offer charged variants for extra impact. While it lacks complex combo trees, the mechanics are incredibly polished, rewarding pure player skill and tactical precision over brute force.
Each floor of the tower feels distinct, functioning as its own biome with specific enemies and environmental challenges. You’ll frequently encounter light puzzles and unique gear, such as specialized amulets, that are essential for traversing certain hazardous zones.
The boss encounters are arguably the game’s greatest highlight. Whether you are facing a towering metallic centipede or a mechanical monstrosity emerging from molten lava, these battles are multi-phase tests of endurance and pattern recognition. If you fail to respect their mechanics, you will face a swift and punishing defeat.
While Ys Origin leans into a more melancholic tone than the upcoming Adventures of Elliot, it remains an essential experience for any fan of the action-RPG genre. It serves as a perfect appetizer for those awaiting Square Enix’s next big release, proving that exceptional design truly never goes out of style. You can experience this classic today on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Source: Polygon
