Ys I & II Chronicles+

Ancient ruins, monster-filled fields, and a mystery surrounding the vanished land of Ys give this two-part action RPG collection an unusually grand sense of adventure for its compact scale. Players follow red-haired swordsman Adol Christin as he reaches the troubled island of Esteria, investigates a surge of demons, and uncovers a legend tied to six sacred books and a towering fortress. The first chapter feels like a fast, focused fantasy quest, while the second broadens the stakes considerably and sends Adol into a stranger, more dangerous realm. Despite its retro roots, the mood balances bright adventure, cryptic lore, and the satisfying pressure of surviving hostile dungeons with limited resources.

Combat revolves around the series’ famous contact-based system: rather than pressing an attack button, Adol damages enemies by running into them at favorable angles. It sounds simple, but positioning matters; charging carelessly into an opponent head-on can quickly drain health, especially against bosses and stronger monsters. Town conversations, equipment upgrades, key items, maze-like caves, and careful level gains drive progress, with four difficulty settings allowing either a forgiving introduction or a demanding old-school run. Ys II adds a more flexible magic arsenal, including fire-based attacks and utility spells, while its standout demon transformation lets Adol communicate with ordinary enemies for hints, jokes, and surprising world-building.

Chronicles+ succeeds because it preserves the speed and clarity of early action RPG design without burying it under modern excess. Both games move briskly, constantly feeding players new locations, upgrades, secrets, and memorable boss encounters, while the connected story makes the collection feel more substantial than two isolated relics. Visual presentation can be tailored with different portrait styles, display options, and a wider PC view, while several soundtrack arrangements let players choose between vintage synth character and polished rock energy. Fans of The Legend of Zelda, early Final Fantasy, or Falcom’s later Ys entries should appreciate its directness; newcomers need patience with its unusual combat, but veterans will find a lean, influential pair of adventures that still play with purpose.