The Ys games are known for their engaging combat and excellent soundtracks. Every game in the series has its merits, but which among them are the best? With Nordics releasing next week from publisher Nippon Ichi Software America in Santa Ana, California, let’s take a look at the best Ys games across the series.
Honorable Mention: Ys Seven
Several of the aspects in Ys Seven were iterated on to make Lacrimosa of Dana, from its music and gameplay to some of the late-game story elements. One of its plot elements in the early game was also brought back in Monstrum Nox, in the form of Adol being imprisoned by one of the game’s antagonists.
3. The Oath in Felghana
The Oath in Felghana is a 2005 remake of 1989’s Wanderers From Ys, using the same engine as The Ark of Napishtim and Ys Origin. It iterates upon the mechanics and systems of The Ark of Napishtim while combining them with the setting and story of Wanderers From Ys. Wanderers From Ys’ music was also re-arranged for The Oath in Felghana, updating its orchestration to be in line with more of the modern Ys games of the time. Some of the updated tracks are among the best in the series. Dogi plays an important role in the game’s story, with Felghana being his home before he came to Esteria before the events of Ys 1 and Ys 2.
2. Monstrum Nox
Monstrum Nox has the best combat and movement of the modern Ys games, greatly refining the already-great mechanics in Lacrimosa of Dana. The greater verticality and openness of the level design make exploring very fun, especially with dungeons being able to feel more open while still being linear. Adding to the enjoyment of exploration, the Monstrums‘ Gifts (Hunter’s Descent in particular) give the player even more ways to explore the city of Balduq. While its writing isn’t as good as Lacrimosa of Dana’s, the pacing of the chapters is much better.
1. Lacrimosa of Dana
Lacrimosa of Dana is the pinnacle of stories out of the Ys games, and its music is among some of the best in the series. Many of the characters in its cast are charming and memorable, and it has some of the most emotional side quests in the series. While some of its mechanics aren’t as refined as they are in Monstrum Nox, the gameplay is still a lot of fun. It’s the only game in the series so far to feature multiple different endings, even though they’re all variations on the same order of events. Its position as the best and most popular of the Ys games is well-earned.
Final Thoughts
All of the Ys games are fantastic to play, from their stellar soundtracks to their energetic and fast-paced gameplay and their endearing characters. This is true even of the games that didn’t make it onto this list, they’re still wonderful games. Being on this list just speaks to the quality of the games and the series – there is no “bad” Ys game.
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