Where to start the Ys series?

[erehwon]

I've heard some good things about this series, but I'm not sure where to start. I got interested in the series again since I downloaded the Ys Premium Music CD Box in Felghana from gamemp3s. As a soundtrack collector, I wouldn't mind finding that, but looks like that game package with the soundtrack is out of print.


Didn't the series start out on the TG16? If so, it'll be a pain for me to track one down. I've never seen one in my area outside of McVans. I think I also remember that being ported to the DS, but I heard it wasn't as good as the original. I do have the version that was released on the ps2, but I've never played it. It got buried deep in the backlog.

[Soviet Conscript]

well, i would start from the begining. there are many ports of the first 2 ys games but yhea the tg-16 cd version is considered the best version next to perhaps the win port

here read
http://hg101.kontek.net/ys/ys.htm

pretty much all you need to know about the ys series and its ports/versions

*beat Ark to the post, yes!*

[Arkhan]

I've heard some good things about this series, but I'm not sure where to start. I got interested in the series again since I downloaded the Ys Premium Music CD Box in Felghana from gamemp3s. As a soundtrack collector, I wouldn't mind finding that, but looks like that game package with the soundtrack is out of print.


Didn't the series start out on the TG16? If so, it'll be a pain for me to track one down. I've never seen one in my area outside of McVans. I think I also remember that being ported to the DS, but I heard it wasn't as good as the original. I do have the version that was released on the ps2, but I've never played it. It got buried deep in the backlog.


Ys I exists all over the place

It didn't start on the PCE/TG , it was around before that...

You can find DOS version, MSX, PC88, TG16, SMS, Nintendo DS even, and Saturn, and there was even a PC remake, and Famicom.

If I had to pick one I would vote either the TG16 one since its Ys I and II if you can locate it all (Or get it on the Wii virtual console)

OR, Id say get the PC remake of it with an english patch. Its nearly similar to the Saturn one.


Avoid the DOS one. :)

My preferred timeline of Ys playing:

1: TG16CD or PC Remake
2: Same
3: TG16 or Sega Genesis
4: PCE CD and SNES (You gotta play BOTH They are different)
5: SNES
6: PS2

Ys Origins: PC
7: Not out yet!

There was also a great remake of Ys III using the new Ark of Napishtim engine. Pretty nice.

[Press_Start]

Here's a list of Ys games by system released in the US:

Sega Master System:
Ys 1: Vanished Omen

Turbo CD
Ys 1 & 2
Ys 3: Wanderers from Ys

SNES:
Ys 3: Wanderers from Ys

Genesis:
Ys 3: Wanderers from Ys

PS2:
Ys 6: Ark of Napisthm

PSP:
Ys 6: Ark of Napisthm

DS:
Ys Book 1&2

I agree the Turbo CD version Ys 1&2 is the best version. That game has the best boss music EVER! Animation is top notch (at least for video games) for its time and found on Wii's VC.

Yes, Ys 3 was released on 3 separate systems and none of them are on VC. :( Unless you're going to blow tons of case on the game and Turbo CD/Turbo Duo/PE Engine Duo, better off going either the SNES or Genesis versions as the Turbo version only advantage are better sound, voice work, and animation. If you're looking for balls to the walls challenge, then the Genesis port is your dominatrix.

Ys 4 and 5 never made it to the states. There's no word if and/or when remakes/translations are coming stateside any time soon.

Ys 6 was released by Konami for PS2 and PSP. But the PSP has an added old school appeal to it and Konami dumped the animated portions for their CGI work.

Ys 7 is in the work along with another remake of Ys 1&2 for PSP. Nothing in the wind from Atlus or any company willing to localize here.

Hope that helps. ;)

[XYXZYZ]

I definitely recommend the Turbo CD Ys Books I & II as your introduction to Ys. To me it's the "definitive" version of Ys I & II, it's hands down the best music; there are even patches for the Windows remake that replace the updated soundtrack with the classic Turbo CD music.

[Richter Belmount]

I definitely recommend the Turbo CD Ys Books I & II as your introduction to Ys. To me it's the "definitive" version of Ys I & II, it's hands down the best music; there are even patches for the Windows remake that replace the updated soundtrack with the classic Turbo CD music.

Turbo Graphx 16 Definitely the best version get it noaw. It was listed in egm as the top 2nd game of all time.

[Arkhan]

Yes, Ys 3 was released on 3 separate systems and none of them are on VC. :( Unless you're going to blow tons of case on the game and Turbo CD/Turbo Duo/PE Engine Duo, better off going either the SNES or Genesis versions as the Turbo version only advantage are better sound, voice work, and animation. If you're looking for balls to the walls challenge, then the Genesis port is your dominatrix.


You left out the MSX and other computer versions of all the games (Including the PC ones), and the Saturn ones! And the remade PC Ys III with the Ark of Napishtm engine...



Ys 4 and 5 never made it to the states. There's no word if and/or when remakes/translations are coming stateside any time soon.


Do fan translations count? Ys IV had patches for SFC and PCE CD versions

[mobiusclimber]

Not to mention the Famicom versions.

As others have said your best entry to the series is going to be the TG CD version. Both famicom versions are ugly and play terribly. The Master System version is a good looking one, but it's tough as nails. If you want a real challenge, give it a go, but I'd suggest not until you've played and beat the TG CD version. Other than that... I didn't care for the SNES/Genesis version of Ys III and never played it on TG CD. Never played Ys IV on PCE CD, but did play the totally different one on Sufami, which was ok but also incredibly tough AND includes poisoning, which I think kinda break the Ys engine. Only other one I've played was Ark fro the PSP. It ws a lot of fun until it got to the timed jumping puzzles. Those are nearly unplayable on the PSP.

[kupomogli]

Do fan translations count? Ys IV had patches for SFC and PCE CD versions

I remember downloading an incomplete version a long time ago. Thanks for reminding me they actually completed this. *opens up romhacking.net* ^_^ Now let's hope Ys V and Ys V Expert gets translated.

[Press_Start]

You left out the MSX and other computer versions of all the games (Including the PC ones), and the Saturn ones! And the remade PC Ys III with the Ark of Napishtm engine...



Here's a list of Ys games by system released in the US:
:roll:

[erehwon]

For Ys 1 and 2, I want the turbocd version. Unfortunately, I don't have that system. The TG16 and CD is one of the few systems I still need to find. I've found most of what I wanted from garage sales, even a laseractive. I'm doubting I'll find a turbo that way since McVans sends out people to scour the garage sales in the area.

One thing I was wondering, which would cost more: a TG16 and CD or a Duo-R. I was reading this other thread and it sounded like the Duo-R was a very good choice.

[Press_Start]

Go with a Turbo Grafx/PC Engine Duo-R set up, Duo-R plays all American and Japanese CD games (including Super) for Turbo/PCE and Japanese HuCards. You'd be lucky to find Turbo CD/Duo online without costing an arm and a leg.

[exit]

Both famicom versions are ugly and play terribly.

I actually quite enjoyed the Famicom versions, I remember playing them when they were first translated and even made an FAQ for Ys2 on Gamefaqs. On that note, there's also a Famicom version of Ys III, never got around to playing it but there is a translation for it out there. The first Ys was released on cellphones here a few years back, it wasn't that great, but I'll take any Ys that they'll give us over here.

[mobiusclimber]

Definitely go with either a PC Engine Duo-R or a Super Grafx + Super CD-ROM2 set up (this is what I plan on getting when I have the cash for it, Risingstuff.com had one for around $200 I think, but it sold out). But even the other iterations can be had for cheap (on the PCE side) and most of them won't have too many problems so long as you take good care of them and aren't playing them for hours and hours on end. Yoshimitsu has a briefcase unit, for instance, for $110 + shipping: http://gametz.com/forum/Console_Marketplace/topic/357184.html Rising Stuff has a Duo-R for $145 + shipping: https://www.risingstuff.com/store/products.php/PC-Engine-Duo-R-external-scuffs/cPath,27

[erehwon]

Yea, it'll be a little bit before I have the extra money to get one of these. Building a new gaming computer is my main goal at the moment. The only way I could get one of these right now is by finding someone who would want to trade one for my laseractive, which is the only thing I have of comparable value to a duo. I doubt that would happen since I don't have any games for it. The collector in me also doesn't like the idea of getting rid of something like that.

Thanks for all the info. It'll come in handy when I have the cash to actually start buying into the series.

[Arkhan]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Arkhan View Post
You left out the MSX and other computer versions of all the games (Including the PC ones), and the Saturn ones! And the remade PC Ys III with the Ark of Napishtm engine...

Quote:
Here's a list of Ys games by system released in the US:

:roll:

hah! wooops! my bad >_< I got excited.

Really if you don't have the flow to import a Duo-R/RX yet, try out the PC remake.. There is a real good translation of it and it has both Ys I and II. It plays like the DS one that just came out only, the bashing system is intact, AND the graphics aren't all goony 3D looking.

The Duo-R is VERY nice, but importing them is a bit costly due to shipping unless you want to wait for awhile for it to come on boat.. my boxed duo-r was only 50$ but shipping was a lot! X_x

in the end, you'll probably pay more finding the US TG+CD + System Card 3 due to their rarity and still have to pay the shipping. But you can get it region modded and then play everything that way.

My preferred method is to just have both US and Japanese setups. But that's not so cheap to get going :(

and, as far as the non PC versions go, the TG CD one is the best Ys you can play. Smooth gameplay, great music, very vibrant graphics, and cutscenes. There's no flaws in that game on TG \\^_^/