Play Ys II - Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter (Japan) Online

I first played Ys II on the NES back in 1988, a release from Nihon Falcom that brought their PC action RPG to a console audience. It was a time when many developers were trying to figure out how to translate complex adventures to the limitations of the system, and this one stood out for its direct, fast paced approach to exploration and combat.

You control Adol Christin, a young swordsman exploring the floating continent of Ys, with the goal of uncovering the truth behind its ancient mysteries. The combat is entirely contact based; you run into enemies at specific angles to deal damage, which feels more like solving a spatial puzzle than mindless hacking. You explore screen by screen, delving into multi level dungeons, gathering key items to progress, and facing bosses that demand quick reflexes. The pacing is brisk, and the difficulty can spike without much warning, but pushing through each new area feels rewarding. It’s a game that makes you lean forward, constantly engaged by its immediate action and persistent sense of discovery.