Play Ys IV - Mask of the Sun (Japan) [En by Aeon Genesis v2.0] Online

Game Overview

If you’ve ever played an Ys game before, you know the drill: Adol charges into battle like a red-haired hurricane, slashing through enemies with that satisfying clink-clink of sword strikes. Mask of the Sun keeps that energy but throws in some SNES-era charm—bright, chunky sprites, moody dungeons, and a soundtrack that somehow makes a 16-bit synth sound epic.

This one’s a weird case—it’s technically Ys IV, but not the version that got an official release elsewhere. Instead, it’s its own thing, with a slightly different story and some cool little quirks (like magic spells that actually feel useful). The fan translation’s solid, too—no awkward "Engrish" here, just a straightforward adventure about ancient masks and the usual Ys-brand calamity.

Honestly, the combat’s the star. No turn-based waiting here—you just ram into enemies at full speed, dodging and weaving like a maniac. It’s simple, but there’s a rhythm to it that keeps you hooked. And that soundtrack? Pure ‘90s Falcom magic. You’ll catch yourself humming the boss themes hours later.

It’s not the most polished Ys game out there, but there’s something special about playing a "lost" entry like this. Like finding an old SNES cart you forgot existed, then realizing it rules.