Play Ys IV - Mask of the Sun (Japan) Online

Ys IV: Mask of the Sun came out for the Super Nintendo in 1993, developed by Tonkin House. It was part of that wave of action RPGs that tried to capture a bigger world on the console, with more detailed towns and a larger world map than some of its predecessors. The graphics and music aimed for an epic feel, typical for the time, though it was one of two competing versions of Ys IV released around the same period.

You control Adol Christin, exploring the land of Celceta, fighting monsters in real time by bumping into them at an angle or using magic. The main goal involves uncovering the mystery of the masked civilization and finding a way to lift a curse. You explore screen by screen, delve into multi-level dungeons, and gather artifacts to progress. The pacing is brisk, with frequent combat and exploration, though some later areas can feel challenging due to enemy density. It feels like a solid, fast-paced adventure that keeps you moving from one discovery to the next.