Up to date with Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana and EGGCONSOLE Ys II MSX2. Take pleasure in!
What’s the most effective Ys recreation on Change? Falcom’s long-running motion RPG sequence has been going for longer than Remaining Fantasy, and it is a genre-defining franchise, however it’s not essentially the most well-known sequence on the earth. However those that find it irresistible, completely adore it
With the discharge of Ys X: Nordics in 2024 and Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana this 12 months, we have compiled a listing of all Ys video games accessible on Nintendo consoles, together with Change. Nonetheless, we have excluded import-only titles reminiscent of Ys V — in the future, maybe, Falcom will remake that one…
In the event you’re all on deck and able to sail by a sea of Ys, then let’s take a look on the Ys sequence on Nintendo, ranked worst to greatest.
There are only a few variations within the MSX2 model of Ys 1 in comparison with the unique PC-88 one. A handful of recent musical tracks, new visuals, and adjustments to boss assaults make this the best “retro” model of the sport to get into, not less than.
Nonetheless, as with all EGGCONSOLE releases, the sport is just accessible in Japanese, so if you would like the Ys 1 expertise, you then most likely want to select up the PC launch. In any other case, the MSX2 model here’s a fairly stable recreation.
The second Ys launch of 2025, the MSX2 model of Ys II is basically the identical as the unique PC Engine model, however it boasts a brighter, broader color palette and rebalanced problem.
This one is just accessible in Japanese on Change, and you may completely need to play Ys I first, however it’s a wonderfully acceptable technique to play the second Ys recreation. No less than till Chronicles will get a port. Please, Falcom.
Whilst a spin-off with no bearing on the canon, Ys Technique is berated by sequence followers. Sluggish gameplay, overly-easy encounters, and an overabundance of tutorials break what may’ve been a unbelievable facet entry within the Ys sequence.
Even for those who’re not an Ys fan or are searching for technique and RTS video games on the DS, Ys Technique is the final recreation you need to choose up to your library. However hey, not less than the music is nice…?
Wanderers from Ys marked a short departure from the bump fight system in earlier Ys video games, and for a lot of followers, that is principally a draw back. Adol might transfer quite a bit quicker, however enemies do quite a lot of injury, and it takes time to adapt to the side-scrolling Zelda II-style perspective. Total, it simply feels extra generic that the primary two video games.
Typically thought of the outsider of the sequence, Wanderers from Ys, whereas an attention-grabbing piece of historical past, may be essentially the most troublesome recreation to suggest. The Eggconsole model comes with the handbook and a gallery, so for those who’re a die-hard fan, this one may be price testing.
From its epic opening montage to it is bigger story, Ys II is a transparent step-up in narrative. Whereas it is largely the identical by way of fight and presentation, Ys II does make just a few minor adjustments to make the expertise just a little smoother. Separate tools and merchandise menus assist declutter the stock screens, whereas Adol now has entry to magic.
As it is a direct continuation of Ys I, nevertheless, you actually cannot play Ys II with out playings its predecessor. And, on condition that each Ys I and Ys II are solely Eggconsole releases on Change, you may be higher off enjoying this duo elsewhere. If you cannot, there’s completely nothing flawed with these Eggconsole variations, so have at it.
By at this time’s requirements the primary Ys recreation is fairly primitive, however this one of the influential motion RPGs of all time. The bump fight system is intelligent and addictive, placing its friends to disgrace, and it poses a wholesome problem within the later phases.
Like all different Eggconsole releases, Ys is hampered by a language barrier, however the D$ re-release does clarify issues the place it issues, and it is greater than doable to make your means by the sport with out figuring out a lick of Japanese. Some bonus hints to assist grind and get higher weapons and cash, and this is not a nasty technique to expertise the origin of this sequence in any respect
Identical to the PC Engine model, the SNES launch of Wanderers from Ys is taken into account a little bit of an outlier. There are only a few issues that differentiate it from the unique launch, apart from just a few title adjustments and a few pretty new visuals.
Sadly, it additionally comes with the entire caveats of the unique and is probably essentially the most troublesome model of Wanderers to play by. Get used to grinding. With The Oath in Felghana coming to Change in 2025, there are few causes to select up this model of Ys III in addition to as a curio.
In the event you’re restricted to Nintendo platforms in your Ys adventures, then Legacy of Ys is a pleasant little compilation of Adol’s first two adventures. Ported by Atlus, you both want to make use of the stylus to assault or stumble upon enemies and time your button presses completely, leading to a clunky-feeling journey with out the simplicity of the unique.
Legacy of Ys is not the greatest technique to play them, however it’s a means. In case you have a PSP or PC, then Chronicles is well the most effective model of Ys I & II on the market. In any other case, we would suggest a budget Eggconsole variations over this.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox isn’t an enormous step up over its tropical predecessor, Ys VIII, however it hits all the precise beats it must make for an addictive and interesting motion RPG. Have been it not for the efficiency points, we would even be inclined to say that is the most effective instance of the style on the Change but. Given these issues, nevertheless, we urge just a little little bit of warning with Monstrum Nox on the console.
Nonetheless, fast-paced fight, a memorable setting, and a surprisingly content-rich open world make up for a lot of the points and ship an incredible expertise for motion RPG followers. Whereas the sport is reportedly higher on PS4 and PS5, we will assure that you just’re nonetheless in for a very good time on Change — simply brace your self for these body drops.
The story in Ys Origin takes a again seat to the sensible and compulsive dungeon crawling gameplay, which ought to attraction even to those that do not are inclined to get pleasure from motion RPGs. No puzzle, no battle and no single room ever outstays its welcome in Ys Origin, leading to one of the easy-going and brisk motion RPGs on Change.
Positive, the visuals could possibly be higher, the general size may be too quick for hardcore RPG followers and there is quite a lot of grinding afoot, however this stays a stable alternative for those who’re a fan of this form of factor. Ys Origin is ideal even for those who’ve by no means touched a recreation within the sequence earlier than.
Adol’s latest journey — Ys X: Nordics — stands as one other nice entry on this long-running motion sequence, bringing in some cool concepts of its personal with out straying too removed from what made its predecessors so beloved.
Pleasant fight, one other wonderful soundtrack, and a fascinating world to discover all make this simple to suggest to each long-time followers and newcomers, even when a number of the new concepts do not completely stick the touchdown. And, as with the opposite Ys entries on Change, it stumbles a bit with its efficiency. In the event you’re searching for one other stable motion RPG on Change, then look no additional than Ys X.
Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is hardly a revolutionary RPG, however it stands as a wonderful reminder that typically much less is extra. The brisk pacing, thrilling fight, and cutesy visuals all come collectively in a splendidly fulfilling and easy motion RPG.
That is an expertise that makes no compromises and holds nothing again, and even when it’s clearly much less bold and expansive than lots of the later entries within the sequence, there’s additionally one thing very satisfying about enjoying by a recreation the place its attain didn’t exceed its grasp.
With enjoyable, fast-paced fight, likeable characters, and an fulfilling story that takes full benefit of its lovely shipwrecked setting, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is a top-shelf motion RPG.
Exploring the Isle of Seiren is as rewarding as mastering the character-swapping and hack-and-slash battle system, and each match into an addictive suggestions loop of adventuring that retains all the things shifting at a fast clip.
The inconsistent picture high quality in handheld mode is a small blemish on an in any other case polished manufacturing, however it is a unbelievable technique to play Ys VIII, one of many easiest motion RPGs on the Change and a real gem.
And that is each single Ys recreation accessible on the Change, ranked.
Greatest Ys Video games FAQs
Shipwrecked into the Ys sequence and need to get to know extra? We have got some solutions for you that can assist you perceive this long-running sequence.
What was the primary Ys recreation?
Ys began all the way in which again on twenty first June 1987 — that is earlier than even Remaining Fantasy existed — with the discharge of Ys I: Historical Ys Vanished for the NEC PC-8801.
That specific recreation has been ported and remade a number of instances through the years, and at this time, is commonly generally paired with its direct sequel, Ys II: Historical Ys Vanished – The Remaining Chapter. In case you have a DS, then you’ll be able to choose up Legacy of Ys Books I & II
It is really accessible on Change by way of the Eggconsole launch, titled Ys PC-8801mkIISR.
What number of Ys video games are on Change?
At present, there are ten Ys video games accessible to play on Nintendo Change. 5 of those are retro releases because of the Eggconsole variations, whereas the opposite 5 are new entries or ports.
Of those seven video games, six are at the moment a part of the principle canon. Wanderers from Ys, the unique launch of Ys III, has since been remade and is now referred to as The Oath in Felghana, which acquired a Change remake in 2025.
What is the newest Ys recreation?
The most recent launch within the Ys sequence Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana, a remaster of the remake of Ys III. The sport launched on Change on seventh January 2025.
In the event you’re searching for the “latest” recreation within the sequence, then Ys X: Nordics is the sport you need.
What number of Ys video games are there?
There are 11 predominant “canon” Ys video games, and one other three video games that are not thought of part of the canon. In any other case, listed here are all eleven canon Ys video games:
If you wish to play the Ys video games in chronological order, they go — Origin, I, II, X, Celceta, Felghana, V, VIII, VI, Seven, and IX. Ys V is the one recreation to not be formally localised within the West.
Do you want to play the Ys video games so as?
Nope, in no way. Whereas there is a clear timeline for Adol’s journey, the story of each single entry is extra like a standalone journey.
There are some callbacks to Adol’s earlier adventures in later Ys video games, however these are largely inconsequential and easily act as little nods for followers.
The one exceptions to this are the primary two numbered entries — Ys I and Ys II. There is a cause each of those video games get repackaged collectively in rereleases, and it is as a result of their tales are intrinsically linked.
What are the EGGCONSOLE video games?
The Eggconsole video games are a part of D4’s Undertaking EGG sequence, which is an emulation-based distribution service on PC. Eggconsole refers to video games which have been ported to Change which can be a part of that service.
The three Ys video games launched within the Eggconsole sequence — I, II, and Wanderers from Ys — are all solely accessible in Japanese, regardless of being on the Western eShop storefront. They’re simple sufficient to navigate in Japanese, happily, with many weapon names showing in English, however you will miss out on some dialogue.
We have got an entire listing of each single Eggconsole launch on Change for you — there are some actual retro delights right here, and the sequence is a unbelievable have a look at the previous.
Which Ys recreation ought to I begin with?
Whereas solely a handful of Ys video games can be found on Change, and most of them have totally different playstyles, we predict essentially the most accessible recreation within the sequence is Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana.
That is the preferred entry within the sequence, and for good cause — it is acquired a unbelievable story with a lovable forged of characters. Plus, the fight is completely divine. the Change model has been fastened up since its preliminary launch, too, that means it runs fairly nicely and there are not any translation errors in sight.
Nonetheless, Ys X: Nordics can be a fairly good place to start out, because it takes place close to the start of Adol’s adventuring timeline. Which means there aren’t a ton of callbacks that you just may be lacking out on, both.
Why are there so many variations of Ys IV?
With Ys IV, Falcom initially outsourced the sport to 2 totally different builders — Tonkin Home (the studio behind the Tremendous Famicom launch of Ys III) and Hudson Mushy (which ported the primary three video games to the TurboGrafx-16).
Tonkin developed Ys IV: Masks of the Solar for the Tremendous Famicom, whereas Hudson Mushy delivered The Daybreak of Ys for the TurboGrafx-16. Daybreak of Ys was initially thought of canon, however after the PS2 launch of Ark of Napishtim, Masks of the Solar turned the canon model of Ys IV. It even acquired a reimagined PS2 remake from Taito and Arc System Works titled Ys IV: Masks of the Solar: A New Principle
As of 2012, nevertheless, the canon launch of Ys IV is the Falcom-developed Reminiscences of Celceta, which is accessible on PC, PS4, and PS Vita.
Will Ys V ever get an English launch?
We do not know but. At present, Ys V: Misplaced Kefin, Kingdom of Sand is the one mainline Ys recreation to by no means get an official English localisation. It is a Tremendous Famicom recreation with a PS2 reimagining that was launched in Japan in 2006.
All we will do is hope that Ys V will get the remake therapy — Falcom has already given most of these older video games some love, so why not V?
Wait, so what’s Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana?
Yep, it is one other rerelease! Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a remaster of the PC (and later PSP) recreation The Oath in Felghana, which is a remake and the canon model of Ys III.
The remaster is out now on Nintendo Change.
How can I alter the rating on this article?
It is fairly simple! We get you pretty Nintendo Life readers to assist us charge the entire Ys video games. The listing above, that you’ve got simply learn, is set by every recreation’s Person Ranking in our database, and is due to this fact topic to vary after publication, whilst you are studying this!
It is an ever-evolving, ‘definitive’ Ys rating that we’ll preserve up to date with new entries. And look, for those who disagree with the rating, do not fret — you’ll be able to seek for your favorite Ys recreation within the field beneath and charge them to affect the order.
Are you an Ys fan? Are you hoping to see extra Ys video games on Change, or a possible future console? As at all times, tell us within the feedback, and be at liberty to tell us if we have missed one thing!
And do not forget, the rankings on this listing can and can change. If you have not rated those you’ve got performed, be at liberty to get ranking.
