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| Final Draft by MM 10/02/2016, 7:21pm PDT | ||||
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| The Ys series of games was the Turbografix version of the Zelda games with the one key difference that Ys took the Action-Adventure genre and buried the needle on the action side. Like Zelda, Ys made a brief flirtation with 2D sidescrolling in Ys III: Wanderers from Ys. It's considered the worst of the series in terms of gameplay, but the best of the series in terms of soundtrack. 15 years later, Falcom took the setting and soundtrack of Ys III, mixed it with the 3D isometric engine of Ys VI, and the result is one of the best action games I've played since Devil May Cry 3.
Ys: The Oath in Felghana is an isometric brawler featuring 8-directional 2D sprites on 3D backgrounds (though the bosses are full 3D). You control Adol the Red, a shockingly normal-looking anime dude wearing armor and wielding a sword and shield of proper proportion to his body size. What's more, Adol is a silent protagonist which makes him a zillion times more likable that 90% of videogame protagonists. This game really benefits from being shackled to a storyline from before Final Fantasy 7 cranked anime excess in videogames up to 11. Note that no knowledge of the stories of Ys I or II are necessary for this game (the same is NOT true of Ys Origin). The controls for combat are for the most part a three button affair. You have a basic sword swing, a jump, and a magic/dash button that utilizes three elementally-charged bracelets you pick up over the course of the game (projectile fire, whilwind air, and invincibility-dash earth). In practice the combat is FASTFASTFAST and such a thrill as you carve through crowds of baddies like an out-of-control Cuisinart. Adding further to the speed emphasis is the lack of healing items in the game. Instead enemies drop healing herbs and temporary buff potions when killed encouraging you to keep moving and fighting at top speed to keep your buffs at full strength. I really enjoy the learning curve for this game. Although the controls are way simpler than DMC3, it has a comparable challenge level. Every time you master a group of basic monsters, the game introduces a couple new ones that throw another curveball and knock you on your ass. This learning curve continues at a steady pace the whole way through the game. The bosses are just as nightmarish as DMC3 and I love it. What's more, the game has multiple difficulty levels that change more than just enemy HP for plenty of replay value. And the soundtrack that was so great in Ys III is even better in this game. The downsides include the graphics looking as dated as 2D sprites on 3D background sounds. Also the game doesn't recognize analog trigger inputs, but keyboard is not only viable, I kinda prefer it for this game. Saving is only done from save statues which can lead to incredibly frustrating outcomes while you're still getting the hang of fighting the latest dungeon's baddies. Just nitpicky gripes mostly. I picked up this game on sale and it caught me off guard when it turned out to be one of the best action games on the PC right now and I can't recommend it highly enough! |
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Ys: The Oath in Felghana is FUCKING AWESOME! NT by 08/25/2016, 10:22pm PDT  I guess I should write an actual review by 09/27/2016, 5:49pm PDT We need to get this and your Hyper Light Drifter review on the front page. by 09/28/2016, 10:15am PDT Agreed, will do so ASAP. by 09/28/2016, 12:06pm PDT Gimme a chance to clean them up first, they're a quagmire of typos. NT by 09/28/2016, 1:20pm PDT I'm also buying that game based on your recommendation so by 09/28/2016, 3:26pm PDT Initial Impressions by 10/02/2016, 12:54pm PDT Final Draft by 10/02/2016, 7:21pm PDT How is it compared to Ys Origin? NT by 09/28/2016, 5:56pm PDT Much better. by 09/28/2016, 6:41pm PDT |
