Gameplay Today - Because You're Always Gaming

The Ys series first two titles are packaged together on this compilation for the PSP. This package has been done a few times, but the PSP version offers new things to make it the go to version of Ys I & II. Unlike the recent remake of Ys III, these two games stick to the classic style they originally offered.

Both games follow a very connected story about Adol Christin seeking to wipe out evil from Esteria. In the first title he is collecting the 6 books of Ys that contain secrets to defeating evil. The sequel takes place right after the first title, and involves Adol traveling to Ys to wipe out evil there in addition to the problems still left in Esteria. Both titles feature a great translation and very likable characters. Adol himself doesn't speak but explains things to characters usually with a small text box stating 'Adol explained the birds and the bees.'

Combat in both titles boils down to ramming Adol Christin into enemies; until the enemy dies or you run away with a few digits of life remaining. When magic is introduced you have a projectile weapon that can be fired off at a short distance and charged up for a larger strike. Also for humorous after-effects you can burn friendly villagers. There are also other abilities like telepathy, revealing, time control and more. The combat, like in later titles in the series remains a very frantic affair.

Bosses are very visually striking but also these fights go against everything I was used to. In what other video game do you attack the giant boss by ramming your main character into the boss? Ys asks you to balance an all out attack and still dodge incoming ones. It's a complete change of pace that did not bother me when fighting regular monsters in the fields but caught me off guard here.

The graphics bring back the memories of the 16 bit days and look welcoming. The character art is different depending on what version you chose. Both art styles are fine but the newer art is a lot fresher looking than the 2001 art from the windows release. The 2001 art has the look of mid 1990s anime compared and looks dryer in color.

There are three soundtracks featured in this version, and which soundtrack you hear from can be changed from the pause menu at any time. There is the original soundtrack, the 2001 soundtrack or a remastered soundtrack. The choice is preference here but the remastered soundtrack is wonderful and not 'tinny' sounding likes the original soundtrack can get in areas.

If you are are asking about a solid RPG series on the Playstation Portable then look no farther than Ys. With two titles to keep you occupied Ys I & II Chronicles is the perfect RPG fix for any gamer wanting to try something that is not a Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. This is one JRPG that is not crawling behind, the fun factor stands the test of time.