Play Ys (japan) Online

I first played Ys on the NES in 1987, a version of Falcom's action RPG that came out a couple of years after the original Japanese computer releases. It was part of that wave of early console RPGs where you could see developers figuring out how to translate complex computer adventures for a living room audience, and this one always stood out for its direct approach to combat.

You control the red-haired swordsman Adol Christin, exploring the land of Esteria screen by screen to uncover the mystery behind its demons and locate the six Books of Ys. The most immediate thing you notice is the combat; you don't have an attack button. Instead, you damage enemies by running into them at an angle, a system that forces you to judge your approach carefully to avoid taking damage yourself. You delve into multi-level dungeons, gather better swords and armor from shops, and face bosses that require precise movement. The game moves at a brisk pace and can be quite difficult, especially in its later sections where enemy patterns become more demanding. Navigating the world and mastering the bump combat system gives the adventure a distinct, tactile rhythm.