Ys Origin Review (PS4)
Introduction
This is a port of Ys Origin from the PC, done by DotEmu. This is also the prequel of all Ys games, where this game takes place before the events of Ys I & II Chronicles. This game also boasts three playable characters, with the third character being unlocked after beating the prior two characters' playthroughs.
Story
This game is a prequel to the Ys series, takes place way before the events of Ys I & II Chronicles. A tower was built by the demons to invade the floating land Ys, and the twin Goddesses ruling the land went missing. It is up to a search party to find the Goddesses, as well as stop the demons from invading Ys. Yunica was an apprentice knight, and she was a good friend to the Goddesses. As she climbed the tower, she will discover the truth behind of the demon attacks, as well as her father's fate. Hugo was a magician, who was professional and intended to find the Goddesses. However, not many people know that he had a secret agenda, as well as his path to darkness.
The game's story is interesting. Each character's story mode offer different plot elements, character developments and expositions. Yunica's story is my least liked story, despite it being good. Hugo's story is an interesting story, with good character development and decent interaction. The third character's story is the strongest story, where the character deals with his insecurities and demonic power. However, the third character's story mode didn't shed much light on the other playable character's backgrounds much, so playing all three story modes is highly recommended to get the full picture of each playable character's background story.
The characters are also interesting, with decent exposition and development. Hugo Fact had the most character development over other, but the third character has the most interesting characteristics and exposition. Yunica is also a good character, although she doesn't have much exposition to make me like her more than the other two characters.
Gameplay
1) Exploration and Progression Section
The exploration is simple. You will explore each floor in a tower, with different layouts, traps and enemies. Each floor may have hidden areas and treasures, which you can discover using different tools. The story progression is simple, as you ascend the tower and fight the demon guarding on specific floors. You may also have to fight humanoid bosses as well. You also have to find keys to progress, and some keys are kept in treasure chests. You may also teleport to different floors using a tool, where you can teleport to purified save points in the game.
2) Upgrading and Leveling Section
As you progress in the game, you may upgrade your weapon as well as skills. In order to do so, you must find the necessary material to upgrade your weapon, or find specific gems to upgrade your skills. Once your skills are upgraded, you can use charged attacks that can hit enemies harder.
You may also equip armour and boots to increase your character's defence, as well as accessories for different passive effects. You may find them by completing a certain sidequest or opening certain treasure chests. Enemies will also sometimes drop SP, which is a currency that you can use to acquire different passive effects for your character.
The leveling system is simple, as you gain experience points by hitting or killing an enemy. Once you have gained a level, you will gain increased stats. However, as you gain more levels, you will acquire diminished experience points when fighting against the same enemies at the same floor, so it is best not to grind for experience points in lower difficulties if you do not have the time.
3) Combat Section
The combat is similar to other action RPG games. You will control the playable character in real-time, such as running, jumping, and attacking enemies. Each playable character have different moveset, weapon, and skills.
For example, Yunica uses an axe to hit enemies close by, and she has more close-ranged Skills than Hugo. Hugo uses two eye artifacts and his staff to shoot magic bullets, as well as having different magic-based Skills such as a shield. Each character playthrough has their own unique bosses, so players must adjust to each character's playing style to win against them. Each character has their own unique Skills, which can be obtained by finding the relevant artifacts.
Regular enemies are the fodder enemies, where you can encounter them while exploring each floor. However, boss enemies are entirely different, with each boss has different attack patterns, resistances, and appearances. They are actually the highlight of the game, as the boss fights will test your skills to the fullest in each encounter.
4) Gameplay Conclusion
The gameplay is solid. Good combat system, good progression, and good leveling system. The boss fights are the major highlight of this game. However, I think that each character's playthrough has the almost exact progression structure, so players may feel burnt out after playing a second character playthrough if they do not like the game much. However, this game is still very enjoyable, as long as you don't play it in long periods.
Graphics
This game uses 2D character sprites and backgrounds, with nice animations as well. Only the demon bosses used 3D models, probably to further illustrate their threat and danger. The game has no performance issues so far, although I did encounter a crash when I played Time Attack Mode using Hugo. The user interface is also changed from the PC version, as the font for SP on the HUD while playing the game is too small for me to see.
Sound
This game has excellent soundtrack. Great themes, such as the main boss battle theme, stage themes, as well as event themes. The battle themes are the highlight of this game's soundtrack, like other Ys games. The sound effects are also well-done and utilised.
Replay Value
This game has good replay value. You can play the game again in harder difficulty modes, play all three characters' playthrough, play Arena Mode, play Time Attack mode, as well as unlocking all Trophies.
Conclusion
This is a good game. Interesting three story modes with unique playable character, good characters, great battle system, good boss fights, and good replay value. However, this game is not void of issues, such as repetitive progression, lack of objectives variety, and some annoying user interface issues. This is a worth playing game on PS4, and I suggest players who like Ys series or action RPG games should try this game out.
Score
Story: 8/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 10/10
Final Score: 8.5/10 or 34/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting storylines for each playable character.
- Unique playable characters.
- Great boss fights.
- Good pacing.
- Good battle system.
- Great use of 2D sprites in both character models and environments.
- Great soundtrack.
- Good replay value.
Cons
- Two of the playable character's stories are less focused on the third playable character's story mode.
- Repetitive progression structure for all three story modes.
- User interface issues.
**Screenshots are captured from my PS4.
This is a port of Ys Origin from the PC, done by DotEmu. This is also the prequel of all Ys games, where this game takes place before the events of Ys I & II Chronicles. This game also boasts three playable characters, with the third character being unlocked after beating the prior two characters' playthroughs.
Story
Take control of Yunica, Hugo, and the third unlockable character with their own unique storyline.
The game's story is interesting. Each character's story mode offer different plot elements, character developments and expositions. Yunica's story is my least liked story, despite it being good. Hugo's story is an interesting story, with good character development and decent interaction. The third character's story is the strongest story, where the character deals with his insecurities and demonic power. However, the third character's story mode didn't shed much light on the other playable character's backgrounds much, so playing all three story modes is highly recommended to get the full picture of each playable character's background story.
The characters are also interesting, with decent exposition and development. Hugo Fact had the most character development over other, but the third character has the most interesting characteristics and exposition. Yunica is also a good character, although she doesn't have much exposition to make me like her more than the other two characters.
Gameplay
1) Exploration and Progression Section
Climb the tower
2) Upgrading and Leveling Section
Learn new skills by finding the artifacts.
You may also equip armour and boots to increase your character's defence, as well as accessories for different passive effects. You may find them by completing a certain sidequest or opening certain treasure chests. Enemies will also sometimes drop SP, which is a currency that you can use to acquire different passive effects for your character.
The leveling system is simple, as you gain experience points by hitting or killing an enemy. Once you have gained a level, you will gain increased stats. However, as you gain more levels, you will acquire diminished experience points when fighting against the same enemies at the same floor, so it is best not to grind for experience points in lower difficulties if you do not have the time.
3) Combat Section
Fight against the regular monsters and the notorious demons.
For example, Yunica uses an axe to hit enemies close by, and she has more close-ranged Skills than Hugo. Hugo uses two eye artifacts and his staff to shoot magic bullets, as well as having different magic-based Skills such as a shield. Each character playthrough has their own unique bosses, so players must adjust to each character's playing style to win against them. Each character has their own unique Skills, which can be obtained by finding the relevant artifacts.
Regular enemies are the fodder enemies, where you can encounter them while exploring each floor. However, boss enemies are entirely different, with each boss has different attack patterns, resistances, and appearances. They are actually the highlight of the game, as the boss fights will test your skills to the fullest in each encounter.
4) Gameplay Conclusion
Solid gameplay.
Graphics
Nice looking game
Sound
Excellent soundtrack and sound effects.
Replay Value
Good replay value.
Conclusion
Good game despite some issues.
Score
Story: 8/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 10/10
Final Score: 8.5/10 or 34/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interesting storylines for each playable character.
- Unique playable characters.
- Great boss fights.
- Good pacing.
- Good battle system.
- Great use of 2D sprites in both character models and environments.
- Great soundtrack.
- Good replay value.
Cons
- Two of the playable character's stories are less focused on the third playable character's story mode.
- Repetitive progression structure for all three story modes.
- User interface issues.
**Screenshots are captured from my PS4.
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