TRANSLATING THE BOOK OF YS

Let’s take a look at the many formats that the first book of Ys was translated for…

NEC PC-8801 1987

This is the original version of Ys, and the one most other Japanese computer versions are based on. The game makes use of a high-resolution 640x200 screen mode and somewhat jerky character-based scrolling. The soundtrack is a thing of beauty, and it set the bar high until the CD versions arrived.

MSX2 1987

The graphics have been redrawn for this version of the game as the MSX2 offered superior colour handling, alongside a lower resolution, than the Japanese computers it was competing with. The PSG soundtrack is serviceable, but not as rich as the NEC, FM-77AV or Apple IIGS versions.

PC engine 1989

This particular version was the first to include both Ys I and Ys II as part of the same package, and was considered a real killer app at the time. The game has been rebalanced and some nice new character portraits are shown on the screen, but it’s the voice acting and CD sound that steal the show here.

Ps2 2003

Ys Eternal Story takes the PC game Ys Complete as a base, however it adds a combo system to combat, granting progressive bonuses as long as Adol doesn’t take damage. Voice acting is added to the game, and you can choose to play Ys and Ys II together as a single experience.

SHARP X1 1987

This is visually identical to the PC-88 version, save for slightly smaller numbers in the HUD. The main compromise here is the soundtrack, which has been pared back to just a few PSG channels. Falcom was accused of laziness by fans, but it was very clearly limited by the hardware.

FAMICOM 1988

The first home console version of Ys makes some pretty substantial changes to the game’s overall design, revising a number of maps, adding a whole extra quest and increasing the overall speed. There’s also smooth scrolling here, which isn’t featured in any of the computer versions.

SHARP X68000 1991

This version of Ys received a full overhaul, with all-new graphics (including some decidedly odd realistic character portraits) and revised maps. The town of Minea is now much bigger than the original, and a lot busier, but the field is considerably smaller. The soundtrack is well represented here.

DS 2008

In Legacy Of Ys: Books I & II, 2D sprites are used against 3D backgrounds (all of which are still based on Ys Complete), and Adol must attack manually by pressing a button unless you’re using the new stylus controls. There’s also an extra area included in this version, with a new boss and equipment.

NEC PC-98 1987

This is basically identical to the PC-88 version, if you have the expansion sound board. If you don’t, you’ll lose a lot of the amazing soundtrack – beeper renditions of just two tracks are included, and to be honest they probably shouldn’t have been, because they are pretty weak.

MASTER SYSTEM 1988

The first English language version of Ys to be released is pretty good. It features smooth scrolling and a decent pace of play. Some weird renaming of characters has gone on, though – in particular: why is Adol suddenly called Aron? The Japanese version also supports the FM sound module.

SATURN 1997

Appearing as part of the Falcom Classics compilation, this version features redrawn graphics and a new arrangement of the soundtrack. Better yet, Adol can finally dash and move diagonally. This one depends on your tastes – the sprite work is nice but the colours are drab compared to other releases.

PSP 2009

Owners of Sony’s portable system were treated to another updated version of Ys I & II Eternal in the form of Ys I & II Chronicles. This revision enhanced things with some new character artwork and another new arrangement of the soundtrack, but the older versions can still be selected.

FUJITSU FM-7 1987

If nothing else, the Fujitsu FM-7 version of Ys shows off Falcom’s incredible porting prowess – it looks like the other Japanese computer versions and runs just as well. The music is a step above the Sharp X1 version, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the Fm-enabled NEC versions.

PC (DOS) 1989

This version was retranslated by the trans-pacific publishing outfit Kyodai. It offers graphics that have been redrawn at a lower resolution than the Japanese computer releases, and there’s a beeper rendition of the soundtrack. It’s still enjoyable, but poor compared to other versions.

PC (WINDOWS) 1997

Ys Eternal is a full remake, featuring new and expanded areas, greater story depth, and the ability to choose a difficulty mode. Very attractive high-resolution sprites replace the old artwork, and there’s a newly arranged soundtrack alongside the original. This version forms the basis of all subsequent releases.

PC (WINDOWS) 2013

Ys I & II Chronicles+ is the most current version available on PC, which has all of the lovely features of the PSP version and adds a variety of achievements. If you own one of the prior versions based on Ys I & II Eternal, it’s an almost inconsequential upgrade. Still, it’s the easiest way to play Ys today.

FUJITSU FM-77AV 1987

The FM-77AV version of Ys is completely identical to the FM-7 version, with the exception of improved audio that brings the game to parity with the NEC versions. If you can’t find this particular version, the computer will, of course, run the standard Fijutsu FM-7 version of the game just fine, too.

APPLE IIGS 1989

Apple owners get a massive one over on their Pc-owning cousins when it comes to Ys. The Apple IIGS version looks practically identical to the DOS version and it runs just as well, but the sound is absolutely worlds apart, making this version of Ys easily the better choice of these two versions.

PC (WINDOWS) 2001

Ys Complete is a relatively small revision which adds an FMV intro, some revisions to the graphics and wholly rewritten dialogue. All characters now have names and biographies, too. When you complete the game, a Time Attack mode is unlocked.