The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is one of the most iconic and beloved consoles of all time. Released in the late 1980s, it brought a new era of gaming to the masses, with its 8-bit graphics and vast library of games that have stood the test of time. One game that stands out among the many great titles available for the NES is Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter (, Seiken Densetsu 2: Ys no Kiseki to Hakai Sekai no Tsumigi), a action-adventure game developed by Falcom and published by Nihon Falcom.

Released in 1989 for the NES, Ys II is the second installment in the beloved Ys series, which follows the adventures of Adol Christin, a young mercenary on a quest to uncover the secrets of his past. The game takes place several years after the events of the first Ys game and introduces new characters and gameplay mechanics that would become staples of the series.

In this review, we'll take a closer look at Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter, including its age rating, gameplay, story, graphics, music, and overall value.

Age Rating

Ys II was released in Japan on July 21, 1989, and received an E (Everyone) rating from the Japanese government. This means that the game is suitable for players of all ages. However, it's worth noting that some scenes in the game may contain mild violence, suggestive themes, or brief strong language, which may not be suitable for very young players.

In other countries, including North America and Europe, Ys II was initially released without an age rating, but later received a rating of T (Teen) from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This means that the game is rated for players aged 13 and above due to its mild violence, suggestive themes, and brief strong language.

Gameplay

Ys II builds upon the gameplay mechanics introduced in the first Ys game, with some significant improvements and additions. The game takes place in a fantasy world filled with mythical creatures, ancient ruins, and hidden treasures.

Players control Adol Christin, who must navigate through vast landscapes, fight enemies, and solve puzzles to uncover the secrets of his past. The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, with an emphasis on exploration and combat.

One of the standout features of Ys II is its use of a "flow" system, which allows players to control Adol's movement and actions in real-time. This creates a sense of fluidity and immersion that was rare for games at the time.

The game also introduces new abilities for Adol, including the use of magical powers and swords. These abilities are used to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and progress through the game world.

Story

Ys II takes place several years after the events of the first Ys game, where Adol Christin is on a quest to uncover the secrets of his past. The game follows Adol's journey as he travels through the land of Iria, seeking answers about his destiny and the mysterious force that is hunting him.

The story is full of twists and turns, with unexpected revelations about Adol's past and the world around him. The game also introduces new characters, including a young woman named Parn who joins Adol on his quest.

Overall, the story in Ys II is engaging and well-written, with a rich narrative that explores themes of identity, purpose, and the power of friendship.

Graphics

The graphics in Ys II are classic NES-era 8-bit graphics, but they hold up surprisingly well even today. The game features colorful and detailed environments, including lush forests, sweeping deserts, and ancient ruins.

Adol himself is also well-designed, with a distinctive look that sets him apart from other protagonists of the time. His animations are smooth and fluid, making his movements and actions feel natural and believable.

The game's animation and cutscenes are also notable for their quality, with detailed sprites and backgrounds that help to bring the world to life.

Music

The music in Ys II is memorable and catchy, with a soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's atmosphere and mood. The composer, Noritaka Funamizu, used a range of instruments, including orchestral and choral pieces, to create a rich and varied sound.

One of the standout tracks from the game is the "Battle Theme", which has become synonymous with the Ys series. The music in Ys II is also notable for its use of leitmotifs, which help to reinforce the game's themes and emotions.

Overall Value

Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter is a classic action-adventure game that holds up remarkably well even today. With its engaging story, fast-paced gameplay, and memorable soundtrack, it's a must-play for fans of the genre.

The game's age rating, E (Everyone) in Japan and T (Teen) in North America and Europe, makes it suitable for players aged 13 and above due to mild violence, suggestive themes, and brief strong language. However, parents should still exercise discretion when deciding whether or not to allow younger players to play the game.

Overall, Ys II is a timeless classic that deserves to be played by gamers of all ages. Its engaging gameplay, memorable story, and catchy soundtrack make it an absolute must-play for fans of action-adventure games.

In conclusion, Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter is a legendary NES game that continues to captivate players with its fast-paced gameplay, rich storyline, and memorable music. If you haven't played this classic title before, do yourself a favor and experience it for yourself.