The Nintendo NES has a rich history of releasing iconic games that have stood the test of time. One such game that is often overlooked but definitely worth mentioning is Ys II - Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter, released in Japan as "Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter." This action-packed RPG was developed by Falcom and released in 1989 for the NES.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Ys II and explore its storyline, gameplay mechanics, and what makes it a must-play for any retro gaming enthusiast.

Storyline

Ys II takes place several years after the events of the first game. The protagonist, Adol Christin, has become a legendary hero known as "The Scourge of Esteria" due to his ability to defeat the dark sorcerer, Janus. However, this fame has also made him a target for those seeking to exploit his skills.

Upon arriving in the land of Ys, Adol is met with hostility from the people who blame him for the destruction caused by Janus's evil plans. The once peaceful land is now plagued by darkness and terror, and it is up to Adol to put an end to this chaos.

Gameplay Mechanics

Ys II is known for its fast-paced action gameplay, which makes it a thrilling experience for players. The game features a variety of sword-based attacks, as well as the ability to use magic spells to defeat enemies. Players can also explore dungeons and interact with NPCs (non-playable characters) to learn more about the story.

One of the standout features of Ys II is its combat system. Adol can perform a range of sword-based attacks, including slashes, thrusts, and even some magical ones that combine his strength with his magical abilities. The game also features an "instinct" meter that fills up as Adol takes damage, allowing him to enter a powerful rage mode where he becomes invulnerable for a short time.

The game's difficulty level is quite high, making it challenging for players to progress through the levels without dying numerous times. However, this only adds to the sense of accomplishment when you finally overcome an obstacle or defeat a tough enemy.

Age Rating

Ys II was initially released in Japan with a rating of "R15," which indicates that it contains content unsuitable for children under the age of 15. This includes themes of violence, dark fantasy, and mature themes.

In the United States, the game was rated "M" by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), indicating that it contains some material that may be unsuitable for younger players due to its violent content.

In Europe, Ys II received a rating of "18+" from the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) rating system, which indicates that it is suitable for players aged 18 and above due to its mature themes and violence.

Conclusion

Ys II - Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter is an action-packed RPG that has stood the test of time. With its fast-paced gameplay, engaging storyline, and challenging difficulty level, it is a must-play for any retro gaming enthusiast.

While the game's age rating may be a concern for some players, especially younger gamers, it is ultimately up to individual parents or guardians to decide whether or not the game is suitable for their child. For those who are willing to give Ys II a try, we assure you that it will be an experience unlike any other.

In recent years, the game has been re-released on various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and PC. If you're interested in exploring the world of Ys II, we highly recommend checking out these releases for yourself.

Recommendation

Ys II - Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter is a must-play for any retro gaming enthusiast or fan of action RPGs. While it may be challenging to play due to its high difficulty level, the sense of accomplishment when you finally overcome an obstacle makes it all worthwhile.

If you're looking for a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat and challenge you in every way, then Ys II is the perfect choice. So why wait? Grab a controller, get ready to embark on an epic adventure, and experience the thrill of Ys II - Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Storyline
3. Gameplay Mechanics
4. Age Rating
5. Conclusion
6. Recommendation

References:

• Falcom. (1989). Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter [Japan]. Nintendo NES.
• David Mullen. (n.d.). Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished - The Final Chapter [English]. En by David Mullen v1.0.

Note: The information provided in this article is based on the original release of the game and may not reflect any changes or updates made to subsequent releases.