Legacy of Ys: Books I & II

by Atlus

Product Features

• Remastered 3D graphics, a remixed musical score, and new enemies and equipment to discover
• Two all time classics that helped shape the action RPG genre… Now on a portable system!
• Local wireless multiplayer for up to four people
• Difficulty levels and dual control schemes tailor the experience to the gamer

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001INDEOW
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches ; 5.1 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: February 24, 2009
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,600 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Legacy of Ys: Books I & II delivers the first two epic tomes of the famed saga on one cartridge, presented with a series of never-before-seen enhancements. Playable in 3D for the first time on Nintendo DS, Legacy of Ys offers remastered graphics, a remixed music score, optional touch screen control, and local wireless multiplayer for up to four people. Local wireless multiplayer for up to 4 people.

Compelling Storyline View larger.

Exploring a Village View larger.

The Story
Stories tell of a land of yore, now shrouded by centuries of time forgotten, called Ys. Despite its great knowledge, endless wealth, and bountiful prosperity, a sudden and unexpected cataclysm devastated the realm. Soon, its memory had faded completely from the minds of man. Centuries later, a young adventurer named Adol set sail to explore the world and leave his mark on history. During his travels, he learned of the tragic tale of Esteria, a once prosperous island now inexplicably engulfed by a crippling storm. Adol plotted a course for the besieged isle, curious to unravel the mystery...

Key Game Features:

• Two Legendary RPGs on One Cartridge! - Experience two all time classics that helped shape the action RPG genre… Now on a portable system!
• Upgraded Ys Experience - Behold remastered 3D graphics, a remixed musical score, and new enemies and equipment to discover. Touch control and local wireless multiplayer for up to four people deepen the adventure, while difficulty levels and dual control schemes tailor the experience to the gamer.
• The Definitive Story - Available to North American audiences for the first time, this ultimate translation delivers the most substantial version of the famous Ys story ever made!

Exclusive to the Nintendo DS
Two of gaming's all-time classics are reborn on DS. Available to North American audiences for the first time, this ultimate translation delivers the most substantial version of the famous Ys story ever made. Two games in one, Ys was released separately overseas, but North American gamers get them together. One of the longest-running, most beloved action RPGs of all-time, Ys has features exclusive to DS including 3D graphics, multiplayer, touch support, and more.

Product Description

Two of gaming's all-time classics are reborn on DS. Stories tell of a land of yore, now shrouded by centuries of time forgotten, called Ys. Despite its great knowledge, endless wealth, and bountiful prosperity, a sudden and unexpected cataclysm devastated the realm. Soon, its memory had faded completely from the minds of man. Centuries later, a young adventurer named Adol set sail to explore the world and leave his mark on history. During his travels, he learned of the tragic tale of Esteria, a once prosperous island now inexplicably engulfed by a crippling storm. Adol plotted a course for the besieged isle, curious to unravel the mystery... Available to North American audiences for the first time, this ultimate translation delivers the most substantial version of the famous Ys story ever made. Two games in one, Ys was released separately overseas, but North American gamers get them together. One of the longest-running, most beloved action RPGs of all-time, Ys has features exclusive to DS including 3D graphics, multiplayer, touch support, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A faithful remake of the original, March 4, 2009

By 

Sasuke Mishima "Sasuke" (Shinjuku, Japan) - See all my reviews

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Legacy of Ys: Books I & II (Video Game)

I had pre-order this game and play it non-stop. I had to say unlike the original Turbo CD version (which it's already available for download on Wii's VC), you actually got two faithful remakes of two of Falcom best action RPGs. If fast paced sword ramming gameplay is what you love, then you'll be right at home here as that feature is still intact though you'll require to use the stylus for that but if you prefer the usual hack and slash gameplay (Legend of Zelda or Secret of Mana style) instead you could very well set the option for that as well.

The musical scores in this game are the best that Falcom had produced heck publisher Atlus even included a bonus music CD in every copy of this game so you could listen to some of those wonderful tunes. Unlike the VC version; however, there are no voice-overs so you'll have to read the dialogue to get the story and hints when playing.

The graphics on the other hands are rather bland and ugly at times, there are just so many locations that look similar and it really makes it difficult to navigate once you are force to backtrack from one location to another. Aside from that the FMV intros and endings are superb and present themselves wonderfully.

There is also a multiplayer mode for up to four players to participate in this game. I haven't got into the multiplayer aspect yet so I'm not sure how it'll play like. The single player of each games; however, are still much enjoyable.

If you love JRPG or haven't already yet play these early Ys chapters via VC, this remake of two of Falcom action RPGs might satisfied you. After all, it's a good deal too since we got two JRPGs classic in one unlike in Japan which got these separately in cartridge form so it's all thanks to Atlus for doing that.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple and Awesome., June 8, 2009

By 

S. Mortensen (Tulsa, OK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Legacy of Ys: Books I & II (Video Game)

First off, the two 'books' are fairly short games overall. Don't expect some epic 20+ hour adventures. That's a good thing though, because seriously, who has time for that? This is just some great old-school action-RPG gameplay updated for the DS both graphically as well as musically.

Perhaps the best part is the value. You get two classic action-RPGs, plus a soundtrack CD with a ton of music from the games. If you're into that stuff, that's sorta a big deal too.

The gameplay is very, very simplistic. You have a sword, shield and armour and you mow down the enemies. In Book 2, you get some magic as well, but nothing on the level of a more modern RPG, and even less complicated than early Zelda games which is awesome. This of course means it's probably not for everyone, but it's certainly awesome to see one of the best series' ever being kept alive.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good remake, April 3, 2009

By 

John J. Guida - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Legacy of Ys: Books I & II (Video Game)

This package is a good buy for people who enjoy old school RPG gameplay. If you're into fancy sphere grids and dialogue that's voiced... then this game isn't for you. The graphics are a little on the basic side (ie 16-bit character sprites traveling around PS1 style landscapes). The music has been remixed, however that's kind of a mixed bag. On one hand YES it sounds aesthetically better and yet it lacks that catchy feeling the original music had. The gameplay itself isn't really changed to much from the original aside from a few minor additions in terms of items you can collect (oh! and you get to actually slash with your sword to kill enemies instead of just running into them like you could in the TurboGrafix original).

Long story short, if you missed out on Ys I and II and you don't mind old school gameplay then pick this game up. If you don't care for anything that could be labeled "old school," then steer clear. I happen to love it.