Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Legacy of Ys: Books I & II delivers a refreshingly fast-paced action-RPG experience, combining classic Ys mechanics with touchscreen enhancements for the Nintendo DS. Players control Adol Christin, weaving between enemies with fluid swordplay and a distinct “bump” combat system that rewards precise positioning. The remake maintains the series’ signature emphasis on skill-based hits rather than button-mashing combos, offering a satisfying challenge as you learn enemy patterns and environmental hazards.

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The inclusion of local wireless multiplayer breathes new life into the traditional single-player formula. Up to four players can join forces, trading items or tackling dungeon challenges together. While the cooperative mode is relatively simple—focused mainly on sharing resources and a few mini-dungeons—it adds replay value for those who enjoy teaming up with friends on the go.

Touch controls on the DS optimize inventory management and map navigation, allowing for quick gear swaps and precise spell selection without interrupting combat flow. Although some veterans might find touch-based menus simplistic, they streamline the experience for newcomers, making it easier to track side quests and hidden items without repeatedly diving into submenus.

Progression in both Books I and II is thoughtfully paced. Book I’s six magical books offer clear, bite-sized objectives, while Book II introduces a more open-ended exploration as you traverse the newly revealed land of Ys. Boss fights escalate in complexity, demanding mastery of both offensive thrusts and defensive dodges. This balance of accessibility and depth ensures long-term engagement for players at all skill levels.

Graphics

Transitioning the first two Ys titles into full 3D on the DS hardware was no small feat, yet Legacy of Ys manages to deliver vibrant environments and character models that capture the spirit of the originals. Dungeons are richly detailed, with stone walls, glimmering treasures, and animated traps that bring each corridor to life. Overworld vistas maintain a charming, almost painterly aesthetic, reminiscent of classic JRPG artbooks.

The character sprites have been fully reimagined in polygonal form, and while they may lack the intricate detail of higher-end consoles, they move with surprising fluidity. Adol’s sword swings and spell effects are crisp, and enemy animations are clear enough to telegraph their next attack, which is crucial for the bump combat to work effectively.

A major highlight is the dynamic lighting system. Torches flicker realistically in underground caverns, and outdoor areas shift from bright daylight to dusky evening hues. This subtle attention to atmosphere complements the musical score, immersing players in Ys’s fantasy world despite the DS’s technical constraints.

Menus and HUD elements are cleanly integrated, reducing on-screen clutter and emphasizing the game world. Touch-sensitive windows for inventory and maps fade out of view during combat, allowing players to focus entirely on the action. Although some textures can appear slightly pixelated on the DS’s small screen, the overall package feels polished and worthy of a modern remake.

Story

The narrative arc in Legacy of Ys: Books I & II remains one of the series’ most celebrated strengths. Book I, Ancient Ys Vanished: Omen, sees Adol searching for six magical books that hold the key to sealing away a malevolent force. Each book recovered uncovers more about Ys’s forgotten history, giving players a steady stream of lore and well-timed plot twists.

In Book II, Ancient Ys Vanished: The Final Chapter, the journey continues as Adol finally reaches the fabled island of Ys. However, the land is far from the utopia he expected. The townsfolk are plagued by monsters, and ancient guardians have gone rogue. The story evolves beyond textbook fetch quests into a more mature exploration of sacrifice, duty, and the consequences of seeking forbidden power.

The new translation for the DS release modernizes the dialogue while preserving the poetic qualities that long-time fans love. Character interactions feel more natural, and humor is sprinkled throughout to lighten the weight of the higher-stakes moments. Key NPCs have been given subtle personality tweaks, making every side quest or guild bulletin feel purposeful rather than padding.

Despite being remakes, both books maintain a brisk storytelling pace, with dungeons and narrative beats interwoven seamlessly. Cutscenes are brief but impactful, using still art and voice snippets to punctuate major revelations. Whether you’re new to Ys or revisiting an old favorite, the cohesive storytelling will keep you invested from the first book recovery to the climactic battle in Ys II.

Overall Experience

As a complete package, Legacy of Ys: Books I & II stands out among DS RPGs for its faithful yet fresh take on a beloved franchise. The combination of refined combat, touchscreen convenience, and cooperative play elevates the original titles without compromising their core identity. It’s a rare remake that enhances the source material in every meaningful way.

Newcomers will appreciate the tutorialized opening sections, which ease players into bump-based combat and dungeon exploration. Veterans, meanwhile, will find plenty of secrets and optional bosses to test their mastery. The multiplayer mode, while not as expansive as a dedicated co-op RPG, offers spur-of-the-moment fun when gathering with friends who each own a copy of the game.

Replayability is boosted by the dual-book structure: once you finish the classic storyline, you can immediately dive into the continuation in Book II without switching cartridges or interfaces. Optional side content such as monster arenas, hidden relics, and extra boss fights add dozens of hours of additional gameplay.

Ultimately, if you own a Nintendo DS and are even remotely interested in action-oriented JRPGs, Legacy of Ys: Books I & II is a must-have. It respects the legacy of the originals while delivering a portable experience that feels both nostalgic and new. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples solo or teaming up locally with friends, this remake offers a timeless adventure that stands the test of time.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10