Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys continues the signature “bump” combat system established in the first two entries of the series, but refines it with eight-directional movement. Instead of simply charging head-on at enemies, you can now approach foes from the side or diagonally to maximize damage. This small but meaningful change gives combat a more strategic edge, especially when you face larger groups or faster enemies. It’s intuitive to pick up, yet provides enough depth to keep encounters engaging throughout the adventure.

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As you explore the island of Celceta, you’ll find yourself constantly leveling up by defeating monsters. Adol’s experience bar steadily climbs, boosting his attack and defense stats in classic RPG fashion. Equipment plays a key role as well—swords, shields, armor, and rings each offer unique bonuses and special effects. Hunting down tougher monsters or discovering hidden chests can net you rare gear that transforms how you approach both combat and exploration.

Magic returns from Ys II, adding an extra layer of tactical choice. Spells range from offensive fireballs to healing and support magics, and managing your MP becomes crucial during longer dungeon crawls. You’ll often find yourself switching between sword and sorcery mid-battle, especially when facing bosses with elemental weaknesses. Overall, the gameplay strikes a solid balance between accessibility and depth, making it welcoming to newcomers while still satisfying series veterans.

Graphics

On first glance, The Dawn of Ys impresses with vibrant, hand-drawn 2D backgrounds and character sprites that pop with color. The landscapes—from lush forests to wind-swept cliffs—are richly detailed, with subtle parallax scrolling effects that give each area a sense of depth. Even on the relatively modest PC Engine CD hardware, Hudson Soft managed to create environments that feel alive and varied.

Character and enemy designs are equally charming. Adol himself is expressive despite his pixel size, and the bestiary you encounter—giant slimes, armored beetles, and mystical beasts—each have a distinct look that matches their attack patterns. Boss battles often take place in grand arenas filled with dynamic animations, making each showdown feel cinematic. Occasional palette swaps do crop up, but they’re rare enough not to detract from the overall aesthetic.

The game’s CD-quality soundtrack deserves special mention. Sweeping orchestral themes and upbeat melodies underscore every town, dungeon, and boss fight, elevating the mood far beyond what you’d expect from a cartridge-based title of the era. Sound effects are crisp—sword clashes, monster roars, and spell bursts all feel punchy and satisfying. Taken together, the audio-visual presentation remains one of the game’s enduring appeals.

Story

The narrative picks up shortly after the events of Ys II, with Adol Christin enjoying a brief respite in Minea. Peace is fleeting, however, as ominous reports surface about dark forces stirring on the distant island of Celceta. Ever the adventurer, Adol sets sail once more, determined to unravel the mystery and protect the innocent. This setup captures the series’ trademark blend of optimism and high-stakes drama.

While the broad strokes of the plot are shared with Tonkin House’s Mask of the Sun, The Dawn of Ys carves its own path through unique locations and events. You’ll dive into ancient ruins, traverse hidden valleys, and uncover long-lost secrets that tie back to Ys’s legendary past. Side characters—ranging from quirky townsfolk to enigmatic sorcerers—add color to the journey, each providing clues, quests, or heartfelt moments that deepen your connection to Celceta.

The pacing is generally well-managed, alternating between exploration, combat, and story beats without lingering too long on any single element. Some players may find a handful of fetch-quest sequences a bit repetitive, but these are balanced by memorable cutscenes and emotional reveals. By the time the final confrontation arrives, you’ll feel invested in both Adol’s fate and the fate of the island itself.

Overall Experience

Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys stands as a strong entry in the Ys franchise—especially for fans who prefer the bump combat system over the action-heavy style of Ys III. It takes familiar mechanics from the early games and polishes them, delivering a satisfying mix of action, exploration, and character progression. Even if you’ve never played an Ys title before, the game’s gentle learning curve and robust tutorials help you get up to speed quickly.

The combination of vibrant 2D artistry and an unforgettable soundtrack makes for an immersive world you’ll enjoy revisiting. Side quests and optional dungeons extend playtime beyond the main story, and the variety of equipment and magic spells encourages experimentation. Occasional pacing hiccups in the mid-game are minor when weighed against the thrills of epic boss fights and the excitement of uncovering hidden lore.

For collectors and retro RPG enthusiasts, The Dawn of Ys remains a must-play classic. Its unique take on Ys IV offers a different flavor than Mask of the Sun, making it worthwhile for completionists who want the full story. Ultimately, the game delivers a compelling adventure that feels both timeless and distinctly rooted in ’90s action-RPG design—an excellent choice for anyone seeking a dose of nostalgia or simply a well-crafted fantasy quest.

Retro Replay Score

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