Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Falcom Classics II brings together two beloved titles—Asteka II and Ys II—in a single Saturn compilation, and the gameplay overhaul is evident from the moment you begin. Asteka II’s labyrinthine puzzles and trap-laden temples have been streamlined with updated controls, making navigation feel more fluid. Meanwhile, Ys II retains its fast-paced, hack-and-slash combat but adds new combo attacks and adjustable difficulty settings to help both veterans and newcomers find a comfortable challenge.

The compilation doesn’t simply repackage the old code; it introduces modern conveniences such as save-anywhere functionality and an improved map system. In Asteka II, you can now mark points of interest directly on the automap, a godsend when you’re trying to recall which corridors lead to hidden switches. Ys II enjoys a similar treatment with clearer enemy spawn indicators and more responsive hit detection, reducing the frustration that often accompanies 16-bit-era mechanics.

Replayability is a strong point here. Both games include multiple difficulty levels that unlock extra content or secret bosses, encouraging a second or third run-through. The developers have also incorporated a time trial mode for Asteka II, allowing speedrunners to pit themselves against tighter time limits, and a “New Game+” option for Ys II that carries over character stats and equipment to let you face the final chapters with an overleveled hero.

However, some purists might feel that the new gameplay tweaks stray too close to modern sensibilities. Auto-saving and enemy spawn markers, for instance, remove a bit of the original tension and exploration reward. Yet for most players, these additions strike a welcome balance between honoring the classics and keeping the experience approachable.

Graphics

One of the biggest draws of Falcom Classics II is its graphical overhaul. Both Asteka II and Ys II have been lovingly remade with high-resolution sprites and richer environmental textures that push the Saturn hardware to its limits. In Asteka II, sun-dappled stone corridors and shadowed trap rooms look more atmospheric than ever, while Ys II’s lush forests and ruined temples feel vibrant and immersive.

The character sprites have also undergone a significant facelift. Adol Christin’s iconic red hair and white tunic are rendered with more detail in Ys II, making his animation frames smoother and more dynamic. Enemies, too, benefit from higher polygon counts and more expressive sprite work; boss battles now showcase elaborate attack animations and more noticeable impact effects when you land a hit.

Remastered cutscenes elevate the narrative moments with beautifully painted backgrounds and fluid transitions. These sequences blend seamlessly with in-game graphics, ensuring that the visual style remains consistent throughout. Color palettes have been expanded, offering deeper contrasts and richer hues that bring each environment to life without straying too far from the original artistic intent.

Despite these improvements, there are occasional graphical quirks—some particle effects can flicker in busy scenes, and a handful of retextured rooms in Asteka II feel slightly out of place compared to the rest of the game. Still, these minor blemishes are easy to overlook when weighed against the substantial visual upgrades across the entire compilation.

Story

Although Falcom Classics II is primarily celebrated for its gameplay and presentation, the underlying narratives of both games hold their own charm. Asteka II weaves a tale of ancient Aztec-inspired ruins and a lone explorer hunted by forgotten curses. The remade version expands a few text passages with richer descriptions, adding depth to the setting without altering the core storyline.

Ys II continues the saga of Adol Christin as he adventures through the mystical lands surrounding the floating continent of Ys. New dialogue options have been added to flesh out character relationships, particularly between Adol and the enigmatic priestess, Lilia. These additions help clarify plot points that were previously conveyed only through terse 16-bit-era exposition.

Localization remains a mixed bag—though the text has been updated, the game is still exclusively in Japanese, making it a tougher sell for non-Japanese readers. Subtitles or full English translations would have broadened the appeal significantly, but the current script is well-crafted and faithfully preserves Falcom’s original tone and pacing.

Despite the language barrier, the synergy between the two stories adds a layer of cohesiveness to the package. Themes of exploration, discovery, and battling ancient evils resonate through both games, creating a unified narrative thread that underpins the entire compilation. For series fans, this curated storytelling experience highlights Falcom’s narrative strengths in the early ’90s RPG landscape.

Overall Experience

Falcom Classics II is a must-have for Saturn collectors and fans of retro Japanese RPGs. The compilation captures the nostalgia of early Falcom titles while applying modern enhancements that make the games accessible to contemporary audiences. Whether you’re drawn to the puzzle-driven dungeons of Asteka II or the action-packed world of Ys II, this package delivers quality improvements in every department.

The balance between preserving the original feel and implementing quality-of-life features is handled deftly. Save features, enhanced maps, replay modes, and refined combat systems bring both games in line with modern expectations without compromising their essential charm. New players will appreciate the smoother difficulty curve, while longtime admirers will enjoy revisiting familiar locales under a fresh coat of graphical paint.

There are minor drawbacks—most notably the lack of official localization and occasional graphical hiccups—but these are easily outweighed by the compilation’s strengths. The soundtrack, remixed and reorchestrated, is a standout highlight, breathing new life into Falcom’s classic melodies and further elevating the overall presentation.

Ultimately, Falcom Classics II stands as a shining example of how to revive retro titles for a new generation. It respects the source material, offers tangible improvements, and packages everything with a level of polish that few retro compilations achieve. For anyone interested in the roots of action RPG design or simply craving a slice of Saturn-era nostalgia, this collection is well worth investigating.

Retro Replay Score

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