Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ys V: Ushinawareta Suna no Miyako Kefin marks a significant shift from the series’ trademark “bumping” combat system, embracing a more hands-on action RPG approach. Instead of simply running into enemies to deal damage, you now press a dedicated attack button to slash with Adol’s sword. This change gives players greater control over timing and positioning, resulting in a more engaging and responsive feel when facing off against hordes of desert beasts.

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Beyond swordplay, Ys V introduces a deeper magic system built around elemental orbs you discover and combine in your inventory. Experimenting with different orb combinations unlocks new spells, ranging from fireballs that scorch sandworms to protective barriers that can turn the tide of battle. Magic and melee attacks each grant separate experience points, encouraging you to balance your playstyle rather than lean exclusively on one form of offense.

Defensive options have also been refined: by pressing the defend button at the precise moment an enemy’s strike lands, you can block or parry incoming damage. Although the added ability to jump isn’t heavily leveraged for platforming puzzles, it proves invaluable for evading area-of-effect attacks and gaining a momentary advantage in tight skirmishes. Additionally, the expert mode released months after launch ramps up enemy difficulty, unlocks a time attack challenge, and opens a fresh dungeon—offering veterans a true test of skill.

Graphics

Given its Super Famicom origins, Ys V delivers surprisingly vibrant, detailed pixel art that brings the arid Kefin Desert to life. Rolling dunes fade into distant sandstorms, and the occasional oasis glimmers with contrasting greens and blues. Even under a harsh midday sun, the color palette feels warm and coherent, capturing the desolate beauty of a long-forgotten land.

Character sprites for Adol and his foes strike an impressive balance between clarity and animation fluidity. Adol’s red hair and flowing tunic stand out boldly against neutral backgrounds, allowing you to track his movements easily amidst crowded battlefields. Monster designs—from scarab beetles to sand drakes—showcase a variety of shapes and attack patterns, ensuring each encounter feels visually distinct.

Dungeon interiors and ruin layouts maintain a consistent visual language of cracked stone, half-buried artifacts, and drifting dust particles. Small touches, such as subtle lighting changes in underground chambers or the flicker of torch flames, elevate the immersion. While the SNES hardware limits the overall resolution, Ys V’s artistic direction compensates with well-crafted environments that invite exploration and discovery.

Story

Centuries ago, the city of Kefin thrived beneath relentless desert winds—until it vanished without a trace. Rumors of a legendary treasure hidden within its sand-choked ruins draw adventurers from far and wide. The game opens on the Continent of Afroka, where the winds carry whispers of lost knowledge and ancient magic waiting to be unearthed.

Enter Adol Christin, the ever-intrepid red-haired swordsman whose curiosity rivals his courage. As he crosses the endless dunes, he pieces together fragments of Kefin’s downfall from inscriptions, NPC recollections, and crumbling murals. Each revelation deepens the mystery, threading together tales of betrayal, arcane experimentation, and a pact with forces beyond mortal control.

The narrative strikes a measured pace: early desert expeditions feel open-ended, while mid-game temples and hidden caverns gradually reveal Kefin’s layered history. Side characters—nomadic guides, scholarly historians, and displaced survivors—add emotional weight, urging Adol forward. Though the story follows familiar heroic-quest tropes, the sense of archaeological intrigue and desert mystique gives it a distinctive flavor.

Overall Experience

Ys V: Ushinawareta Suna no Miyako Kefin stands out within the series by blending refined action combat, innovative magic crafting, and an atmosphere rich in desert lore. The departure from bump combat may initially surprise longtime fans, but the hands-on approach rewards practiced timing and strategic orb combinations. Exploration and battle flow seamlessly, making each encounter feel purposeful rather than repetitive.

While the main quest offers a satisfying length of around 15–20 hours, expert mode and the time attack challenge add significant replay value for those seeking tougher foes. The inventory-driven spell creation system encourages experimentation long after Kefin’s principal secrets are revealed, inviting you to revisit dungeons with newfound abilities and tactics.

Ultimately, Ys V captures the spirit of archaeological adventure set against a haunting desert backdrop. Its gorgeous pixel art, memorable soundtrack, and balanced mix of melee and magic make it an engaging journey for both series veterans and newcomers. If you’re drawn to action RPGs with a sense of mystery and a hero who never stops charging into danger, the lost sands of Kefin await your exploration.

Retro Replay Score

null/10