Post by Bytor on Jun 12, 2011 22:21:59 GMT -5
-Visuals- 8.2/10
The colors are certainly vibrant and crisp but the visualizations are certainly not just old school but to coin a phrase, it is what it is. Don't expect next-gen graphics or even last stage to be honest. I mean, after all the graphics for the PSP port are in essence the exact same graphics as were released for the original port of the game in 2001, and while thus admitted some graphics did push the boundaries Ys certainly wasn't one of them. Having said that, it's not as if they look horrible, they simply do appear dated and somewhat not up to the standard we expect in current video games. But, all things said I kinda enjoyed the "nostalgia" look of the game.
-Sound- 9.5/10
The game is what all, and I mean all games should aspire to sound like. It's a mix between techno, Jap pop, and straight out rock and it absolutely shines. Even on the PSP this soundtrack will absolutely blow you away. Very few PSP games will make you wish for surround sound pumping out of a 100 watt system...this one will, whether you play the 2001 mix or the current remixed music it simply rocks!!
-Gameplay- 8.3/10
It really doesn't get much simpler than this. You have an inventory of items which are not actually useable in battle but may be equipped and then used during battle with the triangle button. Various armor and weapons are equipped before battle as are accessories, although these are interchangeable during battles using the shoulder button, but, none of these various items are interchangeable during boss battles, in other words, what you enter the battle with is what you end the battle with. Battles themselves are simply an issue of interaction with enemies, in other words, run into the enemy and you are attacking/defending. So, if your weapons and armor are stronger than the enemies then you will do damage, otherwise you will receive damage. there is a "cheat" though. If you attack straight ahead you should expect to incur damage, attack from behind and you should expect to inflict damage, BUT, attacking from behind is often very hard to do, however, attack from an angle and you are almost invincible and it is very easy to inflict damage, the problem is accomplishing this attack. It's not really tough as Adol is really fast but it will take some practice to get the timing exactly right, especially as different enemies will have different speeds and movements. Overall it is a simplistic battle system, although boss battles do require more strategic movement and attack modes, and yet it's still a fun and challenging system without being, for the most part a silly hard system. Now, except for one puzzle in the Darm Tower which seriously I simply don't know how anyone ever figured out, for the most part the puzzles are pretty straightforward and linear and while not overly challenging are still fun. Obviously the gameplay is somewhat dated but having said that I think it stands up to the test of time and is loads of fun and rewarding in it's challenges without seeming too dated or too obscure, so while it might not be as complex as many next-gen games it's still really fun.
-Story- 8.3/10
The story is focused on a young warrior named Adol Christin who awakens in the city of Minea in the land of Esteria. where he meets a woman named Sara who has read the future and found that he is destined to possibly be the savior of the land. But first he must discover the lost books of Ys and gain the power to defeat the enemy taking over the land. The great thing about the story is the constant NOC conversation's provide such a great backdrop as well a constant updating of the story. Certainly there is really nothing really original nor new but the story, while not epic, is well told and unfolds gradually and is well told. Now, a word of caution, you pretty much MUST talk to the NPC'S in order to really get the whole story.
-Overall- 8.5/10
It's simply a fun romp through nostalgia land, lol. While not an overwhelming socio/political/mythological thriller it does have a decent story with some interesting characters and solid reliable and consistent gameplay mechanics. As long as you don't come into the game expecting next-gen graphics and complex mechanics I believe you should find the game to be enjoyable. Not great by any means but certainly a few hours (10 at the absolute most, and even that might be a stretch) of some nice designed RPG fun.
