Ys Origin

The reviews for Ys Origin highlight its strengths as a prequel that enriches the Ys series' lore while offering accessible storytelling. Many critics praise its role in expanding the franchise’s mythology, with PlayStation LifeStyle noting it clarifies mysteries like the demon influx and Darm Tower’s history, and Eurogamer Italy emphasizing its function as a framework for gameplay. The narrative’s focus on Yunica and Hugo’s contrasting perspectives—highlighted by Hey Poor Player and Nintenderos—adds variety, while XboxAddict and COGconnected commend its approachable nature for newcomers. Additionally, the game’s multiple protagonists and interconnected stories (as noted by RPGamer and Nintendo Enthusiast) provide a layered experience, with some critics like We Got This Covered appreciating its twists and hammy villains that add levity. The story’s ability to serve as both a backdrop for action and a gateway to the series’ broader universe is frequently acknowledged as a positive aspect. However, several reviewers criticize Ys Origin for its lack of narrative depth and over-reliance on exposition. Gaming Nexus and Windows Central describe the plot as simplistic, long-winded, and underdeveloped, with characters lacking emotional resonance despite having personality. Nintendo Life and Eurogamer Italy stress that the story takes a backseat to gameplay, functioning more as window dressing than a compelling narrative. Critics like Cubed3 and DualShockers point out the minimal character development, while Switch Player and Generación Xbox note repetitive level design and monotonous settings that detract from engagement. The game’s focus on world-building over traditional storytelling—cited by Worth Playing and Video Chums—leaves some feeling it fails to match the depth of other Ys entries, with PlayStation LifeStyle and Nintendo Insider acknowledging its reliance on prior knowledge for full appreciation. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Ys Origin is a serviceable but uneven entry in the series, prioritizing lore expansion over narrative innovation. While its prequel status and accessible storytelling appeal to fans and newcomers alike (as noted by XboxAddict and RPG Fan), the lack of depth and repetitive elements often overshadow its strengths. The game’s multiple protagonists and interconnected plots offer unique perspectives, yet many reviewers, including Nintendo Life and PlayStation Country, feel it falls short of delivering a truly engaging story. Despite mixed reactions, the general sentiment leans toward appreciation for its role in the Ys universe, even if it doesn’t fully satisfy those seeking a more profound narrative experience.

The gameplay of Ys Origin receives widespread praise for its fast-paced combat systems, character diversity, and engaging boss battles. Critics highlight the distinct playstyles of characters like Yunica (melee) and Hugo (magic-based), with RPG Fan noting "creative boss fights" and Destructoid (PC) praising "challenging difficulty curves." The game’s real-time action, including combo-based attacks and ability progression, is lauded for its responsiveness and variety. For instance, Windows Central commends the "diverse character abilities, weapon/armor progression, and difficulty adjustment," while We Got This Covered compares the combat to Bastion, emphasizing its "satisfying" and "easy-to-pick-up" nature. Additionally, the inclusion of multiple characters (including a secret protagonist) and replayability through different routes is highlighted as a strength by RPGamer and Gaming Nexus. The game’s focus on skill-based combat and tactical depth, as noted by Cubed3, further reinforces its appeal to action-RPG fans. However, several critics point to repetitive mechanics and structural shortcomings. The linear dungeon-crawling structure is frequently criticized for monotony, with PlayStation LifeStyle describing "repetitive dungeon crawls" and COGconnected noting "similar room designs" that diminish engagement. Issues like lack of exploration, minimal side quests, and tedious traversal are recurring complaints, as seen in Eurogamer Italy’s critique of "linear dungeon-crawling" and RPG Fan’s observation that "repetitive traversal of the same environment" becomes "tedious." Other frustrations include inconsistent controls (Digital Chumps) and difficulty spikes (TheXboxHub), while Video Chums criticizes the inconvenience of manually switching accessories. These elements, though not universal, detract from the experience for some players, particularly those seeking deeper world-building or varied gameplay loops. Overall, critics agree that Ys Origin excels as a fast-paced action-RPG with strong combat mechanics and replayability, but its repetitive structure and limited exploration hold it back. While Windows Central and Destructoid (PC) celebrate the game’s "fresh" and "engaging" systems, others like PlayStation LifeStyle and COGconnected argue that its formulaic design risks monotony. Despite these flaws, the consensus leans toward appreciation for its core gameplay: RPG Fan (PC) calls it "rewarding," while Nintendo Life praises its "satisfying" combat and dungeon exploration. The game’s balance of challenge, character variety, and tactical depth ensures it resonates with fans of the genre, even if its shortcomings are acknowledged by multiple reviewers.

The graphics and visual design of Ys Origin are generally praised for their nostalgic charm, stylistic consistency, and functional clarity despite their age. Critics like Windows Central highlight the "gorgeous" anime-inspired aesthetic, noting vibrant colors and detailed designs that hold up well on modern hardware. COGconnected applauds the game’s "beautifully animated cutscenes" and 2D art style, which evokes nostalgia without feeling low-fidelity. Others, such as Digital Chumps, appreciate the blend of 3D environments with 2D character sprites, creating a retro RPG vibe that feels cohesive and engaging. The game’s isometric 2.5D levels and themed sections (e.g., water, fire, sand) are praised for their environmental variety and distinct visual identity, as noted by GameSpew and MMORPG.com, which commend the crisp pixel art and hand-drawn animations that adapt well to the Nintendo Switch’s screen. These positives underscore a strong appreciation for the game’s artistic direction and its ability to maintain charm despite technical limitations. However, the graphics are frequently criticized as outdated and lacking modern polish. PlayStation LifeStyle and Hobby Consolas compare the visuals to early 2000s PC games, with basic character sprites, plain environments, and textures that "do not age well." Destructoid points out issues like enemy attacks failing to disappear and removed blood effects, while RPGamer and Wccftech note pixelated full-motion cutscenes and low-res visuals that feel unrefined. The repetitive use of the Tower of Diablo setting is another recurring complaint, with Generación Xbox and Gamer Escape pointing out map repetition detracts from the experience. Additionally, Eurogamer Germany and XBLA Fans describe the "Japan-Knuddel-Look" and pseudo-3D style as dated, emphasizing a lack of modern graphical effects or polish. These critiques highlight the game’s struggle to meet contemporary standards while retaining its retro appeal. Overall, critics acknowledge a mixed but largely forgiving reception for Ys Origin’s visuals. While many recognize the game’s dated graphics as a limitation, they often balance this with praise for its stylistic consistency and nostalgic value. Nintendo Life notes the "lovely but a little dated" presentation, while SpazioGames acknowledges that the PS4 port maintains 60fps despite texture issues. The consensus leans toward viewing the visuals as a product of their time, with some critics like RPG Fan (PC) and Hardcore Gamer appreciating the "classic Ys anime style" even as they concede its age. Platforms like the Nintendo Switch are seen as particularly well-suited to the game’s aesthetic, offering smooth performance and portability that mitigate some graphical shortcomings. Ultimately, while Ys Origin may not impress with modern graphics, its visual design is broadly regarded as functional, charming, and true to its roots.

The sound design and music of Ys Origin received widespread praise for their energetic, thematic, and immersive qualities. Critics consistently highlighted the soundtrack’s ability to enhance the game’s atmosphere, with many noting its dynamic compositions and nostalgic appeal. For instance, God is a Geek lauded the boss theme “Scars of the Divine Wing” for evoking 90s game aesthetics and blending Dream Theater-esque intensity, while Noisy Pixel celebrated specific tracks like Guilty Fire and Silent Sands as exceptional and even part of their daily playlists. RPGamer and GameSpew praised the music’s catchiness and thematic variety, with the latter noting its consistency with Falcom’s high standards. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy and Nintendo Life emphasized how the soundtrack effectively complements the game’s fast-paced dungeon-crawling, creating an engaging and adventurous tone. The use of 80s-style instruments, rock motifs, and orchestral elements also stood out, with SpazioGames and Vandal appreciating the blend of energetic rhythms and dramatic strings that match the action. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws in the sound design, particularly technical issues and repetition. Destructoid and PlayStation LifeStyle criticized missing boss attack effects and environmental noise bleeding into other areas, which disrupted immersion. Push Square and Gamer Escape found the music repetitive or forgettable, with the latter noting grating sound effects that detracted from the experience. Gaming Nexus and COGconnected mentioned later tracks feeling mediocre or overly familiar, while RPGamer (on PC) noted the soundtrack felt dated compared to newer Ys titles. Additionally, some reviewers, like XboxAddict, pointed out the absence of voice acting as a missed opportunity, relying instead on text bubbles. These issues, though not universal, highlighted inconsistencies in audio implementation across platforms and moments. Overall, the critics’ consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for Ys Origin’s music, with most acknowledging its strengths despite technical shortcomings. The soundtrack’s energetic rock themes, nostalgic flair, and thematic variety were frequently praised as standout elements that elevate the game’s atmosphere, particularly on Switch and PC. While some reviewers, like Destructoid and PlayStation LifeStyle, emphasized the need for fixes to audio glitches, others, such as Noisy Pixel and RPG Fan, found the music’s emotional depth and replayability compelling. The mixed reception around repetition and technical flaws suggests that while the soundtrack is a core strength, its execution occasionally falters. Nevertheless, the majority of critics agree that the music remains a defining feature of Ys Origin, contributing significantly to its charm and immersive appeal.

The initial reception of Ys Origin’s voice acting highlights several positive aspects, particularly its absence being perceived as non-essential rather than detrimental. Critics like RPGamer (PS4) and RPGamer (PC) note that the lack of voice acting does not detract from the experience, emphasizing that the game’s strong narrative delivery through text, visuals, and a robust soundtrack compensates effectively. Eurogamer Germany also acknowledges the reliance on translated text as a neutral choice, while DualShockers praises the localization for balancing accuracy with natural dialogue, suggesting that even without voice acting, the script remains engaging. XboxAddict appreciates the game’s audio design beyond voice work, indicating that the absence of vocal performances is not a critical flaw. These perspectives frame the lack of voice acting as an acceptable trade-off, especially given the game’s other strengths. However, several critics express reservations about the complete absence of voice acting. Push Square explicitly states there is no verbal dialogue, highlighting a notable omission, while Eurogamer Germany and RPGamer (PC) reiterate this point, noting that text bubbles replace spoken interactions. DualShockers’ mention of “inconsistent voice acting in smaller titles” hints at potential concerns about the game’s audio quality, though it remains unclear if this applies directly to Ys Origin. XboxAddict also voices a desire for voice acting, suggesting that while the game’s audio design is commendable, the lack of vocal performances leaves room for improvement. These critiques underscore a general acknowledgment that voice acting could enhance immersion, even if its absence does not entirely undermine the experience. The overall consensus among critics is that Ys Origin’s lack of voice acting is neither a major flaw nor a significant asset, with most agreeing it does not detract from the game’s core appeal. While RPGamer and Eurogamer Germany emphasize that the narrative and audio elements function well without vocal performances, DualShockers and XboxAddict hint at missed opportunities for deeper immersion. The review landscape reflects a balanced view: the absence of voice acting is largely inconsequential due to strong storytelling and localization, but some critics, like DualShockers, suggest that full voice work could have elevated the experience further. This nuanced perspective highlights the game’s ability to succeed without traditional vocal elements while leaving room for future enhancements.

The technical performance of Ys Origin varies across platforms, with notable strengths in optimization and stability. On the Nintendo Switch, multiple reviewers praised its smooth 60fps performance, rapid load times, and lack of major bugs. For instance, GameSkinny highlighted a "flawless" port optimized for portable play, while Nintendo Life called it "flawless" in technical execution. The PC version also received positive feedback, with Destructoid noting smooth performance on mid-range hardware and RPGamer emphasizing its efficiency without requiring high-end specs. On the Xbox One, COGconnected and RPG Site commended the port’s stability despite its 2006 origins, while We Got This Covered (PS4) and Eurogamer Italy (Switch) highlighted consistent frame rates and minimal technical hiccups. These platforms generally showcased strong optimization, with many critics acknowledging Dotemu’s efforts to adapt the game for modern systems. However, several platforms faced technical challenges. The PS4 version had mixed reception: Destructoid criticized slow loading times, sound glitches, and rare freezes, while PlayStation Country noted boss-related lockups requiring restarts. PlayStation LifeStyle also highlighted issues with unclear mechanics and UI problems exacerbated by the console port. On the Xbox One, Cubed3 pointed to stuttering and long load times, and TheXboxHub mentioned framerate drops during intense action sequences. The Nintendo Switch had minor quirks too, such as COGconnected’s mention of odd angles in 2.5D environments and Gaming Nexus’s critique of control quirks (e.g., inability to jump mid-attack). Meanwhile, the PC version faced criticism for outdated controls, with Eurogamer Germany noting mouse/keyboard issues compared to a controller. These flaws, while often minor, underscored the challenges of remastering an older title for modern platforms. Overall, critics generally agreed that Ys Origin’s technical performance was solid on the Nintendo Switch and PC, with praise for stability and optimization. The Xbox One and PS4 versions had more mixed results, with some reviewers highlighting persistent issues despite overall playability. While Eurogamer Italy (Switch) and We Got This Covered (PS4) emphasized smooth performance, others like Destructoid (PS4) and Cubed3 (Xbox One) pointed to specific flaws. The consensus leaned toward the Switch being the most polished port, with its technical strengths outweighing minor drawbacks, while the PS4 and Xbox One versions faced more criticism for optimization and control adaptation. Despite these differences, most reviewers acknowledged that the game’s core mechanics remained intact, making it a worthwhile experience despite its technical imperfections.

The majority of critics highlight Ys Origin’s replayability through its multiple playable characters, distinct storylines, and post-campaign modes. DualShockers and Xbox Tavern emphasize the game’s dual protagonists and the challenge of conquering the tower multiple times, while Eurogamer Germany and Nintendo Enthusiast note that the three-character paths (including a hidden third) encourage repeated playthroughs to uncover all content. Additional modes like Time Attack, Arena Mode, Boss Rush, and Speedrun challenges are frequently praised for extending longevity, as mentioned by Destructoid, MMORPG.com, and Switch Player. The game’s varied combat styles, unlockable characters (such as the secret Claw), and skill progression systems also contribute to its appeal for completionists, with critics like RPG Fan and GameSpew highlighting how these elements make revisiting the game engaging despite its short core narrative. However, several reviewers point out limitations in replay value due to repetitive mechanics and a lack of substantial content. COGconnected and PlayStation LifeStyle criticize the 10-hour campaign for becoming monotonous, with repetitive dungeon-crawling and unchanging environments. The second character’s story is deemed less distinct by Nintendo Life, while RPG Site notes that the game’s linear structure and absence of autosave hinder exploration. Additionally, some critics, like Xbox Tavern and Wccftech, acknowledge that environmental repetition and grinding for rewards can diminish long-term appeal, even as they praise the game’s design for encouraging multiple playthroughs. The short runtime (6–10 hours) is a recurring concern, with RPG Gamer and Worth Playing suggesting it may not justify repeated sessions for all players. Overall, critics agree that Ys Origin offers moderate to high replayability for fans of its mechanics and story diversity but acknowledge its niche appeal. While the game’s multiple characters, modes, and unlockable content provide strong incentives for revisiting, its brevity and repetitive elements prevent it from being a universal standout. Eurogamer Germany and Nintendo World Report argue that the game’s structure naturally encourages multiple playthroughs, whereas critics like COGconnected and PlayStation LifeStyle feel its shortcomings—such as limited post-game content and monotonous design—hold it back from greater longevity. Despite these critiques, the consensus leans toward Ys Origin being a worthwhile experience for those who value varied perspectives and challenge-driven gameplay, even if it falls short of being a must-play for all audiences.