Ys - Wanderers from Ys (Japan)

Ys - Wanderers from Ys stands as a pioneering action RPG that revolutionized the beloved Nihon Falcom series with its bold shift to side-scrolling gameplay. Originally released in 1989 for Japanese computer systems before making its way to multiple console platforms, this third installment in the legendary Ys franchise represents a daring departure from its predecessors while maintaining the series' signature high-energy combat and compelling storytelling that made it a standout among retro games of its era.

Set three years after the events of previous games, Ys - Wanderers from Ys follows the red-haired adventurer Adol Christin and his loyal companion Dogi as they travel to Redmont village, where they discover the townspeople threatened by forces from Valestein Castle. What sets Ys - Wanderers from Ys apart from other retro games is its masterful soundtrack composed by Mieko Ishikawa, featuring iconic tracks that have been celebrated and arranged numerous times over the decades, enhancing the adventure across diverse environments including Tigray Quarry, Illburns Ruins, and the treacherous Elderm Mountains.

The game's unique combat system allows players to attack enemies in various ways - thrusting upward at flying foes, lying flat to stab opponents from below, or continuously swinging Adol's sword by holding down the attack button. Although different from its predecessors, Ys - Wanderers from Ys delivers a satisfying experience that showcases why the franchise has endured for decades, eventually serving as the foundation for the critically acclaimed remake Ys: The Oath in Felghana, which expanded upon its solid foundation while preserving what made the original special.

As one of the most distinctive entries in the Ys franchise, Ys - Wanderers from Ys represents an important chapter in the evolution of action RPGs. Though its side-scrolling approach was eventually reimagined when the game was remade as Ys: The Oath in Felghana in 2005, the original remains a fascinating and enjoyable retro game experience that showcases the experimental spirit of Nihon Falcom during the golden age of 16-bit gaming.