Ys III (USA)

Ys III: Wanderers from Ys stands as one of the most distinctive retro games in the legendary action RPG series developed by Nihon Falcom. Originally released in 1989 for Japanese home computers before making its way to multiple consoles including the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo, Ys III marked a bold departure from its predecessors. Unlike the top-down perspective of earlier Ys III titles, this installment adopted a side-scrolling approach that revolutionized the gameplay while maintaining the series' signature fast-paced combat and compelling storytelling.

Set three years after the events of Ys I and II, Ys III follows the red-haired adventurer Adol Christin and his loyal friend Dogi as they journey to Dogi's hometown of Redmont. There, they discover the villagers are being threatened by forces from Valestein Castle and the awakening of the demon Galbalan. The game's compelling narrative unfolds across diverse environments including the Tigray Quarry, Illburns Ruins, and the treacherous Elderm Mountains, challenging players with strategic combat and exploration.

What truly sets Ys III 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. Despite its departure from the established formula, Ys III: Wanderers from Ys remains a beloved entry in the franchise, later reimagined as Ys: The Oath in Felghana in 2005, which expanded upon the original's foundation while returning to the traditional Ys gameplay style.

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