The story of all Ys games in chronological order

Key Takeaways

• Ys has had a fragmented development history, with games released out of order, making it difficult for new fans.
• The Ys series includes a variety of stories set in unique locations with unique gameplay mechanics.
• The Ys franchise redefines mythology and cosmology with each series, offering fresh perspectives and engaging gameplay.

One of the oldest franchises in the RPG genre. yes Its history dates back to 1987. Originally released for the PC-8801, The Lost Ancient Ys It was the first of a legendary tale whose passion for adventure would perhaps rival its own. The Legend of Zelda. But despite the series' legendary lineage, yes It has never received the Western attention it deserves.

Of course, this is because of itself. yes Over the past 30 years, our development history has never been smoother. Even without taking into account the lengthy hiatus caused by the untimely transition to the Super Famicom, the franchise went through three gameplay engines, with games generally released in non-chronological order. portion huh' The appeal comes from the episodic nature of the franchise, but this can make it difficult for new fans to get into the JRPG franchise.

Updated on November 15, 2024 by Chad Thesen: The Ys franchise is still going strong, adding new games and stories to the ever-growing Adol story. This includes a new entry in this list, summarizing the events of Ys 10 over the Obelia Gulf. This game is the tenth mainline game, but chronologically takes place in the middle of the existing games. There have also been numerous other updates to bring this document up to date with modern practices and standards.

1 Ys: origin

Unica and Hugo's Tower Adventure

700 years ago when the series' protagonist Adol Christine first set foot on Esteria, the world was on the brink of apocalyptic collapse. It features three playable characters with unique paths and exclusive settings. Yes me's final dungeon – Damtap – Ys genesis It is the only major item not classified as one of Adol's personal travel records. Nonetheless, it only adds to the mystery of the story.

After discovering the missing Black Pearl and Twin Goddesses on the floating island of Iss, the search party warps to the surface to find them at Dam Tower. Ys Origin It sets the stage for the adventures of Adol Christin, shows how the modern world was shaped, and provides additional insight into two of the original works, Feena & Reah. yes The most important character in Duology.

2 Ys 1 & 2

Adol's Esteria Adventure and the Floating Continent of Ys

Speaking of duology, Ys 1 & 2 On the surface, they are two parts of the same game. The Lost Ancient YsOften referred to as Book I, is set in Esteria and is Adol's first major adventure after leaving home to explore the new world. After conquering the storm wall surrounding Esteria, Adol became the first man to set foot on the remote island and found himself at the center of a divine conspiracy.

In Book 2, Adol soars to the floating island of Ys, a “mythical” land often mentioned in Book 1. Here, all the legends Adol has learned about Esteria turn out to be true, and he comes face to face with the dark clan. Ys 1 & 2 Although it's a relatively simple RPG, it's a true classic that's well presented. Ys 1 & 2 Weave a true fairytale experience.

3 Ys 10: Norse

Adol's Adventure in Obelia Bay

Ys 10: Norse It may be the 10th mainline game, but chronologically it is Ys 2: Ancient Ys Vanished – Final Chapter. The game takes a lot of inspiration from Norse culture for its storytelling, along with the Norman Conquest. Once again the focus is on the journey to Celseta with the central protagonist, Adol. The game features a variety of islands spread throughout the Gulf of Obelia region, where ongoing conflict rages between the Normans and the Grígrs. As a result, the ship on which Adol is traveling is attacked by pirates led by Princess Norman.

During this interaction, Adol becomes connected to the princess, allowing the player to switch between the two throughout the game. This adds many moments of dialogue between the two for players to enjoy. The story involves the power of mana through the Lila Shell and seemingly unkillable monsters. A bond grows between the two as they uncover the mystery surrounding this incident and resolve the conflicts plaguing Obelia Bay.

4 Ys: Memories of Celseta

Adol's Adventures in Celseta

Following the adventures of the previous film, Adol soon returns to unwind with Dogi, his permanent travel partner. Soon after, Adol separates from Dogi in the frontier town of Casnan to explore what Celceta has to offer. Unfortunately, Adol loses all his memories and is tasked with mapping the Great Forest for the Romun Empire (the force that will soon oppose Adol).

What's most notable about Adol's adventures in Celceta isn't the story itself, but how it speaks to the framework of the franchise. Just as each game is a volume in Adol's travel journal, every localization, port, or remake is its own translation. before Memories of Celseta It has firmly established itself as the most standard translation. dawn of ys and memories of the sun Reference to his travel accounts provided a very different interpretation of Adol's country time.

5 Ys: Oath in Felghana

Adol's Adventures in Felghana

• developer: Nihon Falcom
• platform: Windows, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
• release: June 30, 2005

The Oath at Felghana It is set one year after the incident. Memories of Celseta (Although revealed first) Adol Christin, now 19 years old, is taking a break from adventuring. Players visit Dogi's hometown of Felghana and his hometown of Redmont, but find themselves in the midst of yet another adventure. For what it's worth, The Oath at Felghana One of the lowest stakes. yes With a story primarily focused on personal family issues, the apocalyptic danger only comes at the end (and never presents itself as too overwhelming a threat).

The Oath at Felghana This is important in a minor way and is an important step in establishing Adol as a casual hero and adventurer. That said, Adol's time on Felghana leads to his first major encounter with Galbalan, arguably setting up a key plot point. Ark of Nafishtim.

6 Ys 5: Lost Kefin, Kingdom of Sand

Adol's Adventure in Xandria

• developer: Nihon Falcom
• platform: Super Famicom, PlayStation 2
• release: December 29, 1995

Lost Cepin, Kingdom of Sand remains a unique classic yes A title that falls short of a remake. Perhaps not coincidentally, it was this game that led to the franchise's nearly decade-long hiatus. in other words, Lost Kepin It's not a bad game by any means. As far as SNES JRPGs go, it seems too typical.

If nothing else, Xandria makes for an incredible setting and the story plays out incredibly well (complete with a time travel plot that has some good emotional weight at the center of it all). Unlike Adol's other four early series adventures, his time in Xandria doesn't provide much in the way of substantive lore. However, it has laid the foundation for Adol to advance. Ark of Nafishtim A seasoned adventure.

7 Ys 8: Dana's Lacrimosa

Adol's Siren Island Adventure

Dana's Lacrimosa You will be picked up immediately after the event. Yes 5. Adol begins the game as follows: lost kingdomThe best sword for Adolman, who can experience the mother of all shipwrecks. Stranded on Siren Island, Adol must join forces with the remaining survivors to survive the island's harsh environment.

is 8 It is the first entry in the series that splits the main character's focus between Adol and another character, Dana herself, in particular. Adol's arc takes place in the present, while Dana's arc takes place in the past. Both ultimately come together in a narrative that radically redefines the franchise's mythology and cosmology.

8 Ys 6: Ark of Nafishtim

Adol's Canaan Islands Adventure

• developer: Nihon Falcom
• platform: Windows, Mobile, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Android, iOS
• release: September 27, 2003

What's impressive? Ark of Nafishtim It's a way to recontextualize five games' worth of lore into one epic. yes What's the first? Avengers The movie was intended for Phase 1 of the MCU. Eldeen appears again. This is the ark that Galbalan mentioned. oath It is very important and the Romun Empire takes on the role of Adol's main antagonist.

Ark of Nafishtim Set in the Canaanite Islands, it tactfully examines the impact of colonialism and imperialism on native tribes, while never suggesting that the invaders were doing them any real service. But what's the point? yes 6 What's so special about it is that it recognizes the loose threads of the series and ties them all together.

9 Is Seven

Adol's Adventure in Altago

Set half a year after the incident Ark of NafishtimAdol finally arrives in Afroca. This is actually the continent he first set out to visit when he first left home. Is Seven With the addition of several key pieces of lore, it becomes clear that there is much more to this universe than what was established in the Eldeen arc.

Good or bad, Is Seven It also set a precedent for Adol's adventures being much longer. If a typical game can be cleared within 10 hours, seven Since then, we've continued to push the series past 20 episodes. In other words, it was not without merit. Is Seven Spend the first half pretending to say numbers. yes We plan to turn everything upside down with a fantastic mid-game twist.

10 Ys 9: Monster Nox

Adol's Adventures in Balduk

Ys 9: Monster Nox The latest game in the timeline with the darkest tone. Adol is the oldest by far and his adventures take him to the prison city of Balduq. Unfortunately, his reputation was not favorable to him, and the Romun Empire had him imprisoned.

Monstrum Nox Comments on Adol's reputation in a way no other game could, and after that –Dana's Lacrimosa franchise, is 9 It's likely to plant the seeds to pave the way for another landmark title like this one: Ark of Nafishtim.