[starreview tpl=16]

The Ys series had been running since 1987 and it’s time for Ys Seven to come forward. Ys Seven features a lot of the same but, with improvements that might make it into something unique. The Ys series has followed the adventures of Adol Christin who been the main hero since the very first Ys. Should Adol Christin continue on his quest for being there at the right time or should he just go into retirement?

STORY:

The story once again follows Adol and Dogi going to the capital of Altago for a whole new adventure. Little did they know that Adol and Dogi will be the ones to change the fate of all Altago. After being arrested for saving two sisters that were harassed by local Dragon Knights. Adol and Dogi were requested by the king due to their reputation, but little did they know that the king wants them to investigate something strange that is about to unfold. Adol and Dogi must go to an underground shine where earthquakes are happening; after they arrive Adol gets granted with the power of the Five Dragons and gains the title Dragon Warrior. After learning of a message given by the dragon of an evil that is looming Altago, Adol and Dogi are given the task to get the rest of the Five Dragon seals and unfold the fate of all Altago.

You will also be getting party members to help Adol Christin to save all of Altago and each have their own unique outlook of what is happening to Altago and information that will help Adol Christin to find the remaining dragons. The story of Ys Seven is simple but, plays out to the end.  Saving the kingdom from an unknown evil but, it does go deeper into the story and there is a stronger message that Ys Seven leaves that will make the player think. Overall, the story will get confusing in the beginning but, it will unfold and become entertaining and emotional when the player continues the quest with Adol Christin.

GAMPLAY:

Ys Seven gameplay is no different than other Ys titles. Ys Seven does feature improvements over the other Ys games like; changing party members, using different attacks and an improved checkpoint system. Ys Seven combat is set in real time, in which the player will fight the enemy on the playing field without the hassle of a loading screen. You will hack and slash away at enemies with normal, skill, and special attacks. Normal attacks is just a normal repeated combos but, can be charged up to gain SP so that Adol or anyone can use their skill attacks. Skill attacks uses SP to use and must be learned from weapons you find or buy and must be selected to use them. Each skill attack will gain power after each level up. These attacks also help out your special gauge which each character has their own special attack which will cause massive damage to any enemy. To make combat a little more unique, each weapons as an attribute that will damage certain enemies. A slash will cut flesh type enemies easier, heavy weapons will deal damage to rock or harden enemies, and pierce attacks damage flying monster. If the weapon attribute does not correspond with the right enemy, the damage dealt will be very minimal. Combat overall is a fast pace and will keep anyone on their toe against normal and boss enemies. The boss encounters in the game are very unique and the player must pay a full focus to beat a lot of these bosses.

The player will also be able to use abilities found within some of the temples that the player will go to. Some of these abilities come in the form of breathing underwater, boots that stomp on spikes, and a cape that uses wind to lift the player up. There are many more and some are even secret. The player can also choose from a vast variety of weapons for each and every character along with armor and accessories.  You will also be able to use synthesis to make better weapons that cannot be found or brought from the store.  You will need to gather materials from defeated monsters and the environments around you like rocks and plants to make a lot of these weapons and armor.

Gameplay does have it faults when it comes to the controls. The controls will take some time getting used to. If you want to use your skill attack you will need to hold the R Tab and one of the four shape buttons on your PSP. If you forget to do these you skill attack might be an unwanted dodge, or item menu select. This placement does take time to get used to but, is very minor overall.

GRAPHICS/SOUND:

Graphics are not that terrible. Graphics wise it reminds me of an old PSone game I used to play. Sound wise, the soundtrack that this game uses is very enjoyable and upbeat for many of the hard fought battles. On the other hand that’s all you will be listening to. There is a lack of voiceovers in Ys Seven, which may or may not be a big deal but, a lot of Playstation Portable games now-a-day have voiceovers. Overall, Ys Seven proves decent graphics that reminds me of old PSone adventure RPGs, and Soundtracks that are enjoyable and great to listen to.

Small Sample from Soundtrack: y7_b001

CLOSING NOTE:

Ys Seven is really an excellent RPG, if you give it a chance. The story is simple but, enjoyable till the very end that leaves a message for players to think about our world, gameplay that needs your great focus and is pretty much fast-paced and fun, decent graphics, and an excellent soundtrack. All these combine into Ys Seven, in which is an action RPG that you might want to look into.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (8.3MB)