Format: CD-ROM²
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Nihon Falcom
Publisher: Nihon Falcom

Suckers for 8 and 16-bit era three-and-a-quarter overhead view RPGs will find Ys Book I & II to be a real treat, with detailed, colorful tile sets, varied and interesting settings, and nicely detailed and animated enemies. The multimedia sequences, such as the lengthy one at the end of Book I, are absolutely incredible, with sprites that take up the entire screen. The full range of artistry builds to an incredible cresdendo in the game's lengthy and engaging ending sequence.

Ryo Yonemitsu Red Book remixes of some of Yuzo Koshiro's greatest ever songs, like "Tower of the Shadow of Death" and "To Make the End of Battle" are featured in this title. Areas alternate between the CD tracks and programmed synch music using the PC Engine's sound chip. The effect of this alternation is mesmerizingly distinctive and cool.

Gameplay involves exploring well-designed, maze-like zones-- which the player is led to via a linear story-- to find treasure, combat monsters, defeat bosses, and progress the narrative. Combat involves running into monsters at the correct angle, and while peculiar at first, actually manages to improve the game's pacing.

As only the fourth or fifth optical media based console game of all time depending on whom you ask, Ys Book I & II is an incredible testiment to what CD technology could bring to the table. Setting its aesthetic aside, the game is an excellent action RPG; the battle mechanics and lack of random encounters make the whole experience feel very fluid, and the way the player is allowed to play straight through both games as if they were one big adventure is very novel.