Ys Seven

When it comes to picking platforms on which to release their games, it's somewhat hard to try and discern the kind of logic that goes behind each decision. Take, for example, this next Ys game.

Released in 2009 for the PSP, Ys Seven is a whole new adventure featuring Adol Christin, best friend Dogi, and a brand new adventure. Although it only saw a Japanese release, that hasn't stopped fans from importing the game and running it on modded PSPs. And thanks to the same fans, there's enough information out there from sites such as Ancient Land of Ys to help players through its quests without worrying about having to translate anything, though for someone like me that actually wants to know what's going on, it's something of a sacrifice.

I haven't gotten my mitts on this one, but in scouring the 'net, have managed to piece together just what kind of trouble Adol had managed to dig up. In this one, Adol and Dogi find themselves at the rich port of Arthago having apparently escaped the Romun Empire thanks to the intervention of the Dragon Knights' navy. Surprisingly, they make it into port without drowning.

As usual, there are ruins to explore but only after Adol and Dogi dodge being charged as Romun spies. But thanks to the fact that the ruler of Arthago, Duke Kymar, is also an old friend of Ladoc the Pirate (who was also involved in getting Adol to Canaan in Ys VI), he frees Adol and Dogi on the condition that they look into a small matter for him. By now, fans know that what turns out to be a small favor is also an invitation to explore the island and begin another epic tale of monster slaughter and boss level humiliation.

PSP screenshot of the action in Ys Seven

The release came in two flavors: a Limited Edition and a normal version. The first printing of the game came with a Limited Edition Drama CD that has a voice acted episode bridging the events between Ys VI and Ys Seven.

Although the gameplay appears to retain the action-packed approach of Oath and Origin, it has taken the multiple style approach of Origin by giving Adol company during his journey. After he makes a new friend to form a trio, the player can freely switch between characters and use both magic and their weapons for whatever they might encounter. It's as if someone on the team had been playing Marvel vs. Capcom (or Panzer Dragoon Orta with its shifting dragon forms) and wanted to add a little of that in the next Ys.

PSP screenshot of Ys Seven

There's also a skill system in place with each weapon having a specific skill that can eventually be upgraded with experience when used which sounds similar to that in Namco Bandai's Tales of Vesperia. Eventually, the skill can also be learned allowing the player to swap between new weapons while retaining the skill. There also seems to be more of a "paper-scissor-rock" mentality to the design of the monster encounters where only certain attacks are particularly damaging compared to others, encouraging the 'switching' mechanic as well as the variety of attacks that the magic system has given each character.

And unlike previous Ys titles, there are also a large number of optional side-quests that can also be undertaken for valuable rewards. They're also event-sensitive, meaning that if you pass a certain part of the main story, you won't be able to do them. Seeking each one out is worth the effort from what I've been able to gather, and thanks to the friendly hardcore fans of Ancient Land of Ys, finding help is as simple as a forum search.

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