Ys III: Wanderers from Ys

"A throwback to yesterday"

Platformers have degenerated over the years. Once mostly side scrolling 2D, most have environments with danger looming around every corner. Not this game however. Ys III has shown me that simplistic game play and unusual story line can be combined to create a thrilling video game experience.

Graphics 6/10
The graphics of Ys III has to be some of the worst I've seen on a 16 bit system. However, it was a title that launched early in the Super Nintendo's life, so it was easy to over look. The backgrounds are droll and basic, and looked like they could have been at home on the NES. However, the character animations, while simple, did paint enough of a convincing picture to over look. Villain sprites were excellent, and so were those of the characters. Colors are vibrant, with nice shades and hues, but not enough to be memorable. If you're not a big fan of below par graphics, however, this game would not be for you.

Sound 7/10
The sound isn't half bad. For a game of this stature, the basic RPG sounds are there, just nothing stellar. The compositions are decent, but feel out of place in this title. Sounds are heavily recycled throughout the game, as I'm pretty sure most if not all monsters had the same recycled death sound. Weapon and magic effects are mediocre, but do their job well in convincing the player that something is actually happening instead of turned based combat effects. The sound, while sub par, does relate the message well.

Control 9/10
The control is fantastic. Simply put, the controller map couldn't have been better. All the buttons' functions work 100% of the time, and the addition of being able to hold down the attack button for repeated swings helps tremendously. Jumping seems awkward at times, but really due to level design and not the control scheme. Honestly, this game has some of the best control I've ever seen in a platformer. The controls are easily the strong suite of the game.

Fun Factor 9/10
Even with the graphic and sound issues that I had with this game, I could not put it down. The game is a simple, yet very enjoyable title that I would easily recommend to anyone seeking older NES style side scroll games. The mix of story and just trying to accomplish not dying make this probably one of the best games of its type. It is a throwback to titles like Zelda II and Faxanadu.

Overall 7/10
Ys III: Wonderer from Ys has major flaws. The graphics and sound are mediocre at best, but the game shines in what it brings to the table in terms of control and story. Overall, the game is difficult, and you will pay dearly if you try to blow through quests. The game works hard on trying to put you down, and the fact that you can only take one medicinal herb with you at all times can put a damper on your quest, so you have to be precise and careful. If you wish for old times, to the days of Faxanadu, Zelda II, and Simon's Quest, it might not be such a bad idea to give Ys III a try.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 09/02/04