Why Ys Origin Remains the Ultimate JRPG Palette Cleanser While You Wait for The Adventures of Elliot
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Polygon explores why Nihon Falcom's classic action RPG Ys Origin is the perfect game to play while waiting for Square Enix's upcoming releases, praising its fast-paced combat, dual protagonist campaigns, and timeless design.
If you are looking to fill the gap before Team Asano drops The Adventures of Elliot, you might want to look backward rather than forward. Writing for Polygon, Paulo Kawanishi highlights how Nihon Falcom's 2006 classic, Ys Origin, serves as the ultimate action RPG holdover for players craving fast-paced fantasy combat and exploration. Originally launched for PC two decades ago and later brought Westward by XSEED Games, this title was crafted specifically as an entry point for newcomers, and it easily holds its ground on modern platforms today as a masterclass in tight game design.
Set 700 years before the events of the original Ys, the game drops players into a desperate mission to scale a massive tower built by invading demons after the divine rulers of Ys vanish. Players pick between Yunica Tovah, a physical fighter struggling to prove herself without magic, and Hugo Fact, a brilliant and abrasive spellcaster. These dual campaigns run as parallel realities, layering the narrative before unlocking a crucial third route that reveals the true history of the setting. It is a smart narrative structure that respects your time while building a deep, cohesive fantasy lore.
Beyond the story, the real hook is the pacing. Modern JRPGs often lean heavily into sprawling cinematic cutscenes and lengthy dialogue trees, but Ys Origin keeps your fingers busy with relentless combat, responsive platforming, and satisfying boss fights. The chibi aesthetic might trick you into expecting a casual romp, but the action is genuinely intense. For modern cross-platform gamers who appreciate tight gameplay loops and foundational franchise history, this retro gem is well worth diving into while summer releases ramp up.
Tags: JRPG, Action RPG, Nihon Falcom, Polygon, Retro Gaming
Original article: Polygon