The “independent minded” video game publisher XSEED Games have today confirmed that the first two tales in the Ys series will be available as a PC digital download via the Steam service on the 14th February 2013. The two games are not set to be released individually, but instead as a compilation titled “Ys I & II Chronicles+” which features a set of PC-specific enhancements and remastering which they hope will “take the original Ys experience beyond what’s been seen in any previous iteration”.
Ys I & II Chronicles+ sees a series of modern conveniences and conventions mix with classic action gameplay in this all-new version of the founding title in one of Japan’s most celebrated RPG franchises. Old-school gamers will still recognize the timeless “bump” combat system, through which running into enemies auto-triggers an attack, and the angle of impact determines the damage inflicted. Players can choose to experience the game with the original ‘80s FM-synth soundtrack, opt for a more “early modern” MIDI-style soundscape, or even cleave through enemies to a studio-recorded metal interpretation of the soundtrack courtesy of Falcom’s in-house JDK Band. Fully customizable graphics settings – including widescreen support, selectable art styles, smooth pixel scaling in windowed mode and more – as well as achievements, leaderboards, Steam Cloud support, classically-styled decorative screen frames, four difficulty levels and an optional boss rush mode are some of the modern highlights players will enjoy in Ys I & II Chronicles+.
Developed by renowned RPG house Nihon Falcom, Ys I & II follow the tale of wandering swordsman Adol Christin on an adventure to rid the land of Esteria of a horrible blight. Once known as the ancient land of Ys, a historic kingdom protected by goddesses and rich in mystical power and wealth, Esteria was settled by hardy inhabitants who established prosperous port towns and humble fishing inlets. But this peace was short-lived, and soon word spread of a looming darkness – confirmed by the appearance of horrendous monsters (first few, then many), swarming and destroying all of Esteria in their wake. Told to seek out the six books of Ys to reveal the key to defeating this evil, Adol ventures forth boldly, not knowing his very arrival had been written by the fates many centuriesbefore.
The game is set to be made available on Valentine’s Day at the cost of of $14.99. Putting a pre-order on the title will net you a 15% discount – which you can do via the Steam Store. Fans of the Ys series will be glad to know that earlier on this year, the company confirmed they had also acquired the rights to Ys: Memories of Celceta (Aka. Ys Celceta: Sea of Trees) which is set to release on the Playstation Vita in the second half of 2013.
