Ys

Ys is a long-running action role-playing game series created by Nihon Falcom. The series follows Adol Christin, a red-haired adventurer, as he travels across the mythical land of Ys, uncovering ancient civilizations, confronting malevolent powers, and seeking to restore peace to the world. Each game typically combines real-time combat with exploration of expansive dungeons, light puzzle elements, and character progression through equipment, spells, and abilities. While individual entries tell self-contained stories, the games share recurring themes, motifs, and a common sense of lore.

The first entry, Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished, released in 1987, established the core formula and introduced Adol and his world. Its successor, Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished – The Final Chapter, expanded the narrative and setting. Over the years the franchise has grown across multiple platforms and has received numerous remasters and compilations, including various versions of Ys I–II and entries such as Ys III: Wanderers from Ys, Ys IV (with multiple interpretations), and later titles such as Ys VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X. Each installment brings new locales, supporting characters, and refinements to the action RPG structure, while maintaining fast-paced battles and exploration-centric design. The series is noted for its melodic soundtracks and accessible yet layered gameplay.

Ys has left a lasting impact on the action RPG genre and on Nihon Falcom's identity. It has spawned spin-off media, including manga and anime adaptations, and continues to be updated with ports and new releases for contemporary platforms.