Pros & Cons
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- Fast-paced action combat.
- Easy to pick up and play.
- Improved translation clarifies story connections to other Ys games.
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- Lacks the bonus content from the Konami PlayStation 2 localization.
- Higher difficulties encourage level grinding.
- Annoying side quests.
- Tricky dash-jumps.
Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim ($19.99) is a top-down hack-and-slash RPG by Japanese developer Nihon Falcom. Originally released exclusively for PCs in Japan, Ys VI was ported to the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable by Konami in 2005 and made available around the world. This newer version of Ys VI features a XSEED localization that includes an improved translation, a more challenging game mode called Catastrophe Mode, enhanced graphical settings, and Steam support—features that more than make up for the missing content that was in the Konami-published port.
From Europe to Canaan
The Ys series takes place in an alternate fantasy version of Earth. It tells the story of a red-haired swordsman named Adol Christin, who wanders the world in search of adventure, while also uncovering the secrets of the ancient and vanished Eldeen civilization. Ys VI takes place in a magically embellished Bermuda Triangle called the Vortex of Canaan. Adol finds himself stranded on the island chain and allies himself with natives, as well as fellow castaways, to solve the mystery behind the supernatural vortex.
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Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim (for PC)
Ys VI is a simple, energetic, and unrelenting action-RPG that keeps you hacking and slashing the whole way through.