![Ys origin patch 1.1.0.0](https://kumkoniak.com/86.jpg)
While an argument could absolutely be made Claw Man needed to be his own route, Yunica's and Hugo's should've been fused, creating a gameplay wherein you alternate characters exploring different floors of the tower ala Kefka's Tower in Final Fantasy VI.
![ys origin patch 1.1.0.0 ys origin patch 1.1.0.0](https://images.pushsquare.com/screenshots/81480/large.jpg)
You'll encounter similar NPCs at the same junctions in each route, with similar exchanges, and one has to question: why did this need to be three routes?Įach story does not happen in tandem but rather in alternate universe fashion key events happen in one route that override another, yet not enough to give each character a firm narrative identity. Hugo's route is effectively identical to Yunica's route with a tacky Sasuke/Riku I NEED POOOOOOWEEEEER coming-of-age arc thrown into it to replace Yunica's relationship with the goddesses Claw Man's route is different, sure, but only from perspective, because the events and encounters unfold bizarrely similarly. Thankfully each route can be ran start-to-finish in a solid 6.5 hours, even if you're taking your time.Īnd honestly, I could overlook the repetitive gameplay design if the story justified it. Playing a new character effectively means replaying the game. While the three characters all play differently enough to justify, the dungeon layouts are almost universally identical, including the same platforming, the same treasures, and, for the most part, the same bosses. Maybe it's my own fault for playing each route in full back to back to back, melting through the entire third character in one day, but for how much I loved exploring Darm Tower in all its pseudo-Metroidvania glory, I didn't need to do it three times.
![ys origin patch 1.1.0.0 ys origin patch 1.1.0.0](http://www.figlidigaucci.eu/images/ys_origin_eng_35.jpg)
![ys origin patch 1.1.0.0 ys origin patch 1.1.0.0](https://bleedingcool.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Ys-Origin-Collectors-Edition-1200x628.jpg)
And it absolutely did not need to be three routes. There's three playable characters, three routes, and each one illuminates a new side of a story laying the foundations for Ys Chronicles. There's a tremendous charm to a JRPG nestled comprehensively into one location the location has scope, majesty, grandeur, and you get to feel like you know it better than your own house.Įnter Ys Origin, set 700 years before Ys Chronicles, an entire game set in Ys 1's final dungeon, Darm Tower, as if Ys 1 didn't already grant it a massive scope. Posted: 6 February Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is one of my all time favorites in no small part because Castle Oblivion is one of the most memorable JRPG locations of all time despite its only identifying characteristic being designed as if it were Tetsuya Nomura's hospital room.
![Ys origin patch 1.1.0.0](https://kumkoniak.com/86.jpg)