Some game series decide it is time to return to the beginning. Whether that be in gameplay terms or to make a prequel explaining earlier entries, it works best if executed well. In the case of Ys Origin, they succeeded in the latter case by a wide margin.

The Ys series is a long-running action RPG series. Most entries star a red-haired warrior named Adol. Since Origin is a prequel, it’s set several hundred years prior to Adol’s birth. In fact, Ys Origin was basically written to establish how the world setting of the series came to be known by the first released games in the series.

The story of Ys Origin begins with some ominous news. For the longest time, the people of Ys had prospered, their kingdom floating above the earth thanks to the power of the Black Pearl and the two goddesses of Ys. This had, for the longest time, protected humanity from the threat of demons on the surface. The demons, not to be deterred, decided to build a tower to reach the realm of humanity to continue the assault. The goddesses disappear with the Black Pearl soon after, leading the Six Priests of Ys to send teams to explore and investigate the tower. In doing so, more than one of their number discovers a terrible threat to the entire world is being set in motion.

Unlike prior entries, this game has up to three potential protagonists. The first two default protagonists are Yunica Tovah and Hugo Fact. The third protagonist is unlocked after beating the game with either of the first two protagonists. All three have differing abilities, and the challenges they encounter in the tower will change slightly in some areas. 

The gameplay of Ys Origin is typical of most of the Ys series. Gameplay takes place in an action RPG context. Much like other Ys games, the gameplay will involve action combat against enemies and some degree of platforming gameplay. There are also some minor puzzles to overcome. 

Graphically, this game uses a variant of the isometric 3D engine used in the prior Ys VI. The art is very anime-style, especially in the story scenes. The tower the game is set in has a wide variety of set pieces, including lava floors, sand, and even one level set in a hall of mirrors. The enemies and bosses are especially well animated. This game will work on widescreen resolutions, albeit with letterboxing. 

The music and sounds are typically high fantasy game fare. The music ranges from rock to gothic choir, and many of the more intense pieces are so good that I admit I hunted down the music (you can find it in a folder in the game) to listen to later because it’s excellent and intense. 

This game can be played with keyboard and mouse or with any Steam-supported controller. I recommend having both handy, as not all buttons (like the menu keys) are mapped to the controller, though the controller has all the essentials for combat control. Keys cannot be rebound without third-party workarounds.

Ys Origin runs natively on Microsoft Windows. It will run well on Linux via Steam Proton. It’s not rated for the Steam Deck, but it runs well with some minor tweaks. System requirements are very modest, so low-end computers can run this title fine.

Morally, there is some concerning content.

Violence is done action RPG style with blades and magic. There are mild displays of blood, though enemy remains do disappear after death.

Language is moderately harsh, with all the words in the PG-13 stable mentioned at least once (s***, b***h, a**, etc.). Sexual content is limited mostly to a few mildly revealing female outfits (bare midriffs mostly).

This is set in a high fantasy world. The in-game goddesses are the joint figures of the in-universe religion. There are both holy and demonic powers. The latter includes abilities such as necromancy. Two of the playable protagonists generally shun demonic power as evil, while one of them starts with those powers as a matter of course. Without too many spoilers, it’s revealed that both holy and demonic power are largely the same, just the latter is a twisted, depraved reflection of the former.

Morally, each of the three protagonists is attempting to investigate the tower that the game is set in, each in their own way. Two of the three protagonists report to lawful authority, while the third reports to villains. See the below spoiler for added commentary on the third.

Overall, I found this to be a pretty good action RPG. Technically, it’s fairly sound. Morally, its content is fit only for teenagers on up, given the themes. If you like the Ys series or just want a good action RPG, this is a worthy purchase.