The first two Ys remastered on a single UMD; a treasure for Falcom fans. Three sound arrangements to choose from, two graphics modes, expanded scenario; Ys I & II Chronicles offers a precious historic Japanese dive.
Your verdict
Category
Action RPG1 player12+
Description
Adol Christin explores Esteria and Ys in these remakes of the first two entries with enhanced visuals and remastered soundtrack. Published by Nihon Falcom, released in the USA in December 2009. Two complete remastered adventures, three audio arrangements to choose from, two graphic modes, extended storyline. Japan exclusive.
Ys I & II Chronicles review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
4/5
Story
★★★★★
"Captivating"
The double bill shows first in the choice left to the player: two graphic sets share the disc, one faithful to the 1998 remake, the other entirely repainted with larger sprites and redrawn backgrounds. Switching between them is like comparing two readings of the same plate, without altering a single room layout.
Re-orchestrating the series' founding themes, the music brings cult rock melodies back to life with intact fire. From the legendary "First Step Towards Wars" to heroic themes, each track galvanises Adol's adventure. This sonic punch, faithful to the Falcom soul, remains a treat for action-RPG fans.
Bringing the first two chapters together reveals a single story cut in half: the six priests of Esteria, the books they scattered and Darm Tower only make sense once Adol has climbed to the floating Ys. The extended script fills the ellipses of the original format and makes the second part a literal answer to the first.
The Western localization of Ys I & II Chronicles by XSEED, gathering Falcom's two founding entries remastered, made in very low volume like all Western PSP Ys. Its appeal lies in this acute physical scarcity combined with the saga's prestige, keeping a complete copy at a high value. A sought target for Falcom collectors in the West.
An underrated gem
Bringing together Adol's two founding adventures in a remake with enhanced graphics and remastered music, this compilation pays tribute to the series' origins with remarkable care. Its bump-combat system disorients at first. But its timeless charm and brisk pace will enchant fans of retro action-RPGs.
Is Ys I & II Chronicles still worth playing in 2026?
Ys I & II Chronicles is the PSP port of the first two Ys remastered on a single UMD, a treasure for Falcom fans. Three sound arrangements to choose from, two graphical modes, extended scenario, Ys I & II Chronicles offers a historical dive into the saga's origins with XSEED's polished Western presentation. The bump-attack combat stays unique. The best way to play the first two Ys today.
