Ys The Ark of Napishtim brings the Falcom saga back as action RPG. Snappy combat, sunny mood and rousing soundtrack. Short but thrillingly intense for fans.
Your verdict
Category
Action RPG1 player12+
Description
A Falcom and Konami action RPG released in 2005, the Ark of Napishtim Ys franchise entry signed Falcom. Hero Adol Christin shipwrecks on Canaan Island where he discovers the Eldeen of the Napishtim Ark, an ancient ship capable of generating a deluge. Dynamic third-person combat, exploration and platforming, fantasy scenario. Japanese, European and US release, first major Western Ys franchise release in a long time.
Ys - The Ark of Napishtim review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
4/5
Story
★★★★★
"Captivating"
Beyond the island's jungle, the art direction turns to the remains of an engulfed civilisation. The Ark of Napishtim, an ancient machine tied to a flood myth, raises its stone temples, colossal gears and ruins carved with forgotten symbols. The red-haired Adol advances through a sacred architecture where water and metal tell of a thousand-year catastrophe.
Carried by the rock guitars of the Falcom Sound Team, the Ys music unfurls heroic themes of irresistible energy that galvanise Adol's feats. Supercharged riffs and rousing melodies match the frantic pace of the action. This melodic fire, the series' signature, remains a treat for fans of the action-RPG.
The story ties the adventure to a flood myth. Beneath the island sleeps the Ark of Napishtim, a lost civilisation's weapon capable of submerging the world, which fanatics seek to awaken. Adol, washed up by chance, finds himself the only one able to prevent the aquatic apocalypse. The tale blends a diverted biblical legend with a planetary stake, raising the quest to the rank of saving the world.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Long"
Technical info
💾3,4 GB📅24/03/2005
Published by Konami
Ys - The Ark of Napishtim (PS2) price, value & rarity
A return of Falcom's action RPG saga to the West, Ys The Ark of Napishtim relaunches red-haired Adol's adventures in fast combat carried by an energetic rock soundtrack. Fairly uncommon in the West, its interest lies in this role as a late reintroduction of a revered series rather than extreme scarcity. A piece valued by fans of brisk action RPGs.
Is Ys - The Ark of Napishtim still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 2005 on PS2, Nihon Falcom's project relaunches the Ys saga with a nervous action RPG built on bumping and contact attacks, where the red haired hero Adol explores isolated islands across a classic adventure tale. The frantic pace of the fights, the precise handling and an energetic rock soundtrack, the series' trademark, deliver an immediate pleasure. The well paced dungeons and the demanding bosses keep the interest. The modest production and a certain brevity make themselves felt. An excellent action RPG, recommended for fans of fast combat and of old school adventure with real momentum.
