Ys Origin

Game Overview

Ys Origin shifts the series focus from a single protagonist to a choice of distinct main characters—Yunik, a heavy-cleaving knight wielding a battle axe, and Hugo, a magical prodigy firing devastating projectile energy blasts. A third secret protagonist can also be unlocked, offering entirely different playstyles, traversal abilities, and unique narrative insights into the unfolding tragedy.

The gameplay takes place entirely within the vertical confines of the massive Solomon Shrine. Players must clear monster-infested floors, master timing-based melee and magical skills, upgrade equipment, and conquer demanding boss fights. Recognized for its phenomenal heavy metal soundtrack, responsive controls, and high replay value driven by its interlocking character perspectives, Ys Origin is widely celebrated as one of the finest action RPG experiences available on the PlayStation Vita.

Quick Specifications

• Release Date: February 21, 2017 (North America / Europe)

• Developer: Nihon Falcom / Dotemu

• Publisher: Dotemu / Limited Run Games

• Platform: PlayStation Vita (Compatible with PlayStation TV)

• Genre: Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) / Hack and Slash

• Player(s): 1 Player (Single-player)

• Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese

• Rating: ESRB: T (Teen) / PEGI 12

Key Features

• Rich Prequel Narrative: Uncover the epic lore and ancient history of the Ys universe 700 years before Adol Christin's adventures, exploring the mystery of the missing goddesses.

• Multiple Playable Characters: Choose between Yunica (melee combat specialist) and Hugo (ranged magic user)—each featuring distinct storylines, unique combat mechanics, and special abilities.

• Vertical Tower Exploration: Ascend the treacherous multi-tiered levels of the Solomon Shrine, solving environmental puzzles and unlocking powerful new artifacts.

• Fast-Paced Action Combat: Engage in fluid, responsive real-time hack-and-slash combat against swarming monsters and colossal, screen-filling bosses.

• Legendary Soundtrack: Experience an electrifying, critically acclaimed musical score composed by the renowned Falcom Sound Team jdk.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Do I need to play other Ys games before Ys Origin?

A: No, because Ys Origin is a prequel set centuries before the rest of the series, it requires zero prior knowledge and serves as an excellent starting point for newcomers.

Q: How many playable characters are there?

A: There are two main characters available from the start (Yunica and Hugo), plus a third secret character that can be unlocked after completing the game, providing a completely fresh perspective on the story.

Q: Is the game available physically or digitally on the PS Vita?

A: The game launched digitally on the PlayStation Network (PSN) and later received limited physical cartridge releases through partners like Limited Run Games.

Q: How long does it take to finish the game?

A: A single playthrough with one character takes roughly 8 to 10 hours. However, experiencing all character storylines and uncovering the true ending requires multiple playthroughs, totaling around 25 to 30 hours.