The lost Ys game.

Ys V has never been ported to a modern console, nor has it been translated to English. Not only that, but it was the last Ys game for eight years and two console generations. Did this game almost kill the franchise? Probably not, but it wasn't very good.

The Sands of Kefin, or whatever the overly long subtitle is, takes our well traveled hero/adventurer, Adol Christin, out of his usual larpings around the Romn Empire. He's in northeast Afroca this time, which is a good time to introduce a new combat style.

Gone are the bump systems and Zelda 2 knockoffs of the past. This game is a traditional hack-and-slash. It doesn't reinvent the wheel and is solid enough, but it does try to add some play styles. Swords come in two attack types, a slash or a stab. It's not perfect because each type doesn't get the same amount of scope, and the best weapon has single coverage. There's also a magic system, called alchemy, that seems fun and intricate, but every spell you can make sucks. The range is confusing, or the cast time is worthless. Only the first spell you learn is good, but it's absorbed too often. And you can't use magic in boss battles, so what's the point? Do basic mobs have weaknesses? Why use magic when a sword is quicker and easier? Alchemy is more cumbersome than anything.

The plot is... fine. You don't get to know anyone, and you're constantly on the move, which is in line with the adventurer's spirit. Maybe it's okay?

The music is better than it has any right to be. Dungeon themes are bangers, hype songs and depression are about, and all the town themes can go on my Spotify playlist.

The graphics are also pretty rad. They're nothing groundbreaking, but there are a million other SNES games that look worse.

As for the rest of the game, here's Adol!

"The area of Xandria, in northern Afroca, is a rather unique location. It's known for being a desert, but I ran through verdant meadows and bountiful forests with ruins of an ancient civilization scattered throughout. Even the many caves I explored all seemed different from one another. Some were the basic caves you'd find anywhere, but I enjoyed the flowing waters of scenic Ramzen. The perilous jungles and forests were teeming with unknown horrors, but I felt that was more to see hidden in its depths. Even the marshlands filled me with excitement. At the very least, there was new stuff there.

As much as I enjoyed my time in Xandria, they have a bit of a wasp problem. Everywhere you go, you run into the aggressive creeps. Them and spiders... There are a few creatures that hide in secret areas, but even they fear the aprocrita horde. When I first visited, there were also many armored knights, but I bet that issue was taken care of.

Finally, there is also the desert. It once was home to a powerhouse called Kefin. Kefin ruled this area 500 years ago with their magical abilities they dubbed alchemy. I learned some alchemy, but I didn't find it particularly useful. I'm sure it was stronger five centuries ago. I witnessed some of its potential, so I don't know why I questioned myself.

Several towns dot the land, and they're filled with strong, caring, and wise people. The lumberjacks in the forest are willing to put themselves in harm's way to save children (and then drink). So many people have so many stories and legends about the ancient kingdom. And they're all so welcoming and kind once they realize you're not a redhead recorded in said legends. The area has seen an influx of immigrants recently. Well, immigrants is the wrong word, but there's a good chunk of people who might seem a little odd. Cut them some slack; they're dealing with new stuff you can't understand. If you need sundries, tell Niena and Stein I sent ya! Help Feltd get out of their sand bath.

My time spent in Xandria was short. I wish I spent more time and got to know everyone better. The area taught me to hang around more, and I vowed to take in the scenery and customs better next time. I was a little headstrong, but Xandria deserved more of my time. I hope you stay a while."

-Adol Christin

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Story: bad. This is before Adol got a personality, and many of the bosses are just eh, especially the final one. And the story is so filled with holes and questions that I don't really care about. It relies on kidnappings a lot. And time paradoxes are never good. 4/10

Gameplay: at least it's amazing. Ys V was about gameplay over story. Sure, the magic system sucks, but the game is short, so it's easy to overlook. 10/10

Sound: Falcon Sound Team jdk! I don't know who made what in the ever moving team that writes for Falcom, but it's all very good. Action, relaxation, and somberness: it's all here. 10/10

Art: weird. I don't know if they're pallet swaps or just the same model, but every mob is used too many times. And I liked the effect that creates shadows in various dungeons, but it makes it hard to see. Otherwise, Ys V looks spectacular. 6/10

Charm: shout out to the translators. While the game is short and lacks a reason to replay it, Aeon Genesis did a great job of giving a few NPCs a fun personality. Willy is a playable character in my remake! 6/10

The only negative is the magic system. I would normally try to overlook it, but it feels like it should be a vital part of the game. Instead, it makes everything worse.

Add them all up, and Ys V: The Sands of Kefin gets a 34 out of 50. It may be a bad Ys game, but it's a perfectly average game. It's short and inoffensive, so there are worse ways to spend eight hours.

Ys VI is the next canonical game, but I think I need another short, traditional RPG first. And I think I know a lad.