Ys: The Vanished Omens

The hero Adol Christin charges at enemies and literally rams into them with his body instead of swinging a sword. This unusual combat system is the first thing you will remember about Ys: The Vanished Omens, and at the same time proof that in the eight-bit era an action RPG did not have to simply copy tried-and-tested formulas.

The Ys series was created by the Japanese studio Nihon Falcom, and this version for the SEGA Master System gave Western players one of their first encounters with the franchise. The story follows the adventurer Adol, who sets out to uncover the secrets of the ancient land of Ys and the lost sacred books. The world is full of towns, caves and towers, which you navigate in a top-down perspective reminiscent of early action RPGs.

The most characteristic element is the so-called bump combat system. Adol attacks by charging at an enemy, ideally slightly from the side, thereby avoiding his own injury and landing a blow. It may sound strange, but combined with gathering experience, better armor and spells, it creates a smooth, brisk flow of play that contrasts with the slower role-playing titles of the time. Boss fights are downright hectic and demand good reflexes.

Culturally, Ys: The Vanished Omens is important as a cornerstone of one of the longest-running role-playing series of all time. Thanks to it, Falcom became renowned for atmosphere, quality music and an emphasis on fast action - elements that have accompanied the brand to this day. The game came out on a number of platforms, and the Master System version was among those that helped bring Ys beyond the borders of Japan.

Today this game is valued as a historically significant title worth getting to know, not only for Falcom fans but for anyone who wants to see what an action RPG looked like in the days when the genre was still taking shape. Its briskness and distinctive combat model give it a timeless charm.

Why play: For the original bump combat system and to discover the roots of the legendary Ys series in one of its early, brisk forms on the Master System.