About this game
Ys I & II, released for the PC Engine CD-ROM² on December 21, 1989, is one of the most historically significant games in the history of the medium. An enhanced compilation of Nihon Falcom's first two Ys action RPGs, originally released on the PC-8801 home computer, it was among the first video games to use CD-ROM technology — and what it did with that technology changed what games were understood to be. It featured voice acting, animated cut scene sequences, a Red Book CD audio soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro, and 24 minutes of voiced dialogue. It was the first CD-ROM RPG released in North America, and won Game of the Year from OMNI Magazine in 1990.
Key Features
Voice-acted dialogue — at a time when games had almost never featured the human voice. Animated cut scene sequences in the style of Japanese animation. A Red Book CD audio soundtrack with 41 music tracks composed and arranged by Yuzo Koshiro, Mieko Ishikawa, Hideya Nagata, and Ryo Yonemitsu. Enhanced graphics relative to the original PC-8801 versions. Action RPG gameplay in which the player character attacks by walking into enemies — the "bump system" of combat. Two complete RPGs on a single disc, covering the full story of Adol Christin's adventures in the land of Ys. Approximately 24 minutes of voiced character dialogue and 20 minutes of animated sequences.
The Story Behind
When Ys I & II released in Japan in December 1989, the CD-ROM² had been available for just over a year. Most of the library at that point was modest. Ys I & II was different. By using the full capacity of the CD format — the Red Book audio track, the storage for animated sequences, the space for voice data — Hudson Soft demonstrated that a game on CD-ROM could be a production as large, as emotionally coherent, and as technically sophisticated as anything in other media. The awards it received — OMNI Magazine Game of the Year, Electronic Gaming Monthly's Best RPG and Best Sound — reflected not just quality but genuine shock. Reviewers in 1990 wrote about the game as if describing a new category of entertainment. For the North American market, it was the first CD-ROM RPG, and it arrived carrying the argument for the CD format that the PlayStation would not make until 1994.
Tricks & Tales
The "bump system" — the original Ys combat mechanic in which Adol attacks simply by walking into enemies from the front or sides — was a deliberate design decision by Nihon Falcom to lower the barrier to entry for non-action-game players. Most RPG fans of the era were not used to arcade-style reflex gameplay; the bump system made combat feel natural without requiring twitch skills. The soundtrack by Yuzo Koshiro is considered one of the greatest in RPG history; his work on Ys I & II predates his Streets of Rage compositions by three years and already shows the compositional complexity that would define his career. The PC Engine CD-ROM² version was significantly enhanced from the original PC-8801 source material — the voice acting and animated sequences did not exist in the original.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Japan: Ys I & II (イースI・II) for PC Engine CD-ROM². North America: Ys Book I & II for TurboGrafx-CD (released 1990 by NEC). The North American version includes English voice acting featuring notable voice actors. Both versions require the CD-ROM² System Card. The Japan version is in Japanese; the North American version is in English with dubbed voice acting.
Maintenance Tips
Ys I & II is a CD-ROM² title — it requires the CD-ROM² System Card in the PC Engine to run. The disc uses Red Book audio tracks extensively; a disc with radial scratches in the audio track area may produce skipping or silence during music playback. Clean with a radial stroke from centre outward. The System Card (a HuCard) should also be maintained — clean the contacts with isopropyl alcohol. The manual and liner notes contain story context and are worth preserving; the music in this game is part of the experience.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
Memories from around the world
Be the first to share a memory of this game. When memories are approved, they will appear here — with reactions from players around the world.
This is where memories shared by players from around the world will appear. Coming in Phase 2.