Battle of the Ports - Ys III: Wanderers from Ys (イースIII -ワンダラーズフロムイース-) Show 458 - 60fps

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Time Code
00:29 - NEC PC-8801
03:41 - MSX 2
05:12 - Sharp X68000
07:08 - PC Engine CD Rom
09:45 - Super Famicom
11:52 - Famicom
13:56 - Mega Drive
15:54 - PlayStation 2
18:13 - All versions running side by side
Enjoy!
#YsIII
#retrocore
#battleoftheports

[@SomeOrangeCat]

The dubbing studio for the PCE-CD version was Frontier Enterprises, who were responsible for some of the earliest English dubs of notable anime films. I suspected as much when I heard William Ross's voice as the narrator. He was the voice of Goemon(renamed Samurai) in their dub of Lupin the 3rd: Mystery of Mamo, as well as Zeda in their dub of "Captain Harlock: Arcadia of My Youth". Because they were based in Japan, a lot of their actors were either American expats living in Japan, or native Japanese who were decent enough English speakers. The latter is more apparent in performers like Patricia Kobayashi, the voice actress for Mamo's Fujiko(renamed Margo), who would say certain syllables with a decidedly Japanese inflection.

[@MaidenHell1977]

Wow, fascinating info!! Thanks for sharing!

[@cptwigglefuffle]

Source dude

[@SomeOrangeCat]

@@cptwigglefuffle The end credits for the US release are full of Frontier Enterprises alumni. So my source is the game itself.

[@SomeOrangeCat]

@@MaidenHell1977 Yup! Frontier's anime dubs were very niche. This was decades before the anime boom hit. In the case of Mystery of Mamo, it was intended as an in-flight movie. Theater owners could also rent it for limited showings. This was back in 1978, making it the very first English Dub of anything Lupin related. Its a pretty fascinating watch, and it's included on the Blu-ray along with the other three English dubs and the Japanese audio with English subtitles.

[@RetroCore]

Whereever they were based, they still had very low standards.

[@jonraymondchua2388]

I see Ys content, I click... I played the original Ys I & II due to the theory of where the character Adol was based from (a European legend I forgot).. only had the famicom verson of Ys III, but was not working well... Maybe someday I'll play it but for now, I'll let myself indulge with your BOTP. Did play some of thr new Ys games, but Ys III eluded me... Kudos again Mark!!!

[@TexasHollowEarth]

Such great music in this one! I still have my TurboGrafx CD copy, complete in box 😎👍

[@RetroTuna]

I have finished a few of the versions but was supprised with the megadrive version smooth scrolling and very good music best one i have played i enjoyed finishing it.

[@opa-age]

Genesis Y's 3: Music 10, Graphics 9, Gameplay 9.5, Overall 9. It's super underrated.

[@RetroCore]

I think so too 👍

[@ravager48]

"A battle tutorial in an Ys game...WTF!" That got me.

[@tsht]

Ys 1 battle tutorial : "Go straight to the ennemi with a 180° angle". Screen shows multiple angle calculations with trigonometric formulaes.

[@RetroCore]

It really is pathetic. This was an age when developers thought gamers were dumb and needed telling everything.

[@robertdanker6193]

Hahah got me too!😂😂

[@HPLins]

I asked you about this review a couple of years ago when you were focusing only on arcade portings. Glad you did it! Awesome game and maybe one of my favorites in the series :)

[@RetroCore]

I do eventually get around to doing the requests.

[@forcedfeedbackclassicgamer5499]

Never could get into this series, but you don't have to be a fan to fully appreciate just how well done that MD/Genesis port is.

[@RetroCore]

Indeed. Also to appreciate the music.

[@GamayObera]

The PS2 version looks like something that you could expect from a Sega Ages 2500 3D remake. Except the price, which was *6,090 Yen* back in the day.

[@SomeOrangeCat]

To quote "The Exasperated Gamer": This game is ASS!

[@weebnerdgaming4908]

Lol, Oath in Felghana must had been developed because of this very disaster. Otherwise, why would it be out in the same year?

[@RetroCore]

Yep, bloody awful.

[@RetroCore]

I still find that funny 😂

[@earlduran6419]

Yeah, it looks like a Sega Ages 2500 3D remakes were some of them are good while the majority of others are just bad and the PS2 version of Ys 3 is the latter. Now, when I think of Ys 3 on PS2 I would think of something like the acceptable and underwhelming remake of Monster World IV called Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World, the disastrous and glitchy remaster of Sonic Colours called Sonic Colours Ultimate, the much disastrous and controversial "remasters" of the GTA PS2 trilogy called Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy The Definitive Edition, and the divisive Pokémon Diamond and Pearl remakes that doesn't include the significant Pokémon Platinum additions and improvements called Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

[@NightSprinter]

I have to note, the original PC-88 version has some really good scrolling for the system, and has a LOT of colour compared to most PC-88 games. But man, this was my intro to the series, thanks to Nintendo Power's "Super NES Player's Guide".

[@AndrewAmbrose]

Good ol' Ys 3 Quite an underrated game, especially the PC Engine CD, TurboGrafx CD, and Sharp X68000 versions

[@AndrewAmbrose]

@Benjamin Jagun Not you again 😒

[@topofbones]

I need to play that Ys for the Megadrive. You convinced me. Excellent BotP, like always.

[@RetroCore]

Glad you liked it. I do recommend the Mega Drive version.

[@adamh7588]

What lovely music especially the x6800 and the PC Engine and the Megadrive

[@diebesgrab]

Can’t wait to see BOTP for Ys IV.

[@RetroCore]

It's won't be this week but sometime in the future.

[@DaveVoyles]

7:14 the opening for the PC Engine version is AMAZING. I love this soundtrack.

[@shotgunl]

Another great video, Mark. As I said, the Genesis version of Ys III was the first time I actually played a game in the series, and I still have to thank Nintendo for showing it off in the SNES Nintendo Player's Guide or I might not have ever rented it on the Genesis ha. And, I rented a lot of Genesis games, but this is one of just a handful that I went back and bought because affording to actually buy and owning copies of games at the time for me at the time. I really enjoy the Genesis version, but I do like the SNES version, just not as much. I don't have a copy of that one though, just played it years ago on the DOS version of ZSNES and then again once a few of years ago on the everdrive (and by "few", probably over a decade since I ordered my super everdrive almost as soon as Stoneage Gamer had them available here in 2010...). I've never played any of the other versions. This is my favorite entry in the series; however, since I've only played this and Ys I and II Chronicles+, so I don't have many in the series to compare to. Also, I just want to thank you again, Mark, for continuing to produce RetroCore/BotP. I believe, if I remember right, in just as year and some change, we'll be at the 20th anniversary of the first Retro Core video, and that's amazing. You should do a 20th anniversary episode where you take a look at and review your first episode or two or something along those lines.

[@RetroCore]

Wow, 20the anniversary of the Retro Core channel? Wow, how time flys. If I have time, it would be nice to do something special.

[@euphorik3120]

"time flys", not shit. ten years is like ten hours.

[@L2Nuku]

Great video again, I love the Mega Drive version.

[@tsht]

I know I will have to do the MD version ^^ To bad they didn't release a MCD version with PCE intro for instance.

[@RetroCore]

That would have been awsome .

[@Isoquant]

Really impressed with the Famicom port. Looks and sounds great!

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

I think the Famicom version has my favourite music.

[@RetroCore]

It's far better thannwhatni would have expected from such a late game.

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

@@tolani05 The Genesis version is just the best overall version where it has great graphics, smooth scrolling, and a great rendition of the soundtrack. I still prefer the NES soundtrack though. I actually wish that there was a way to get the PC88 version running with decent performance, because I really dig the way that PC88 games look and sound - but I just can't handle the technical limitations when it comes to scrolling.

[@euphorik3120]

love this episode. needed something nice today. ty

[@RetroCore]

Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@shiningphantasy1393]

The PCE version still has the edge when it comes to the OST and intermissions, but overall the Mega Drive has the most well-rounded version. There are a couple of more recent romhacks that further enhance the Mega Drive version; one refines the English script and enhances the visuals while the other is more of a re-balancing and makes the game a more streamlined and better optimized playthrough.

[@shiningphantasy1393]

@Benjamin Jagun Agreed about the SNES version; Ys and the SNES just didn't go very well together; the Tonkinhouse Mask of the Sun version of Ys IV on SNES was feeble and not worth playing compared to The Dawn of Ys variation on the PCE Super CD. While some people will consider Ys V to be the most oddball entry in the series it's a better game on SNES than either Wanderers or Mask of the Sun, and it's an exclusive for its generation; I can't comment on the PS2 remake of that.

[@RetroCore]

Nice, I need to check out this Mega Drive hack.

[@RetroCore]

I think the CD audio on the PC Engine version are great but the chip generated audio is lacking for sure.

[@shiningphantasy1393]

​@@tolani05 Yeah, it makes little sense that they would consider the worst of the three 16-bit ports to be the superior version when comparing it to the Mega Drive version. Perhaps they were predisposed to make that conclusion based on the strong and well-deserved reputation of JRPG's on the SNES, which in turn actually makes the SNES version an even bigger letdown. Maybe if they had incorporated some impressive mode 7 effects, the SNES expansive color palette to full effect, or utilized the sound chip to give a nice and loud, bombastic synth remix. But none of possibilities occurred. Like I mentioned Ys V is the only fairly good franchise entry on the SNES platform.

[@NightWolve75]

The Ys III PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 CD soundtrack has 2 of my favorite Ryo arrangements overall but I think Ys Book I & II still wins out both in quantity/quality. Sometimes however I've gone back'n'forth on favorites, began to appreciate Ys IV: Dawn of Ys holding up with several great tracks too. I don't plan on trying the Mega Drive ports, no interest.

[@TheBrokeDiggerGaming]

Bahaaha those PC engine vocals are so bad they are good 😂🎉

[@RetroCore]

Lol, I guess so. 😅

[@voteDC]

The only time I've played the game is through The Oath in Felghana remake. It's another of those games where I regret not playing the earlier versions first, as trying to go back now just doesn't make for a fun experience.

[@RetroCore]

That is a shame.

[@inklingex4433]

I sworn that I thought Taito of all people made a port of Ys III on the PS2, and this is what it turned out. But nope, it was actually the shovelware developer... Bruh

[@RetroCore]

Taito just published it. Shame on them.

[@madsceptictrooper6803]

​@@RetroCore Taito should have let Natsume or any other developer port Ys III to PS2.

[@DeskoDev]

The original Ys III is a fantastic game. I've only ever played the Mega Drive version myself, so it'll be interesting to see how these ports stack up. EDIT: Adding further thoughts as I watch the video: - PC88: Looks pretty nice. Not too familiar with the platform overall. - MSX2: It looks colorful indeed, but that doesn't look all that fun to play thanks to the framerate. I myself like FM and the PC-88 version sounds excellent imo, but the MSX soundtrack doesn't sound that bad. - X68k: Looks (and sounds) fantastic! - PCE: Oooh dang, the scrolling does look pretty rough. On the other hand, while I have seen better examples on the platform (Rondo of Blood), I've also seen much worse (Ninja Gaiden). Knowing that the console only has one background layer, it must've been tough to get it working. - SFC: No scrolling intro? Damn. That Mode 7 bit looks pretty silly too. Looks like it plays alright, though. - FC: Wow, didn't know this game got a Famicom port. Funny, it seems that aside from the scrolling intro and that first town cutscene, the console ports each seem to have completely different secondary intros. That red-haired Dogi sprite looks wrong though. - PS2: Oh. That PS2 version doesn't look great, but it doesn't look THAT ba- 17:20 17:35 EW, FLIP SCREEN SCROLLING I've heard the XP curve and enemy stats are different between some versions too, though that's not touched upon in the video. I wonder how they each fare in terms of balance. Overall, it looks like every port has at least something to offer.

[@RetroCore]

The ballence can change in versions as some offer diffent difficulty settings. I do beleive that they do all match at one of the settings though.

[@MiscFightVids]

Could have mentioned the Oath in Felghana. It's a great overhead remake of Ys III.

[@rockhyde7775]

Elena in the PS2 intro almost looks like an Alice Margatroid ripoff lol. Complete with that white and blue clothing, short blonde hair and a red headband minus the frills but no long tie or scarf or whatever. Not identical though but kind of similar.

[@antiqqque]

loved this episode. I agree the Famicom version is pretty charming

[@VirajKathwadia]

This is a game I am truly fond of. The trading town of redmont comes to visit me every year as an earworm.

[@RetroCore]

That's a nice earworm.

[@Charlie-Cat.]

More from the Y's series is A-Okay with me Mark. Keep it up bro. 8^) Anthony...

[@madsceptictrooper6803]

Ys III is basically Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, but better. I don't know why but it seems like Ys III was probably going to be ported to Amiga and Atari ST by Factor 5 or Loriciel. That could explain why Jim Power has "that one certain music track from Ys III". The Mega Drive port being a really good game by Telenet Japan would have been far more believable if it was by Wolfteam. But surprisingly, it's actually by Telenet Japan themself. The SNES/SFC port could have been much better if it was handled by Natsume or Factor 5. Just like how everyone else has said, the FC port is really good for a 8-bit port. The PC Engine CD could have been better off without that fake parallax scrolling. The PS 2 port could have been the ultimate port of Ys III, but the developers had to screw it up. They could have at least made the background layers scroll, but they didn't for some reason.

[@RetroCore]

Right, you get it about Telenet Japan. They were awful for the most part. Their only saving grace was Wolf Team. Their other teams / divisions were not very good such as Riot and Telenet themselves. It's amazing they produced the goods with Ys III.

[@WMARUoriginal]

Wow never knew the game came out for the famicom and mega drive. Looks like there is an English patch for the mega drive so this might be the time for me to finally play Ys III!

[@shiningphantasy1393]

Wanderers from Ys was localized for the Genesis/Mega Drive officially so you don't really need a patch, but there are a couple of enhancement patches available out there which appear to further optimize the experience, including one with a better re-localized English script. If I play it in this day and age I'd go with one of those.

[@GeovaneSanciniSR]

Ys III is a game that is very dearly to me, since it was my introduction to the series, and one of the FEW retro games that I have a CiB (and got for a very cheap price). It almost made me throw my SNES controller on the wall, but I finished it. As a fun (but not so fun after playing the game) fact, there is a bootleg Famicom version of the Ys III remake (Oath in Felghana) made in China (of course), but the game is brutally hard and you will probably die on your first battle.

[@RetroCore]

Man, it's hard enough as it is.

[@Colin_Ames]

If I get around to trying this game I’ll go for the Famicon version, as you said the enemies are easier to kill, and there’s less of them. I need all the advantages I can get!

[@Kumimono]

Sometimes wondered, why these games often have some terms in plain English in menus and such, Sword, Shield; Ring and Gold in the main screen.

[@RetroCore]

It's purely a stylistic choice.

[@pcachu]

That SFC port is a tragic collection of questionable choices. The fact that they somehow made the Item Get fanfare sound comically thin is just the cherry on top.

[@SomeOrangeCat]

"A tragic collection of questionable choices." Golden Corral's newest slogan!

[@randy7894]

Aah yes. Time to pay a visit to wowroms again.

[@blutryforce762]

I think another Falcom game that would be cool to see on BotP would be Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure. It's a very charming game you might like.

[@RetroCore]

I've not heard about that one before. Something to check out.

[@GlenLehane]

I'm not familiar with the Y's series, just enjoying BOTP. But one the voice actors on the PCE-CD version- the voice for the guy with the purple suit- sounds like the voice for the "strong" officer in Samurai Warriors 2. If it is that's 15 years apart

[@RetroCore]

It wouldn't surprise me if it was the same person. Voice actors do tend to stay with the job for quite the time.

[@himuradrew]

Oath in Felghana is one of the best action rpgs I've ever played. I've bought and rebought it so many times and I'm going to be buying the upcoming Switch release too. 👍

[@shiningphantasy1393]

Yes it is, and also with one of the most amazing OST's; playing that game loud with premium over the ear headphones or with a high end system is the way to go. It was a great decision by Falcom to rework the Ys 3 story and make Oath.

[@LordKaiser003]

I was unfortunate enough to have the SNES version localized in the American continent by Sammy Corporation. But I sold it back then for $20 USDs to a friend that wanted it so badly.

[@RetroCore]

I bet it would sell for much more now.

[@LordKaiser003]

@@RetroCore Yeah, the market got destroyed here thanks to WataGames and the virus. I still see this guy so I will tell him about the current price.

[@zanegandini5350]

I have to agree, the Genesis version is by far the best-looking and playing version aside from maybe the X68k port it was based on. I haven't ever played the X68k version for myself though. The Famicom port is honestly way better than it has any right to be, honestly it's my preferred version due to being less merciless than the others. It plays well and the chiptunes are excellent, quite surprising seeing as how bad the first Ys on the Famicom was. The scrolling on the PCE-CD version is so bad that I think it would have been better off without it, after all, the compromise made the Famicom version run very smooth. The SFC version is okay, but the music is really drenched in reverb.

[@matttheshadowman2790]

You do see one of the biggest problems Nihon Falcom has here. Being a small developer means relying heavily on others for your ports. Now this can work out, having Durante (famous for fixing the PC version of Dark Souls) and his team at PH3 work on many Falcom titles nowadays means getting fabulous ports of stuff like the Crossbell Trails games on PC and the Switch.

[@KorenLesthe]

Really like the fact that the Volcano level inspired Chris Huelsbeck for Jim Power and years later, Yuzo Koshiro did a Jim Power orchestration for Chris Huelsbeck at Symphonic Shades ^^

[@RetroCore]

So you noticed that too 😅

[@홍상수]

역시 최고의 이스3는 메가드라이브판 이죠. 저 역시 가장 좋아하는 3탄 입니다.

[@RetroCore]

메가드라이브 버전도 제 취향입니다

[@mightyfilm]

As for the PC CD Rom voice acting, I really think back then game developers said to themselves, "having video games talk back to people will blow their minds so much, they won't care we couldn't be arsed to pay for professional actors and just gave an extra bagel to a couple interns to do one take line reading." That said, I'll agree. That Sega soundtrack slaps. I never had a strong preference for the SNES sound chip or the Genesis one, and felt that it depends on the game and the sound designers. In the wrong hands, the Genesis sounds tinny, sure, but when you get someone that understands the system, they can make it SING!

[@sugarhieroglyph]

14:57 good GAWD!!! THIS!! THIS RIGHT HERE!!! Any of you aspiring to video game music creation this 15:28 and the first are the pinnacle of AWESOME!!!

[@hikaruk.981]

I've been waiting for this one~

[@RetroCore]

Hope you liked the video.

[@chriswaters834]

The Genesis/Mega Drive version is indeed the best

[@sugarhieroglyph]

I wish the new Ys games had wicked music like this, the new ones just have like the most generic "epic rock" soulless music available. Like they showed an Ai the original game and said make this modern.

[@NisseDood]

Falcom games overall feels more soulless than before. Even the trails series started to feel generic with cold steel. Ys peaked with Oath in Felghana and Trails peaked with Zero/Azure.

[@silverfoenix]

Ys 3 has One of the GREATEST OST's OF ALL TIMES! although I had it when Ys: The Oath in Felghana came out by XseeD, non the less PC-Engine CD sounds great! What Ys game has the best OST? I would say 3 & origin share the first spot.

[@RetroCore]

I do think Ys 3 sounds great but I also have a soft spot for part 1.

[@euphorik3120]

i picked up Ys 3 for only like 5 bucks or something at a video rental store. i guess they were games not much rented so they would sell em, idk but i kept seeing it in the bin and looking at it so thought what the heck. love the music and to this day still never got around to actually playing it through. whoever rented it before though left their saved points, ha. after ya said the S.N.E.S. version is an all around good game i figured then the Gen must be about the same in your opinion but huh, i thought they were about the same not having much played the S.N.E.S. version. i tend to somewhat agree with you about those graphics on the PS2 version, the unnecessary annoying overkill fireworks though, that usually annoys me about games.

[@cliffbogard9546]

While i do understand some of the hate this game gets just like Zelda 2 I love it even if Oath is a better version the genesis & Turbo CD versions are still great. Gonna have to try out the original 8 bit versions down the road though

[@arcadianlhadattshirotsughW33Z]

"and what a great soundtrack it is"... yeah.. it is.. i still am used to the mega drive/ genesis port.. and its still really good..edit: "cheap looking modern look and a lame ass battle tutorial in an Y's game"... yep.. i know..

[@laumpolumpio]

There are also Windows 95/98 versions of YS, with Roland SC-88 support for the music.

[@DeskoDev]

Pretty sure that's the remake, if I'm not mistaken.

[@NisseDood]

@@DeskoDev Oath in Felghana didnt come out until 2005 and everyone used windows xp then. But I tried searching and cant find any information of an actual Windows release of Wanderers from ys.

[@DeskoDev]

@@NisseDood Pretty sure they meant Ys I (Eternal specifically), not Ys III.

[@NisseDood]

@@DeskoDev Maybe. I just guessed he meant ys 3 since this video was about it.

[@Borh7777]

You are hard with Telenet, they made some very good games, like Gaiares or the remake of the first Valis on the PC Engine. I am not sure if Ys III was developed in house by telenet or outsourced. According to Segaretro, it was developed by Riot which was a part of telenet. But according to Wikipedia and gamefaqs, it was developed by Tonkin House, which was external developer.

[@madsceptictrooper6803]

Tonkin House is the publisher of the SNES port in Japan and wasn't involved with the Mega Drive port.

[@Borh7777]

@@madsceptictrooper6803 thanks

[@RetroCore]

Telenet made hundreds of games with most being rather poor. There are a few stand out titles such as Gaiares as you mentioned and Wolf Team made some good stuff but concidering their entire output there games are just a fraction of what the company released.

[@RedRanger2001]

The Super Nintendo version of Ys 3 was the one that most people played... I know the PC Engine CD version was released in the US, but the CD-Rom drive for the Turbografx-16 was prone to malfunction...

[@RetroCore]

The snes version does sound pretty bad.

[@rockmanhunter]

Yeah! More Ys. Still one of my favorite game series.

[@govir19]

The music of this game in the SEGA MD version reminds me a lot of Thunder Force 3/4 by far the best. I still couldn't get through it, it's quite a difficult RPG. The ps2 version looks like a mobile one

[@RetroCore]

It sure does. The PS2 version really looks horrible.

[@Idelacio]

Soundtrack to this game is great stuff, so many versions and remakes too! As a game I find the difficulty to be pretty cheap and the story is a bit simplistic.

[@RetroCore]

The key to success is to grind a lot before even taking on the second part of the mine cave. At least reach level 3.

[@Pai3000]

Excellent episode!

[@RetroCore]

Thanks!

[@tidepoolclipper8657]

Aside from the music still managing to be solid and Adol being there, Ys3 in its non-remake forms failed to be a proper continuation. The only Ys3 that feels like it properly belongs in the series would be The Oath in Felghana. The closest Wanderers from Ys has come to being all that great outside of the remake would have to be the Sega Genesis version.

[@jamesburchill7522]

I think this is another one of those instances where Ys existed in the US, but drew little fanfare. Well. Aside from Joe Redifer frome Gamesack. I never got the whole collision based combat, but I do appreciate the visuals ans sound design.

[@shiningphantasy1393]

It got more praise on the Turbografx due to unique highlights of the fully voiced intermissions and the CD quality, excellent OST, as the first game was a premium release at the time for the Turbo CD. It was more of a niche but passionate following however as the Turbografx didn't have much of an installed customer base compared to Sega and Nintendo. Wanderers From Ys followed and still drew interest but the drastic change in design was discouraging to some, and on Genesis and SNES it didn't stand out as much and there were other similar games you would rather throw your money at.

[@jamesburchill7522]

@@shiningphantasy1393 Like Super Hydlide!

[@shiningphantasy1393]

@@jamesburchill7522 Heh, well I did trudge through that one (Super Hydlide) and for what its worth it got better as it went along; I'd go with Sword of Vermillion for an early second-tier Genesis JRPG.

[@RetroCore]

Joe sure does enjoy his Ys games.

[@shiningphantasy1393]

​@@tolani05 Yes, that is true, however the CD music and anime cutscenes were exotic and a big highlight back then that could only be realized on the Turbo-CD version, even when the English acting wasn't particularly good. The Turbografx version also was released first without 16-bit competition for a modest period, and had that key association to the excellent Ys 1 and 2 on the same platform, so that is another advantage that it had. Considering the build of the Ys games that were made for the Turbo-CD before (Ys 1 and 2) and what was coming after (Dawn of Ys) it's easy to see why enthusiasm for the game fizzled out pretty quickly after release and reviews, and I think that affected the viability of eventual game versions on the other platforms also. If you were already familiar with the game by the time the Mega Drive and SNES versions were localized it's just kind of "Oh, it's just Ys III". Looking at it retroactively though the Mega Drive is the best and most well-rounded version. If I listen to an OST however, it will be the Turbo CD or the Oath in Felghana OST before anything else.

[@gargonovich]

How Tonkin House got the rights for Ys 4 after the SNES version of 3 is absolutely baffling to me. At least they switched devs on that one. If you could take the PCE CD music and difficulty and combine it with the MD's visuals, I think that's about as good as Ys 3 could get. Thank god for Oath in Felghana, then, because that combination would still only be a pretty weak entry in the franchise.

[@carlosaugustodinizgarcia3526]

@Metalchip1989 the Mega CD version of Ys IV was in development but was scrapped.

[@Isoquant]

In contrast with every other 16 bit version, Tonkin House used a meager 4 megabit ROM for the SFC port. Frankly surprised it looks and sounds as good as it does.

[@RetroCore]

That's a shame.

[@Isoquant]

@Benjamin Jagun Yes, it used a *full* 8mb of ROM.

[@NightWolve75]

Re: [Felghana] such an amazing remake of Ys III, couldn't believe my eyes at the time!

[@sugarhieroglyph]

11:25 guy, this music is SIIIIIIIIIIIICK.

[@ParanoiaDragon]

Hopefully someday we'll find out what happened with the programming side of things of the PC Engine version, because I've seen far better attempts at parallax then that. The first Legend of Xanadu game, programmed by Falcom themselves is a great example of smooth parallax on the PCE. There are some instances in Ys 3 where there's smooth parallax but they're few and far between. Alpha System has done some good games, though I will note that the little bit of parallax in the PC Engine version of Ys 2(also Alpha System) doesn't animate(using dynamic tiles I would guess) at the correct speed making it look jerky, it's only one or two instances in the bell tower, so no one ever mentions it. And from what I remember in Ys 4, where there is parallax, it's nice and smooth. As the PC Engine homebrew scene ever so gradually grows, this is one game I'm hoping to see hacked to make all the needed improvements and push it to its limits. Or perhaps more realistically, have Ys 3 rebuilt using the HuSlayer engine once thats's finished and available to the public homebrew scene.

[@MedIevalCyrax-x5v]

I grew up on the Super Nintendo port.

[@TurboXray]

"The original tops the pc-engine scrolling". Okay, seriously Mark? The original PC-88 is like 6-8fps -scrolling ,gameplay, etc. The PC-Engine version scrolling is faster than 8fps, and also main character controls are 60fps (movement/response/etc). Anyone who's played the original PC-88 version knows exactly what I'm talking about. Nothing beats the PCE CD OST though - it really makes the game amazing. Not even the remake(s) can beat the PCE CD OST. Also, the Super Nintendo version runs lower res than the PCE and MD versions.

[@RetroCore]

I'm on about the parallax. Look at the parallax in Redmont on the PCE then the PC88. The PCE looks much worse.

[@TurboXray]

@@tolani05 Maybe the town music haha. There's no way it beats that CD sound track. You'd have to be total FM bias fanboy to think otherwise.

[@solarflare9078]

@@TurboXray CD quality /=/ better. I much prefer the beefier sounding MD music

[@TurboXray]

@@solarflare9078 I think you mean =/= (doe s not equal). Of course CD does not automatically mean it's better- just that it's capable of being better. Look, if you prefer the characteristics of an inferior sound chip rendition to the amazing arranged sound track of the PCE CD version... then that's your choice. I mean, people also prefer NES chip tunes to YM2612 tunes too. Whatever tops your cake. But "beefier"... I think you need to qualify that statement hahah

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

Oh hai Doggy!

[@RyuHayabusa06]

I have to disagree about the PS2 port. I really enjoyed it although it was way too easy. I've been a huge Ys fan for over 30 years and I've beaten nearly all of them including countless ports from the first up to Ys IX, and I think this one deserves more credit than it gets.

[@RetroCore]

It looks horrible and changed around so much. Maybe if it as someone's first time with Ys 3, I can see it being enjoyable but I'd rather play the Mega Drive version.

[@RyuHayabusa06]

@@RetroCore I think it looks quite nice for the most part. Looks like it was hand painted. The original Ys III wasn't the prettiest game either. I didn't mind the changes. There wasn't anything drastic. I like the MD version. I own it along with the MSX2, FC, SFC, and SNES ports not to mention Oath in Felghana on the PSP and Windows.

[@joseagripino8664]

I remember being really disappointed with the PS2 version, we deserved better.

[@lorddalek]

Well "better" came out a few months later. It just wasn't on the PS2.

[@joseagripino8664]

@@lorddalek was it on PC?

[@diskyboy86]

I'm not crazy about this game. I prefer top down RPG's and if I were to play a side scrolling one, I prefer Zelda II and Wonder Boy III - The Dragon's Trap. My favorites are the SNES and Mega Drive, both have cool remixes of the music, though I do admit the SNES' instrument quality can be a little cheap at times (I f$$$ing hate the SNES trumpet, and this is coming from someone who loves the Mega Man X soundtrack) On a side note, my god the PC Engine CD struggles hard with this game. Why would they choose recreating parallax over having a smooth game with detailed backgrounds? Yeah as far as ports go it's not close, the Mega Drive, SNES and X68000 wipe the floor here.

[@diskyboy86]

Also, I'm just noticing this, but why in the hell does every console version keep the border, like guys this isn't the Amiga you can't do that. It would've been nice seeing the playing field in a higher resolution, I mean sure we can on the PS2, but like no, why there's no actual version of Ys III that plays without a border?

[@RetroCore]

I guess they keep the boarder as that was the style of game. The PS2 version looks odd without it I think.

[@SilentRealm6677]

I wonder when will be Xak review

[@RetroCore]

I tried playing that on Falcom Classics for the Saturn. I had no idea what was going on 😅

[@JustPeasant]

What's funny here is that intro text is in English, but in-game dialogues are in kanji? 🇯🇵🤨

[@RetroCore]

Options are in English too. It's very odd but not too uncommon with Japanese games.

[@baddealrage]

Just completed the mega drive version (Renewal hack). I had fun completing the game, soundtrack is amazing. (Same as the one in the intro) But I think there is no perfect ports for this one unfortunately. Most of the bosses in mega drive are flat out broken where it is more about who got the gear and who shot first. At first glance the PC-Engine seem way more balanced. It is not true for all bosses but same story for the music, some arrangements are better in the PC-Engine. If you don't mind losing parallax scrolling, I would bet PC-Engine would have a little edge on boss designs, cutscenes and overall game experience. It is one of the firsts 2d side scroller RPG, so many mechanics or good boss design are missing. Quite unfortunate since YS II and YS IV did quite a mastery on the bump system bosses and this one on the mega drive it is lacking a little bit of "good gameplay designs" for my taste.

[@adneybr]

At least the PS2 has one positive thing: It doesn't have the auto-attack! 😅

[@RetroCore]

Lol, I guess that's a positive in some respects.

[@thrillington2008]

PC8801 is a great sounding fm soundtrack despite choppy visuals. MSX2 is worthy port. X68K is silky smooth. Turbo CD is a waste of time. SNES is meh, then again it's an early title. NES is very good despite being scaled back. Genesis is the best action rpg that's not Crusader of Centy, Landstalker, Beyond Oasis or Light Crusader. PS2 is horrid. I remember that it's a complicated history with the franchise.

[@RetroCore]

The PS2 version is a crappy mobie game on the big screen,😂

[@renereyes2648]

I think you were to critical on the SNES and PS2 ports. The SNES version was my inteo to the series and i honestly like the instrumentation o the SNES better than Genisis/MD imo. The PS2 port looks fine and the animation frames look great, i dont see the issue with the tutorial lots of RPGs back then har them not a huge deal.

[@weebnerdgaming4908]

I wonder if the PS2 "port" was the catalyst of the far superior Oath in Felghana?

[@RetroCore]

Nah, I think that was the start of the mobile phone look.

[@MrNightshade2010]

i think capcom got the same voice company for the OG resident evil lol 🤣 you know I've always wonderd about no 2 tho I had the first one on the SMS and the 3rd for the snes but waited for the 2nd one that never came out except for the tg 16 cd

[@RetroCore]

I guess because 2 was very similar to one, it went unpublished on most systems.

[@Midekai]

I first played the SFC version, but wow the mega drive release looks so much better. Same with the 68k one too. So much nostalgia with this one.. But wow I had no idea they tried to fart out a ps2 release.. It feels like a totally different and even sluggish game. The presentation suffers immensely, and the fact that they changed the combat completely ruins the design of Ys from a gameplay standpoint.

[@geoserenity]

I'll take the psp remake any day tho. Really must finish that some day...

[@RetroCore]

Is that the same as the PS2 version?

[@geoserenity]

@@RetroCore I believe the psp version was called YS: The Oath in Felghana.T PSP had a version of all the older YS games apart from YS 5, which i'm not sure actually had an english release

[@spacefractal]

hey, this game doesent feature fullscreen in any ports? Why the border in the 16 bit console ports? Should look like the NES one, if you ask me. btw im does not comment on the gameplay wise as im not playing this kind of games, so the comment was only meant for the asbent of fullscreen, as you oftren complians that, hihi.

[@RetroCore]

It's down to the style. There is no reason why the PC Engine, Mega Drive or SNES versions can't be full screen.

[@grk70s]

from YS1 to YS3, no Ys2?

[@RetroCore]

Y's 2 is too much like Ys 1. I didn't want to play through something so similar 8 or so times again.

[@grk70s]

@@RetroCore Well yes but there is a slight difference with the magic system in 2. Makes it feel a little like a run and gun. Will you review Ys4?

[@net_news]

Wow It's very similar to Zeliard!!!

[@gargonovich]

Zeliard is a gem! I wish more people knew about it.

[@net_news]

@@gargonovich it was amazing back in the day!!! Those anime-like graphics was something very unusual in a PC game.

[@ArtemisL]

Battle of the Ports Johnny Bazookatone (ジョニー・バズーカ)

[@RetroCore]

Oh my, that's such a bad game. Aren't there just two versions? PlayStation and Saturn? Edit, looks like there's a DOS release as well.

[@ArtemisL]

@@RetroCore is as 3DO too

[@SERGEY_LIGHTNING]

WHEN WILL QUALITY 720 ?

[@RetroCore]

What? The video is 1080p 60fps so there should also be a 720p 60fps option.

[@SERGEY_LIGHTNING]

@@RetroCore you have LOW quality graphics of games

[@solarflare9078]

@@SERGEY_LIGHTNING If you want blurry filtered "HD" games, you'll find none of that crap here

[@MahmoudEhab2023]

how about making a botp about dragon quest?

[@RetroCore]

All in good time.

[@Alianger]

How come you skipped Ys II?

[@RetroCore]

I'll get to that one in the future 👍

[@Alianger]

@@RetroCore Looking forward to it!

[@SilentRealm6677]

xak may be good but i think ee need Ys II first

[@JoystickVersusMachine]

I’m surprised you liked the sfc version so much. The horns in the audio pretty much ruin it, and the atrocious hit boxes and insane spawn points make it unfair, especially near the end. I would have to argue that the X68000 version is slightly better than the MD, though. The MD has some nicer redrawn sprites, but it’s mostly based off of the X68k version which has a much nicer color palette, and an overall nicer FM arrangement. I think everyone agrees on that PS2 version, though. Oof.

[@RetroCore]

Yeah, the SFC version does sound bad. It's the worst of the 16bit entries for sure. But you're correct in thinking the PS2 is the worst of the lot.

[@Chris-Courage]

That Snes soundtrack is so meh. The megadrive soundtrack is really good and it would be my 2nd favorite version. Still can't top the PCE CD soundtrack though.

[@RetroCore]

The PC Engine chip tracks are very lackluster. The CD stuff is great thought. Still, the MD is the best sounding out of all the chip renditions I think.

[@Chris-Courage]

@@RetroCore It's all personal preference. I prefer the PCE chip tunes. They just sound cleaner.

[@kdash2k19]

Miss PSP port.

[@rafaellima83]

I'm nearly sure the MSX version is updating the whole game area all the time, so there's no reason to nix the parallax :D