Ys Book I & II - The Ultimate Review For a Newcomer | Clayton Morris Plays

Ys Book I & II deserves our attention as a landmark game in JRPG history. In this video, Clayton Morris talks about his journey completing this classic game.
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[@ClaytonMorris]

Check out Johnny's great channel right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q568iZifrqmfocU

[@HappyConsoleGamer]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it!!

[@kxr842]

There's nothing better than relaxing with a good Retro game. It takes you back to the good old days when life was much simpler and the world was less crazy.

[@tangreen7267]

Yep. But the older I get, the harder it is to do.

[@HereticHydra]

The music was composed by the legendary Yuzo Koshiro. Most famous for his Streets of Rage osts. I'm shocked that he never became a household name. Even his symphonic orchestrated osts are legendary, like the two Actraiser games.

[@yvk_2000]

While that's correct, the main reason the music of the Turbo Duo versions of these games was praised was because of Ryo Yonemitsu's arrangements of Koshiro's base compositions (on the PC-88, which have a somewhat different feel to them, in part due to being chip music). Ys I-IV all have great music. But it's with Ys III that you get to hear the best composer of Falcom: Mieko Ishikawa. Her compositions coupled with Ryo Yonemitsu's arrangement for the Turbo Duo resulted in a god-tier soundtrack.

[@xmaverickhunterkx]

He's great, and particularly good in the sound part of his music, but other than putting his name everywhere, he's pretty much like any other good Japanese composer.

[@ArtFenixAsordis]

I'm still playing Ys VIII. :) Nice, you got Johnny's T-Shirt))

[@snoozeyoulose9416]

Ys is an excellent series. Falcom has been continuing development on new Ys titles and you've just reminded me to get back to finishing Ys origin on Steam for PC. One can play a modernized and updated version of Ys 1 and 2 on Steam for PC with "Ys I & II Chronicles". Still has the classic bump combat. The latest Ys installment is Ys 9 Monstrom Nox and Falcom branched into the updated series Legend of Heroes which initially started with Dragon Slayer released on multiple platforms back in 1989 with English release, not returning to a Western release till 2011 with Legend of Heroes Trails in the Sky. Trails in the Sky started off on PSP to then being updated on the PS3 and the series can alos be found on Steam PC through publisher Xseed Games. Another great series that Falcom has continued to bring forward.

[@thenonexistinghero]

Music definitely contributes a lot to my enjoyment of a game. The games I like to replay the most also all have a stellar soundtrack. Even games with meh or mediocre gameplay or simply tedious parts of games can actually be fun because of the music. Meanwhile, the lack of good music can make even good games feel like a drag. Also good to see reviews from someone who seems to truly understand gaming, even the appeal of retro games and the good/purpose of mechanics that are now considered to be bad or outdated.

[@ddaodao9332]

Thanks for the awesome video. I still remember my dad bought me tbcd with ys1&2 in the 90.

[@OtterloopB]

Ys VIII, hands down, is one of the greatest video games I've ever played. Not just one of the greatest RPGs, but video games. Ys VIII is about as perfect as you can get. All the side activities feel cohesive and never feel akin to Ubisoft bloat. The main cast is immensely likeable. The gameplay is SO MUCH FUN with its lightning fast combat and fun traversal. The exploration is always fulfilling. The story is layered and mysterious. And the music is just incredible. If you like Ys Books I and II... you HAVE to play VIII. It's a true video game treasure.

[@ragmanx6256]

I played the Steam version of these games a few years ago, and they were quite remarkable. Didn't know much about the series past YS Origin (Which i LOVE), and at first the tackling combat felt so weird with a bit of a learning curve, but it quickly became a very memorable experience.

[@kumrogames]

Awesome to hear you finished it! Such an awesome game for sure! I hid small references to Ys in Sydney Hunter for the switch to show the impacts the Ys series has had on me over the decades!

[@CoyotePark]

Completely out of the blue to see Clayton in this theme/context 😄 totally unexpected and interesting :))

[@jayesun3420]

Great shirt, and killer episode, subscribed 😊

[@LBCAndrew]

Wow... i would have never imagined in a million years Clayton Morris playing one of my all time favorite games that came on a console hardly anyone owned. I was one of the few who paid out the $200 for the TG16 and another $400 for the CD-Rom drive. Ys 1 & 2 was one of the most groundbreaking games ever. First game with a full redbook OST, first game with voice acting, first game with animated cut scenes. I unfortunately sold off my TurboCD and Turbo Duo long ago but i still have the original disc for Ys book 1 and 2.

[@rallycsx]

Holy crap Clayton!!! I loved that game and I have such fond memories of it. I have never met someone that has played it🎉 Thank you for the trip down memory lane❤

[@Nick_Leo777]

This little video has sold me totally on Y's🎉, I'm firing up the mini console 👍

[@drowningin]

I love the Ys games. The first time I played these two I was a little put off by the bump combat, but I came to love it. These two are the games I play on my phone while waiting somewhere. I really enjoyed the newer Ys Origins. That game is one of the most addictive games I’ve ever played

[@Name-zo3fm]

I never figured you for a gamer. Makes me respect you 1000% more.

[@FancyActionNow]

Well, Clayton gets some Gaming Street Cred. Switch Collection is Impressive, too. About 100 titles behind him Choice.

[@patrickwhitfield4767]

Hey Mr Clayton sir good afternoon to you and your family man so glad you doing great and well you and your family love the greatest times of all the funniest video games you can play like all Nintendo games and great times when you was a kid a teenager and a young adult in college playing some of the video games. I remember of those greatest video games throwbacks of the past I enjoyed playing them all amazing games I loved all of Mario games and Nintendo systems since the early 90S something I would never forget fun times one day I am going too get the video games and rebuy them all over again and play them for fun in my spare time on my off days and just too keep me moving around the house. Thanks so much Mr Clayton sir for sharing this awesome greatest video with us all appreciate you Happy Sunday afternoon too you and your family and you enjoy your wonderful day and evening a a wonderful start too your work week this week coming 😃😃👍👏🙌🙌.

[@TanukiDigital]

Dragon Warrior 1 probably my favorite game of all time man!

[@DarkMikaruX]

This was the very first RPG I ever played, loved and completed all 3. Ys 4 was PC Engine only I think at the time but I didn't get a chance to play it. The sound track still one of the best ever made!

[@JoshCzoski]

WOW man after my own heart here! I played Ys for the first time when it came out on the Wii Virtual Console which was some time ago but also quite a while after its original release of course. It IS an amazing game, and it's extremely high on quality of life features like the ability to save anywhere. One thing I miss so much about classic games is how succinct they are. Not that it has to be short, but trimmed fat. Ys is arguably TOO lean, but then, that's where we used our imagination. Today's games are usually so bloated. Ys truly stood the test of time! It's awesome to see you enjoyed it and appreciate it for what it really is, and these kinds of games deserve to be seen not just for what was possible "at the time" but even as timeless art. Preach it! :D Also, I have the Turbografx mini and I'm so grateful that I didn't fry it. I carefully researched what power supply I got: outrageous that they didn't just include it with the mini console given that you could actually destroy the thing by using the wrong power supply (this isn't even a problem for the other mini consoles). But I recommend checking out a slew of other greats on the Turbografx and CD. "Gate of Thunder" is the SECOND best game on that system after Ys Book I & II.

[@tommiegun1980]

Great games clayton, Really love the game channel😉... And huge fan of redacted of course.. Greetz and best wishes for you and your family👍

[@ClaytonMorris]

Much appreciated!

[@jeffrey2003]

Reminds me of ye’ old days when I cracked open a fresh release of Lord British’s Ultima III - Exodus. 8 bit heaven. Clean living.

[@ThumbdownMan]

When I retire, I don't care, I want to play video games all day.

[@baddealrage]

I also started YS series last year (books on the PC Remastered verison). YS IV on TurboGraph is an absolute masterclass of the bump system, environnement and the musics are my favorites on this one. I haven't tryed the "modern" releases yet.

[@Jarine-hunter]

Music is great for these games. One of the best for music I believe is Octopath traveler.

[@redsyrup1138]

Ys is a great series! Glad to see the review!

[@Ashen2501]

2:19 - in Russia we had same Famicom clones called Dendy Junior. It was a damn good times without Nintendos blatant copyrasting....

[@elmeric7086]

Very good. The music is so awesome. Same as you, I played the american FinalFantasy, DragonQuest and Phantasy Star. The older Ys are up there and I can't wait to play them.

[@EpicSalokin]

Colour me shocked!!!! The Redacted Guy has a gaming channel. I am stunned, and its great content too. Amazing to see this @ClaytonMorris. (Long Applause+Standing Ovation)

[@ClaytonMorris]

Thanks so much!

[@lrd233]

One of my favourite games , totaly obscure in europe ( i palyed it first time on a snes emulator ) . Music and artwork created a mystifying atmosphere which unfortunately is very difficult to find in modern games Bumb combat seems simplistic and rough initially ,but i came to really appreciate it because it made the action really fast ( a good comparison is with ys 5 which has conventional combat and feels REALLY slow ) It s also great that you mentioned Johny , his initial Ys video was one of my main sources many years back when i started exploring the series ( actually i discovered his channel from that video ).

[@RetroGamingNook]

Glad you were able to finally play through the TG-16 version, especially on a physical disc. It's impressive you have that ability to take yourself back to the days when it came out and realize how special this game was/is. I wonder if you spent as much $$$ today as some of us spent back in the early '90s to play it considering the CD attachment alone was originally $400? Probably close. I used to separate the TG-16 CD player and connect PC speakers to play the Ys soundtrack to fall asleep for several months after getting it. I got everything I could out of that game back then, it's in my top 5 of all time. Here's to you, Johnny Millenium, and BitHead1000... just a few of us many Ys fans.

[@hepwo91222]

I got the CD attachment for $150 in 1992 as by then the Turbografx-16 was getting heavily discounted. I was like the only kid in my neighborhood that had one.

[@ClaytonMorris]

Fortunately I didn’t spend much money at all to buy it. Considering what a classic game it is.

[@JesseConsopolus]

u sir need to be introduced to the world of emulators....... can play literally every game. great vid!!

[@_Nephaelim]

I remember my brothers and I playing on our Turbo Grafix 16 back in the 90s. The series has come a long way since then. Have you played Ys VIII, Lacrimosa of Dana? It's so good and Ys X should be out soon... dood!

[@skylercogburn6553]

Am I getting schooled on video games from Clayton Morris? Heck yes I’m in

[@jeremybrocknblue5593]

Beat Ys when I was a little kid….it was great

[@ogsegasteve9430]

Clayton Morris, a gamer? A retro gamer? Maybe even retro collector? And what about wifey...she down with the sickness? So yeah...didnt see that coming. Dont know where your entry point was but glad youre here.

[@Robert_Shmigelsky]

It's too bad we didn't get Ys 4 translated back in the day. Now that you can jailbreak your Analogue Duo to play hucards and CD games off the SD drive, I have Ys 4 English ready to play on my system. I just have a stack of games I need to clear first...

[@giuseppeparry1365]

A classic version, huh? Good choice! Falcom's the best.

[@Retro-cabin]

Great vid. I’m currently playing through ys book 1 and 2 currently aswell. Great games been meaning to do it for years as i love the later games, playing it on the Polymega.

[@ClaytonMorris]

Oh nice! I’m hearing great things about the Polymega.

[@Retro-cabin]

@@ClaytonMorris I’m really enjoying it a very convenient way to play all my games, and the Saturn emulation is great.

[@mikewolf7145]

A small KZbin streamer was just telling me about how this is the best YS games in the series he also recommended YS3 and 4 on turbo!

[@ClaytonMorris]

Yeah I need to play those next.

[@SenseLogic1981]

Turbo Grafx was such an original system at the time❤❤❤

[@xmaverickhunterkx]

I'm glad you're playing the right games. I'd suggest to lower the music volume as compared to your voice.

[@Ronsilk-pu5hr]

I actually have this games remake on the psp. I have 38 classic jrpgs on my psp from the ps1 to the psp. Great for traveling

[@DaBigCheeso]

This has been on my "to play" list for over 30 years. I'll get to it one of these days 😂😂

[@DaBigCheeso]

Oh, and to add, if you don't want to hunt down pricey hardware or physical editions, GOG has Ys 1 and 2 as a bundle for $5 right now ($15 regularly). The PC port looks a little cleaned up as well and may be easier to hop into.

[@kevinstrade2752]

Dude! You went through with it! If I had a dollar for every time I started these games and never finished it! Lol awesome for you!

[@ClaytonMorris]

Yeah had to beat this one! I’d like to play the full series.

[@NorwingMartinez-or6ut]

Great review

[@allenantonio4389]

Cool t=Shirt

[@the.real.Black306]

I was extremely fortunate to have a TurboGrafx 16 and CD player when they came out. Also had Ys Book 1 & 2. Finished that game super fast; couldn’t put it down! Still have my TG16 although had to replace a gear in the CD player to get it working again. Still have a number of cartridge games (played Bonk recently), but can’t find my copy of Ys. Kinda shocked to see they’re going for $200+ on eBay. 😳

[@ClaytonMorris]

That's awesome. Yeah I had to order a CIB copy of Ys 1 & 2 on eBay. It was a little over $100... not terrible. But yes these games are very pricey right now. The Analogue Duo has really opened up these games to a whole new generation of people.

[@mexmexican8619]

I’m playing this on Turbo CD right now on my Analogue Pocket

[@embracerodusk2537]

Analogue make really good retro systems. I think they actually have an N64 HD on the way...that should be interesting. I've only played Ys Origin & Ys 8 over the last few years & loved both of them. Need to find the time to get around to the others. Love everything you do Clayton, keep it up!

[@ADistantImage]

I'm actually here because I watch Redacted but didn't know you had a gaming channel. That's so surprising I feel like I've woken up in an alternate timeline

[@ClaytonMorris]

Welcome!

[@Mailrobot]

I only know you because of your news show, wasn't aware you were a game and tech journalist.

[@TheTigerspy]

They just released Ys 1 on the Switch e-shop a short while ago. Although for some strange reason it's the Japanese version.

[@zartic4life]

Old school gamer mad respect. Now go play Conkers Bad Fur Day if you haven't.

[@ajsingh4545]

Ive been arguing your point about modren games are missing a great ost for a long time. If you want more great music, i recommed these turbo grafx games: lords of thunder, gate of thunder, sapphire, ys 3, ys 4, dracula x, spriggan 2 and dungeon explorer 2.

[@morcysmcknight6354]

Whataaaaaaaa?!?! You're a gamer?!?! I was not expecting that! By the way I'm also an Adol Christin fan

[@LWAllen]

Ys is a top series for me.

[@eyeinsee]

Was I the only one that owned a CD-I?

[@saintmac991]

Must check this out! Loved Dragon Warrior.

[@ClaytonMorris]

It's so good!

[@saintmac991]

@@ClaytonMorris suggested platform to play it on?

[@bradejensen]

i think they need to revive the bump system, give it an upgrade with new age flair.

[@beeokay7306]

The music in the earlier Ys games really helped draw you into the adventure. I like the fact that you’ve played it in the background of most of your videos. Kind of wish Falcom would do a “Classics Collection” of all the original TG16 releases for modern consoles. Also there’s a Switch port of the PC88 version of Ys 1 on the eshop.

[@ClaytonMorris]

That's a great idea. I wish they would!

[@JamesGowan]

Did I dream it or do you have a video where you bought your son a Zelda game guide and played (I think)Zelda 1 with him? I’d love to rewatch.

[@ClaytonMorris]

Yes indeed. It’s our joint channel called Our Joy of Gaming. We haven’t been active over there because of school and homework. So not a lot of time to produce vids on that channel.

[@JamesGowan]

@@ClaytonMorrisok…! I’ll go over, subscribe and rewatch! I remember thinking your son had really great manners and was so grateful for the book. I was very happy to see that.

[@sheldoneuos]

Clayton you should play dead rising 1

[@dl2one]

Clayton, you ever play og FF?

[@ClaytonMorris]

Oh heck yeah.

[@matthewgassett4045]

Hes on a new thing I thought

[@Ayixlia]

I have all 3 for my MSX-2 these games are fun and pretty good. I also have the newer Ys for my Xbox One and that game is a bit difficult

[@ClaytonMorris]

Which newer Ys are you playing? I hear number 8 is the best in the series.

[@titusvarughese5071]

I hope Falcom would re-release Ys 1 and Ys 2, or remake.

[@Mintcar923]

I feel like I’m in a Twilight Zone episode.. All I watch is news & gaming & it’s like literally the same exact host with both.. I could never quite finish YS 1.. Got stuck in the last tower.. However same dev does my favorite RPG series overall which is Trails of Cold Steel.. YS sister series

[@ClaytonMorris]

I really want to try the Trails series. Not sure where to start.

[@Mintcar923]

@@ClaytonMorris Ok so I recommend Cold Steel 1-4 in order then Reverie.. Or if you have even more time on your hands and wanna do the ultra scenic route it’s Cold Steel 1-4, Trails in the Sky 1-3, Trails from Zero, Azure then finally Reverie.. Some will probably disagree but this is what I advise

[@danbauer3669]

WTF? I watch Redacted... I had no idea you were a gamer, Clayton.

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

Anyone looking to buy Ys on Nintendo Switch should watch out. I bought the Egg Console emulated version last night, and the store page said it supported English, but that English support only extended to the menus. All the dialogue remained in untranslated Japanese - and of course Nintendo makes getting a refund more difficult than it's actually worth.

[@ClaytonMorris]

Yeah you can’t buy it on a modern console. Unfortunately.

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

@@ClaytonMorris I think you can get in on Steam though. Could be a good Steam Deck game, if it's supported on the Deck.

[@ClaytonMorris]

Oh you're right about that. I hope it's the original version though.

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

@@ClaytonMorris I think it might be similar to the PSP version.

[@abstr4cted496]

Not sure if you've played it, but if you're looking for a modern game that's great with an amazing ost look no further than Nier Replicant and Automata.

[@ClaytonMorris]

I have Nier Automata

[@yohaneschristianp]

Redacted - Gaming edition 🎉

[@notsoanonymous2458]

45 years old and I'm just finding out that this game isn't turn based. Things could've been so different.

[@versustherest]

Modern games have soundtracks that aren't thematic enough anymore and more focused on ambience and it's a shame.

[@unnamedx2]

I don't know what it is but these videos feel dense

[@ClaytonMorris]

Hmmm is that a good thing or a bad thing?

[@unnamedx2]

@@ClaytonMorris i think it's good, you get to the point and you still manage to inject a personal touch to it all, while most things i watch feel roundabout in comparison

[@LegendaryHero7]

I played most of the series it's good but it's not as good as a lunar series

[@justinburris4077]

ugggh where do you even get the time clayton. my guess is that you and natalie only sleep 2 hours a day if that.

[@ClaytonMorris]

Ha no. Actually really try to get 8 hours a night. Otherwise I can’t function.

[@forgetful47]

makes me want to fire up my turbo 16 up, haven't played it in years. Keep up the good work man

[@ClaytonMorris]

Oh sweet you have an original?

[@forgetful47]

@@ClaytonMorrisyeah but the av out box plug in thing is missing and it just has exposed pins in the back that iI have to rig directly with av cables. it looks ugly but it works. Ninja spirit and aero blasters are my jams

[@nobodyO1]

I didn't have you pegged as a nerd. As if you know about this game. 😂👌

[@ConnahJay]

Wow... this blows my mind you're also a JRPG person. I love your other show.