Ys SEVEN

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ggg

If you feel like you're tricked by the 4.4 stars. Don't worry, you're not alone. This is the least configurable PC game I have played in my entire life. And that's saying somthing. No dedicated "block trigger 1" or "skill trigger 1" botton" for KB/M, little controller support on bluetooth even (in my case) with DS4Windows and the first boss feeling like practically cheating because of it make for an unpleasant first half hour - an hour. Don't make the same mistake I did and skip this one by any means necessary. I'm sick of the kind of practices where you have to figure "modern PC port" "X console port" yourself.

I want to give five stars! But I can't. I was left wanting MORE! Up front, let me explain that I own and have finished the Sony PSP version of this game, hence this is a review based solely on the PSP version - not the Gog version. I played it on Hard Mode and found the challenge very satisfying. You are forced to think your way through each boss battle! I liked the way you could not only level up your character but could increase your skills' level with continued use - much like what you see in Secret of Mana and Tales of Phantasia. Animations are smooth and fluid. Music and sound effects (including familiar sound effects from well-known Hanna-Barbera cartoons!) helped to create a wonderful atmosphere to the game. There is however one glaring problem... and nearly game-breaking problem at that: You as a player are left wanting MORE! There are no alternate endings to strive to unlock even though there are multiple choices to each conversation that would strongly suggest that multiple endings had been planned by the developers at some point. This severely hurts replay value because once I finished this game (on Hard Mode!) which I truly enjoyed... there wasn't really any reason for me to play it again. If you like Action/JRPGs, this game is a worthy addition to your library but know that once it ends... it is "the" end (unless Gog can arrange to have an exclusive DLC made adding more playable content to an already wonderful game).

After a thorough playthrough, I felt like this game has a great deal of wasted potential. There's plenty of backtracking and the assets and NPCs look like their polygons were budgeted for a PS1 release. Never the less, I finished the game and sent Adol on an express ship ride to a better game. Give 'Seven' some time to grow on you if you're intent on playing it through. While its not all bad, I'd say any other PC Ys port is a better game.