Ys: The Ark of Napishtim PlayStation 2
Ys: The Ark of Napishtim Image
Metascore
72 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

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  • Summary: Washed ashore on an uncharted island, Adol Christin begins a new journey in Ys: The Ark of Napishtim. Lush environments, beautifully rendered characters and animated 3D backdrops combine to create the setting for Adol's newest adventure. In the world of Canaan, our red-headed hero must fight deadly monsters and menacing bosses with a variety of sword combinations, special attacks and magical spells creating a uniquely deep and compelling gameplay experience. Power-up three magical swords to gain special abilities and attacks. Combines real-time, fast-paced action and strategic boss battles. Original music composed specifically for the PS2 version of the game. Hidden, unlockable secrets that showcase the timeless legacy of Ys. [Konami]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. Armchair Empire
    88
    A gift to those who spent their school years up late at night with "Illusion of Gaia" and "Secret of Mana."
  2. Just RPG
    86
    Had the jumping mechanism been tightened up, and the challenge of the game been enhanced a bit more so that the strategy for bosses did not become power-leveling, the game would have been just as great as its predecessors.
  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    73
    Ys noticeably lacks ambition, but it totally nails the classic feel it's going for. [March 2005, p.126]
  4. games(TM)
    30
    This is clichéd, tedious, frustrating nonsense, as archaic in its gameplay as it is banal in its story. [Sept 2005, p.120]
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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. CurtisB.
    10
    Excellent, overlooked, and very nostalgic - this is the game I've been waiting the last ten years for. I think it's high time we get away from "cutting edge" 3D stuff, and just have some fun again. This game provides that chance.… Expand
  2. MichielvanL.
    8
    Ys VI is one of the easier Ys games, much like Ys III. The graphics are o.k., the gameplay is simple, and the soundtrack is above average. Ys II is still the ultimate Ys game of all time, in my opinion, and Ys VI: The Ark Of Napishtim doesn't come close, but is still a very pleasant way to pass your time. You're constantly tempted to level up 'just a few more times' in order to kick the boss' ass, and that's good! It's best to see the game as an Ys spin-off instead of a whole new Ys game. That way you won't be too disappointed. I finished the game in about 20 hours (if I remember correctly), but I could've done it much faster. The 8 that I gave this game is because the game looks nice (not great, just nice), has no learning curve whatsoever, and is addictive. Oh, and it's got Ys in the title. Ys fans: buy this. New to Ys? Better rent it first, then buy as much Ys titles as you can afford. If you remotely liked Ys VI, you'll just *love* Ys II (and much of the rest of the series).… Expand
  3. MarcD.
    6
    We've seen it all before, and its been done much much better. Way too generic to warrant a purchase.