Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim is often regarded as a solid starting point for newcomers to the Ys series, even though it has its share of imperfections. As the first installment in the franchise realized in 3D, it doesn't fully align with the style of the earlier games or the more recent ones. Positioned between two eras, it remains enjoyable and holds a special place in the hearts of Western fans. For many, Ys VI was their first introduction to Adol, the red-haired protagonist. Before this, the only Ys game available in the West was a port of the first episode, Ys: The Vanished Omens, released on the Master System. It wasn't until the Ys VI ports on the PS2 and PSP that Adol's adventures were brought back to the West, thanks to Konami's involvement. While starting with the sixth episode isn't ideal, the Ys series was already familiar to many due to its presence alongside other classic RPGs like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. The stories weren't tightly connected or presented in chronological order, so beginning with Ys VI wasn't as unusual as it might seem. In fact, this episode marked a fresh start for the series, which had been dormant for eight years after the poorly received Ys V: Ushinawareta Suna no Miyako Kefin on the Super Famicom, still regarded as the weakest entry in the saga and the only one never reworked by the developers. The game begins with Adol and his companion Dogi boarding a pirate ship for a maritime expedition to the Great Vortex. Naturally, things go awry, and Adol ends up washed ashore on the isolated archipelago of Canaan, where the adventure takes place. The setting, while limited to two villages and a few dungeons, creates a compact and focused experience. Ys VI is notably brief compared to other action-RPGs, despite efforts to streamline gameplay through a strict grinding system and a structure that encourages back-and-forth exploration. The gameplay is not exactly what fans of modern Ys games are used to, as the ability to alternate between characters was introduced in Ys Seven in 2009. However, it's not overly old-school either. The bump system, where players fought enemies by running into them, had already been phased out by Ys III and Ys V. Adol fights, jumps, and takes blows with his fists, maintaining the energetic and enthusiastic style that defines the Ys series. The game is simple and fun, with equipment distinguished by three upgradable blades that allow for varied attacks and three types of magic based on wind, water, and lightning. However, the difficulty management feels more like a retro game. If Adol is even one level below the required threshold for an area, his attacks will do no damage. Players must find the right spots to grind effectively. In terms of drawbacks, Ys VI is also known for its repetitive village-dungeon structure and challenging platforming sections. The series is today celebrated for its music, and Ys VI was an excellent introduction to the compositions by Hayato Sonoda and Wataru Ishibashi. Standout tracks include Quatera Woods, which captures the full-throttle spirit of an adventure, Mighty Obstacle, a wild rock boss theme, and The Zemeth Sanctum, a crystalline melody that seems to have been composed among the angels. Originally developed for Windows by Falcom, Ys VI was released in the West on the PS2 with French text, English dubbing, and 3D characters that lacked the charm of the original sprite graphics. The PSP version was meant to be closer to the PC version but suffered from long loading times. Fortunately, the game is now available on Steam and GOG in an optimized version, with added teleportation points to make movement easier. However, no modern console currently offers access to the game.