10 Gaming Franchises You Didn't Realise Are Still Around
2. Ys
It's baffling how Ys never went mainstream, considering it's been around for nearly 40 years. Released in 1987 on the NEC PC-8801, Nihon's turn-based tale did well enough to be ported on numerous other systems, and spawn over a dozen instalments on two dozen gaming systems.
Unlike other RPGs, Ys never relied on grind-heavy encounters or exposition-heavy storylines. It also has a remarkable ability to reinvent the gameplay and style without compromising what made the classic games feel special.
Due to the Ys' consistency and longevity, it's a pity it never took the world by storm. And it's a bigger pity how there are role-playing veterans who are oblivious Ys is still going.
The ninth and tenth official instalments were released in 2019 and 2023 respectively and were both met with positive reviews. Not only that, several entries have been recently remade, including the original on the Nintendo Switch in 2024.
And with Ys X: Nordics receiving an enhanced version this year, it's clear Nihon has no intention of stopping with the franchise, despite the fact Ys is not getting the love it deserves.