Play Ys III: Wanderers from Ys Online

Summary

Ys III: Wanderers from Ys (often just called Ys III) swaps the series’ classic top‑down view for a side‑scrolling, Zelda‑II‑style stage where you can swing Adol’s sword in multiple directions and even jump over obstacles. The combat feels tighter because the old auto‑attack is gone – every strike now requires a button press, and there’s no temporary invincibility to lean on. Spells are handled through magical rings that draw on a resource called Ring Power, granting effects like healing or a protective shield, while key items scattered through the world let you solve simple puzzles and keep the adventure moving.

The SNES port, released internationally in 1991, retains the series’ familiar stats, equipment, shopping and experience systems, and even names the main villain’s stronghold Ballacetine. Critics were mixed but generally positive, with scores ranging from a C+ in Entertainment Weekly to an 81% rating from RPGFan.

Storyline

Three years after the events of Ys I and II, Adol Christin and his buddy Dogi return to Dogi’s hometown, Redmont, only to discover the village is under threat from the forces of Valestein Castle. After rescuing Mayor Edgar from a quarry and retrieving a mysterious statue, they learn from Elena that Lord MacGuire of Felghana is also hunting the four ancient statues that once sealed the demon Galbalan.

Adol’s quest takes him to the Illsburn Ruins, where he battles a fire dragon and recovers a second statue, then to a mountain hermit who points the way to the fourth statue hidden high up the peak. With Dogi’s help, Adol defeats the guardian, claims the final statue, and returns to a deserted Redmont, where the townsfolk reveal that Valestein soldiers have abducted the remaining citizens as hostages for the statues.

Confronting Bishop Garland and a repentant MacGuire, Adol learns that the statues were used long ago to seal Galbalan. Elena is kidnapped by the weakened demon, who demands the statues on his island fortress. Adol agrees, enters Galbalan’s realm, and ultimately defeats the freed demon.

In the aftermath, Chester sacrifices himself to sink the island and reseal Galbalan, while Elena confesses her love for Adol. The story closes with Adol and Dogi preparing for new adventures as they bid farewell to Redmont’s remaining residents.