![Ys III - Wanderers from Ys [Model SHVC-YS-JPN] screenshot](images/game/62650_2.png "Ys III - Wanderers from Ys [Model SHVC-YS-JPN]")
Ys III - Wanderers from Ys © 1991 Tonkin House
Ys III: Wanderers from Ys represents the most significant departure in gameplay style for the early Ys franchise. Unlike the overhead, "bump-combat" system of the first two games, Ys III adopts a side-scrolling, action-platformer perspective. The story follows Adol Christin and his companion Dogi as they arrive at the village of Redmont, where they become embroiled in a plot involving the mystery of the Galbalan ruins. While it remains a staple of the series lore, its platforming-heavy gameplay made it a polarizing entry among long-time fans at the time of its release.
GAME ID: SHVC-YS-JPN
Released on June 21, 1991 in Japan. This was one of the earliest third-party titles released for the Super Famicom, launching shortly after the console's debut in Japan.
Genre Shift: The game moved away from the isometric bump system to a 2D side-scrolling format. Players utilize a sword to attack in close quarters, while also managing jump height and timing to navigate platforming sections—a move that mirrored trends seen in other action-RPG series of the early 90s, such as Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.
The Redmont Setting: The narrative focuses on the mountainous region surrounding the village of Redmont. This shift to a smaller, more localized story allowed for more character-driven interactions, though it lacked the epic, continent-spanning scope of later entries.
Soundtrack: Despite the mixed reception to the gameplay changes, the soundtrack—composed by Mieko Ishikawa of the Falcom Sound Team (JDK)—is widely considered one of the highlights of the title. The Super Famicom audio hardware was used to create a rich, orchestral-style score that is still highly regarded by retro collectors.
Legacy & Reimagining: The mixed reception of the original Ys III eventually led Nihon Falcom to completely reimagine the title years later. This culminated in Ys: The Oath in Felghana (2005), which retained the side-scrolling concept but overhauled the combat into one of the most praised high-speed action systems in the franchise's history.