The original release of YS VI happened back in 2003 for the PC. While the West missed out on that version, it did make it's way to the other side of the ocean through a PS2 and PSP port from Konami in 2005. The port was generally good, even though there were some odd design choices. It replaced the pre-rendered 2D sprites with 3D models, and had planned to completely replace the soundtrack with an orchestrated score, and the anime sequences were also replaced with some awful CG. The game also had voice acting, but the English dub was also cringe-worthy. Thankfully the decision was made to retain the original score and anime sequences, but they needed to be activated through the use of passwords; as if it was a last minute quick fix. So the game's quality was all over the place. However, this new release for Steam doesn't have any of that, but that doesn't mean that there weren't additions made to spruce the game up. And those new features are actually pretty great.

  The game's story is pretty atypical of the series. Red-haired wandering swordsman Adol Christian goes traveling, shipwrecks on an island, and decides to solve the region's looming crisis. Also, because the reason that he's stuck on the Island is the solution to the residents troubles; and his way out. But the simple plot is really just an excuse for the action. This title had marked the first time since YS V that the company had made the jump to 3D environments. As a result, the game becomes more of what YS V tried to do. But it succeeded in doing that far better. The platforming works, and combat is a quick-weave hack and slash fun-fest. While the music doesn't quite hit the high notes of the series predecessors and successors, it's quite enjoyable. The story and environments aren't as interesting either, but this game's place in the series' history is important. If it weren't for it's success, it wouldn't have paved way for the later games in the series; all of which were more refined than the last. 

  The game does sport new features that weren't in the original PC release. Now the game has even more gamepad support, and it also supports wide-screen and hi-def resolution options. There is a new mode to give new life into a game that is 12 years old. The Catastrophe Mode tweaks the game to remove all usable healing items. Instead, the only way to heal is to hope that fallen enemies drop the health items that they normally drop. But the difference is that they are used immediately, much in the same way in Oath in Felghana and Origin. This makes the game more challenging in certain areas as status curing items are also treated this way. The only other way to heal is to use Capla Water, which also restores your magic meter. Although these are likely better of sold to make money to buy the stat boosting seeds, which are expensive. Boss fights are also more challenging as a result, forcing players to use skill and tactics to take them down. One of the biggest complaints with Ys VI was that the ability to use items during boss fights severely reduced the challenge level of the game. It's way more fun now. I do wish the drop rates were tweaked a bit to accommodate this new mode though. That also includes the GP yields as well. One more feature that's new was carried over from the PS2 version is the ability to use a new item to transport to any save marker in the game. This makes getting around a lot easier, so it's very much appreciated. All in all, this is most likely the most definitive version of the game yet, and a good game all-around. Fans of Ys or action RPGs will enjoy this. I recommend it.

The Bottom Line: Finally a new means of playing this classic game that reinvigorated the series back in 2003. Even if it took many years later, the game is still as fun today as it was then.

Acquisition Method: Digital code provided by XSEED Games.