Play as one of three different characters, each with their own unique story to tell and completely different style of gameplay. Five difficulty levels ranging from "Very Easy" to "Nightmare" for true Ys masters. Unlockable "Time Attack" and "Boss Rush" modes. Arena Mode pits players against massive hordes of enemies for unique gameplay rewards, unlocking special items and perhaps even a certain red-headed hero... Unlock the third "true" campaign by completing one of the two campaigns available from the start (originally unlockable only after both campaigns were completed). Over 40 unique and challenging Steam Achievements. Steam Cloud support and hundreds of highly competitive leaderboards. Minutely configurable high-resolution graphics with true widescreen support. Fully adjustable controls supporting virtually any USB gamepad, as well as a standard keyboard and mouse setup.

Ys Origin takes place approximately 700 years before the events of Ys I - and though the land and its inhabitants will change drastically in that time, one lone structure is destined to remain almost entirely undisturbed. From the outside, it already has nearly the same looming presence and ominous appearance that it will for over seven centuries to come... but inside, the demons are more active now than they ever would be again, shaping and transforming whole tiers of the structure into twisted habitations unfit for human exposure. Welcome to the Devil's Tower. This game heavily focuses on the theme of prophecy and it is highly encouraged that players experience Ys Origin after completing Ys I & II Chronicles, or have prior knowledge of the events that take place in these two games. Click on Ys I & II in the main menu above to learn more.

MELEE COMBAT: Yunica is able to wield axes and greatswords with ease. In addition to standard hack-and-slash combos, Yunica can also perform various aerial maneuvers such as the classic down-thrust and up-thrust, as well as a crippling lunge attack. Her special abilities include the Whirlwind, Bolt Crash, and Phoenix Flame. RANGED COMBAT: Firing bolts of energy from his wand and his "Eyes of Fact" alike, Hugo can often fill the screen with destructive power, mowing down all enemies in his path before they have a chance to get anywhere near him. With good timing, too, he can pull off a devastating "power shot," generating a debilitating pillar of pure magic with a wider area of effect. His special abilities include the Force Shield, Trap Mine, and Fire Wheel. BERSERKER COMBAT: Unlock the third playable character for the most destructive play style in Ys history. One could say...he's the best there is at what he does.

All three playable characters have a "Boost Meter" that slowly fills as the game progresses. Once this meter has reached capacity, that character can be temporarily "Boosted" for quicker and stronger attacks and far greater defense. Once certain conditions have been reached during gameplay, Boosted characters can utilize a special move called "Burst" that quickly depletes their Boost meter in favor of an ultra-powerful, extremely wide-ranging release of highly destructive energy.