The first half of Ys I is just lovely! It's a very cozy world with a sweet cast of characters. Slowly leveling up and trying to make it through while exploring was wonderful. The map also isn't all that big which I enjoyed. All of this is supported by a relatively satisfying combat system and a ridiculously good soundtrack. There's just something very charming about it.
Then about 50% through the game you hit the level cap, and the rest of the game becomes one of the most obnoxious gauntlets I have ever been put through without any clear rewards. Some of these bosses took me dozens of tries as they combined massive difficulty spikes with unforgiving mechanics. I did enjoy figuring out the 'trick' for some of them, but then you had to repeat that 20 times in a row trying to get to hitboxes the size of a needle without getting hit yourself. Now this could have been mitigated a little by playing on a lower difficulty. It only effectively changes the HP, but you'll have to endure the pain less.
That being said I still view Ys 1 fondly due to the start. If the sequel improves on the weaker elements then I am in for a great journey!
Then about 50% through the game you hit the level cap, and the rest of the game becomes one of the most obnoxious gauntlets I have ever been put through without any clear rewards. Some of these bosses took me dozens of tries as they combined massive difficulty spikes with unforgiving mechanics. I did enjoy figuring out the 'trick' for some of them, but then you had to repeat that 20 times in a row trying to get to hitboxes the size of a needle without getting hit yourself. Now this could have been mitigated a little by playing on a lower difficulty. It only effectively changes the HP, but you'll have to endure the pain less.
That being said I still view Ys 1 fondly due to the start. If the sequel improves on the weaker elements then I am in for a great journey!