Ys V is definitely a weird game. After jumping into the console market, Falcom started to finally used other buttons to command more actions. In a system that is the precursor to the Napishtism system later introduced into YS VI, it was rough patch. Unlike the fast - paced bumb combat or the Napishtim system, Ys V's combat is sluggish, yet still pathetically easy. Movement felt stiff and you only had two different swings with your sword: on ground and when you jump. The magic system (alchemy) is weird as you need to hold a charge metter to 100 to even cast a spell and some spells kind break the flow of an already slow combat system. The alchemy system was essentially useless as you can just ignore it in favor of slashing enemies with your sword. In addition, grinding for gold is easy and the potions were really good considered you can only carry ten. It got to the point that I got so much gold that I damaged - boosted my way to victory. The final boss is the biggest example of this. Characters and plot isn't that special, though some characters and ideas could be flesh out in a remake. Music, while not bad, isn't the standard Falcom rock band style thanks to the limitations of the Super Famicom. Finally, clocking in at approx. six hours, this IS the shortest game in the series. Realistically, it only take one day to beat this game. For that, I could've gave it a 3/5 for that alone as the game is just an average action JRPG. In terms of Ys, it's definitely the weakest and I could've been a 2.5/5 if I was that harsh. I only gave it a 3.5/5 as I did had some enjoyment in playing a game in which its chapter has yet be officially told in the Ys timeline. And despite the sluggish combat, I still had that satisfaction in killing enemies. Combine that with a really short run time and I would only recommend it to any Ys fan who are actually trying to play the games in chronological order or are newer fans coming in. If not an Ys fan, don't bother trying it out. Otherwise, this game is the prime example of it straight-up needing a remake/reimagining.