Ys Book I & II - Ancient Ys Vanished

Ys Book I & II - Ancient Ys Vanished was released in 1989 for the NEC TURBOGRAFX CD in both Japan and the USA. It was published by NEC Avenue and developed by Nihon Falcom. This title is an official release that compiles the first two entries of the Ys series, combining their narratives and gameplay for the CD format on the TURBOGRAFX platform. The game showcases the capabilities of the NEC TURBOGRAFX CD, a system known for integrating CD-quality audio and enhanced graphics compared to cartridge-based consoles of the late 1980s. Ys Book I & II takes advantage of the CD format to deliver arranged soundtracks and improved visual presentation relative to its original PC-88 and MSX versions. The action RPG gameplay fits well within the system’s library, offering players a blend of exploration, combat, and story elements typical of early Japanese role-playing games on the platform. Preservation of Ys Book I & II on the NEC TURBOGRAFX CD is important given its role in bringing one of the earliest and most influential action RPG franchises to a home console CD format. Its combination of historical significance and technical demonstration of the TURBOGRAFX CD’s multimedia potential secures its place in retro gaming archives. Though not as widely known outside of dedicated fans, it remains a key example of late 1980s RPG design and CD-based game releases.