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Vay

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SEGA CD RPG Pub SIMS Co., Ltd. 1993 Japan, USA 1 Player 5 (0) 11

Vay

Vay - RPG Classic

Compiled by Alfred J. Hall · Editorial standards · Published June 7, 2026

Vay is a role-playing game that originally hit the Sega CD in 1993. It was developed by Hertz and published by SIMS in Japan, with a later English localization handled by Working Designs for the United States. This is not a hack or fan project; it's an official release that also saw re-releases on iPhone in 2008 and Steam in 2024. The game's full Japanese title is Vay: Ryuusei no Yoroi, but it's known simply as Vay in the West.

The player takes control of a party of characters exploring a fantasy world. Gameplay follows traditional turn-based RPG conventions: you navigate towns and dungeons from a top-down perspective, talk to NPCs, gather items, and engage in random battles. Combat is menu-driven, letting you attack, use magic, or defend. Progression involves gaining experience and levels, equipping better gear, and advancing a story that unfolds through dialogue and cutscenes.

What makes Vay worth checking out today is its status as one of the earlier CD-based RPGs on Sega's platform. The Working Designs localization gives it a distinct personality with its quirky translation and presentation. Compared to other Sega CD RPGs like Lunar or Shining Force CD, Vay is more straightforward and less ambitious, but it still offers a solid, no-frills adventure that fans of 16-bit RPGs will appreciate. It is a niche title, but it holds a place in the history of American Sega CD releases.

How to Play Vay Online

Getting Started When you first start Vay, you'll be presented with a title screen. Press Start (Enter) to begin a new game. The opening sequence introduces the story through text and static images. Your first task is to explore the initial town, talking to every NPC to gather clues about where to go. The game does not hold your hand, so paying attention to dialogue is important. The core loop involves moving from town to town, purchasing equipment, healing at inns, then venturing into dungeons or wilderness areas. Random encounters trigger turn-based battles where you select commands from a menu. Use physical attacks for weaker enemies and save magic for tougher fights or healing. Grinding for experience is sometimes necessary to survive later areas. A new player should know that saving is only possible at certain points - usually in towns or at save points. The Working Designs translation includes some humorous text, but the overall structure is standard for early 90s RPGs. If you get stuck, backtracking and talking to everyone is the usual solution.

Vay Keyboard Controls

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: A button
S: B button
Z: C button
A: X button (6-button pad)
Q: Y button (6-button pad)
E: Z button (6-button pad)
Enter: Start / Mode

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there anything iconic or memorable about Vay?

The Working Designs localization gives the game a quirky and distinct personality, with dialogue that stands out compared to more straightforward translations of the era. Its anime-style cutscenes and soundtrack were also considered impressive for the Sega CD hardware. Some players remember it for its challenging difficulty and the lack of modern conveniences like auto-mapping.

Is Vay an official release, a fan hack, a prototype, or another kind of build?

Vay is an official commercial release. It was originally published in Japan by SIMS and later localized and published in the United States by Working Designs. It is not a hack, prototype, or fan project of any kind.

Who developed Vay?

Vay was developed by Hertz, a Japanese studio that worked on several games for the Mega Drive and Sega CD. The publisher in Japan was SIMS, and the English localization was handled by Working Designs.