In the world of Free MMO games, Ys Online is an excellent example of developers taking the “free play” model to a whole new level. In the past, it was easy to dismiss free online games: they were relatively understaffed, under-developed, and lacked the depth and interest level of pay-to-play MMOs like World of Warcraft or Warhammer. Ys Online looks to break that mold in resounding way by presenting a free alternative that incorporates gorgeous graphics, unique crafting, a combat style with intriguing customization, and (hopefully) a storyline based upon the rich Ys franchise.

The graphics in Ys Online are impressive. Areas and models are nicely developed in full 3D, with lush, gorgeous landscapes. While the game strives to portray the Anime feel of Ys, which it does quite well, I couldn't help but see the influence of World of Warcraft. It has that “WoW” feel to it, but isn't quite as cartoonish. Character models are much more lifelike, and the realism factor has been kicked up a couple notches thanks to the full use of modern graphic card feature sets. This doesn't mean that the game is a graphics hog. Quite the contrary. Even running on a fairly outdated PC, The game was not only fully playable, but smooth as silk with all graphics settings set to max at 1200x900 resolution. Battle/magic effects are really quite impressive, if not sometimes overdone. It all comes down to whether or not you like lots of sparklies. But then again, the effects are TOTALLY in line with the anime genre the game seeks to portray.

The sound is also quite good. Background music is interesting without being annoying or overbearing. Effects are again, cut straight out of the anime cloth. It sounds exactly as you would expect it to. Even environmental effects are nicely utilized.

Ys Online utilizes the mouse for movement. Right clicking a spot on the ground moves you to that spot. You can change direction while movement by clicking in a different spot. Left clicking allows you to pan, and the mouse wheel controls camera zoom. There is no keyboard option for movement. This takes a little getting used to, but it's no deal breaker. Keys are instead used to open menus or perform actions. There are also a number of hotkey bars that can be filled with virtually anything: from emotes, to special attacks, to consumable inventory items. You can access the hotbars via key commands or by clicking the mouse on a hotkey's icon.

Characters can be created from three starting races, Afrocan (best suited for fighting classes), Eresians (blend of fighter and magic), or Kimoan (best suited for magic). Any race can start as a basic magic user or fighter, however, and each race has it's own unique tree that branches from these two bases into more specialized classes as you reach level milestones. Thich results in a wide range of character customization. As you level and are able to train new skills, you pay the trainer with Auras (essences) that you collect by killing creatures or completing quests. It's an interesting concept, using auras as a training currency. Don't worry. They're not hard to get, and you'll have a nice nest egg of auras in no time.

Adding to this is Ys use of a “card” system. Cards are dropped by mobs or purchased from vendors. Cards are necessary for a variety of things, including quests, crafting, enchanting, learning custom skills, advancing into more complex skill sets, etc. Cards become increasingly important as you advance in level, especially if you want better gear or skills. It is a unique idea, and it definitely has some merit. It also creates some extreme drawbacks. For example, you CANNOT craft an item without the appropriate crafting card, and every time you craft an item, the card is consumed in the process. Some cards are equipable, and give your character expanded abilities and enhancements. It will be interesting to see how the card system plays out.

Crafting requires a LOT of resources (gathered from quest rewards and mob drops) and basically requires several steps: Gathering primary materials>refining materials,>smelting loot,>Item Crafting. Anyone can craft even the most complex of items if they have the materials and gold to pay for crafting fees. This makes Ys somewhat unique. Crafted goods are generally the ultimate high-end gear.

Battle is straightforward. Your default attack auto-repeats unless you use a special skill. There are no “chain” attacks either. Once you use a special, the cooldown timer is activated for ALL specials. You can form a party of up to 10 characters, which does allow somewhat of a coordinated series of specials from various players. You can also form guilds, much like any other free MMORPG. A unique twist for being in a guild: there are interesting opportunities for quests, rewards, and other goodies that are available ONLY to guilds and guild members.

There is a PVP system in place, although I haven't had a chance to test it out. It appears geared towards high-level characters within guilds, and is described as primarily a battlefield/raid scenario.

The standard currency is gold, and this is where the “free to play” quickly shows its colors. You need gold for EVERYTHING, and LOTS OF IT! For example, crafting a better weapon than something that is vendor bought can easily cost 500,000 gold. That's not a typo, and that price is for a second tier player level. The costs for even higher level players is simply astronomical. In other words, you can certainly play the game for as long as you want for free, but if you want to be a powergamer in Ys, be prepared to shell out some cash to get enough gold for the high-end stuff. Don't fool yourself. Ys is meant to be a profit generator for the investors. Like other Key to Play games, you can also purchase Key Points online to trade in for special items for your characters, such as weapons, mounts, and other uber gear.

Although the game is in open beta, it's curiously lacking in lore, which makes it somewhat difficult to become engrossed in a storyline, since there doesn't seem to be one beyond “some bad guys did something bad and now we have to fight back”. Also, the quests seem few and far between. Anyone who's used to advancing through the ranks by following quest chains will be sorely disappointed if this beta is an accurate representation of what the finished game is meant to be. You'll be grinding a lot of mobs to level up, and without a mount, you'll be spending a lot of time running through trash mobs to get to the level-appropriate stuff.

Ys is definitely one of the prettiest free-to-play games out there. It's satisfying enough to keep you playing, especially if you love a challenge, but can be rather mystifying and frustrating due to its lack of storyline, quest depth, and overall high cost of attaining a truly powerful character.

Note: Ys Online is only available in select countries. IP´s are blocked in countries where there is no current licensing agreement. This includes North America

The Good: Excellent graphics, effects, and sound. Wide variety of class customization. Unique Card system.

The Bad: Lack of chain quests and storyline. Expensive economy. Travel can be a time sink.

Graphics: 9
Sound: 9
Gameplay: 8
Story: 4
Final Score: 7.5/10