Software:Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim

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Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim
Developer(s)Nihon Falcom
Publisher(s)
Composer(s)
  • Hayato Sonoda
  • Wataru Ishibashi
SeriesYs
Platform(s)
Release
Genre(s)Action role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player

Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim[lower-alpha 1] is a 2003 action role-playing game developed by Nihon Falcom. It was first released for Windows before being ported by Konami to the PlayStation 2 in 2005 and the PlayStation Portable in 2006. It was the first English release of the series since Ys III, and the first to make it to Europe since the Master System version of Ys I, the European version also being the first game in the series to be localized to western languages other than English (more specifically, French, German, Spanish, and Italian). An English localization of the Windows version was released by Xseed Games in 2015. Ys VI was used as a base for Ys VI Mobile, a free-to-play MMORPG released in Japan in 2021 and worldwide in 2022.

Gameplay

Ys VI expands on the mechanics introduced in Ys III and V in that players are given much more control over Adol including the ability to jump and control his attacks and various magics.[1] Areas are presented in 3D graphics. Character, monster and minor bosses are presented using pre-rendered 3D sprites. Larger bosses are presented using full 3D models.

Plot

The story begins after Adol's ship is attacked by a fleet of Romun ships. Forced to sail into an unknown area, they encounter a large storm. Adol is swept off the vessel while trying to rescue a fellow sailor and washed ashore by the vortex that surrounds the Canaan Islands. He is found, unconscious, by the nieces of the chieftain of the nearby Rehda village, Olha and Isha, who are the daughters of his brother that died when battling with fellow Redha against the Wandering Calamity. The girls take him to their village and lay him to rest in their Uncle Ord's house. Adol hears them talking about him and wakes up briefly, afterwards going back to sleep because of his exhaustion. His adventure then begins.

Releases

Windows

The initial release of the game was the "Limited Edition". After this sold out, Falcom released a standard edition of the game with some new features. Two new difficulties and a Time Attack mini-game where the player fights through all the game's bosses were added. However, there was never a patch or upgrade released to initial buyers, so players wanting these new features had to buy the game again. Years later, Falcom would similarly add features to Ys Origin; this time, initial buyers were offered an upgrade disc for the cost of shipping. The game was later released by Xseed Games via Steam on April 28, 2015.[2]

PlayStation 2

Konami made several additions and changes when porting the game to the PlayStation 2. The most notable were the inclusion of both English and Japanese voice acting to all characters (including NPCs) and several new optional areas referred to as "Alma's Trials". While the Japanese voice acting could be selected in the NTSC-U version, the PAL version had all Japanese voice acting removed.[3][4] Konami also added new FMV sequences, though the original animated sequences could still be selected through a code. Blood and gore effects were removed due to console games requiring a rating. Lastly, they changed the character and monster graphics from pre-rendered 3D sprites to fully polygonal 3D models. While this allowed for much better animation, it also changed Adol's appearance based on his equipment.

PlayStation Portable

The PlayStation Portable port does not include any of the changes of the PS2 port except for the removal of blood and gore effects. The European and North American versions came with a new set of bonuses including some extra fetch-quests that unlock a few mini-games and an image/media gallery. These were later included in a "Special Edition" re-release in Japan, although the game is noted for having particularly long and frequent load times. Voice-acting was never included in this version. It is not available digitally on the PlayStation Store, only through a physical UMD copy, which has no PlayStation trophies attached.

Ys VI Mobile

Ys VI Mobile: The Ark of Napishtim, a free-to-play MMORPG, was first released as Ys VI Online on Android and iOS in Japan by Restar Games on July 20, 2021.[5][6] An English version was released by VNG Games on June 5, 2022.[7]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
PCPS2PSP
EGMN/A7.33/10[8]N/A
EurogamerN/A6/10[9]N/A
FamitsuN/A24/40[10]N/A
Game InformerN/A7.5/10[11]6.75/10[12]
GameProN/AStarStarStarStar[13]N/A
GameRevolutionN/AC[14]N/A
GameSpotN/A7.5/10[15]6.7/10[16]
GameSpyN/AStarStarStarStar[17]StarStarHalf star[18]
GameZoneN/A7.9/10[19]6.8/10[20]
IGNN/A7.8/10[21]5.6/10[22]
OPM (US)N/AStarStarStarHalf star[23]StarStarStar[24]
Detroit Free PressN/AStarStarStar[25]N/A
Aggregate score
Metacritic76/100[26]72/100[27]64/100[28]

The PlayStation 2 and PSP versions received "mixed or average reviews", while the PC version later received "generally favorable reviews", all according to video game review aggregator Metacritic.[26][27][28] In Japan, Famitsu gave the PS2 version a score of one six, one seven, one six, and one five, for a total of 24 out of 40.[10]

Notes

  1. ↑ Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim (イース6 -ナピシュテムの匣-, Īsu Shikkusu -Napishutemu no Hako-)

References

  1. ↑ Massey, Tom (February 9, 2014). "Inside Ys". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-02-09-inside-ys. 
  2. ↑ Kyle MacGregor (April 17, 2015). "YS VI: The Ark of Napishtim arrives on PC April 28". Destructoid. http://www.destructoid.com/ys-vi-the-ark-of-napishtim-arrives-on-pc-april-28-290624.phtml. 
  3. ↑ fedaykin (May 12, 2011). "What's the best version of Ark of Napishtim?". XSeed Games Forum. http://xseedgames.com/forums/showthread.php?483-What-s-the-best-version-of-Ark-of-Napishtim. 
  4. ↑ Massey, Tom (February 9, 2014). "Chronicles of Ys: A Series Retrospective". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-02-09-chronicles-of-ys-a-series-retrospective. 
  5. ↑ Romano, Sal (January 29, 2021). "Ys VI Online: The Ark of Napishtim for iOS, Android launches this spring in Japan". https://www.gematsu.com/2021/01/ys-vi-online-the-ark-of-napishtim-for-ios-android-launches-this-spring-in-japan. 
  6. ↑ "[Qoo News Ys VI Online: The Ark of Napishtim Online RPG Launches Today"]. 20 July 2021. https://news.qoo-app.com/en/post/70869/qoo-news-ys-vi-online-ark-napishtim-launch-date-confirmed-july-20. 
  7. ↑ Joshua, Orpheus (13 April 2022). "Ys VI Mobile – The Ark of Napishtim Receiving English Localization". https://noisypixel.net/ys-vi-mobile-the-ark-of-napishtim-english-release/. 
  8. ↑ EGM staff (March 2005). "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim (PS2)". Electronic Gaming Monthly (189): 126. 
  9. ↑ Fahey, Rob (August 5, 2005). "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim (PS2)". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_ysnapishtim_ps2. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "イースVI -ナピシュテムの匣- (PS2)". Famitsu 848. March 18, 2005. 
  11. ↑ "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim (PS2)". Game Informer (143): 128. March 2005. 
  12. ↑ "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim (PSP)". Game Informer (156): 133. April 2006. 
  13. ↑ Star Dingo (February 22, 2005). "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/42251.shtml. Retrieved February 17, 2016. 
  14. ↑ Hurh, JP (March 3, 2005). "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim Review (PS2)". Game Revolution. http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ys-the-ark-of-napishtim. 
  15. ↑ Massimilla, Bethany (February 22, 2005). "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim Review (PS2)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ys-the-ark-of-napishtim-review/1900-6119001/. 
  16. ↑ Massimilla, Bethany (March 2, 2006). "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim Review (PSP)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ys-the-ark-of-napishtim-review/1900-6145331/. 
  17. ↑ Nutt, Christian (February 22, 2005). "GameSpy: Ys: The Ark of Napishtim (PS2)". GameSpy. http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/ys-vi-the-arc-of-napishtim/589703p1.html. 
  18. ↑ Theobald, Phil (March 2, 2006). "GameSpy: Ys: The Ark of Napishtim (PSP)". GameSpy. http://psp.gamespy.com/playstation-portable/ys-the-ark-of-napishtim-psp/693170p1.html. 
  19. ↑ Hobbs, Ronnie (March 13, 2005). "YS: The Ark of Napishtim - PS2 - Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/ys_the_ark_of_napishtim_ps2_review. 
  20. ↑ Aceinet (March 13, 2006). "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim - PSP - Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/ys_the_ark_of_napishtim_psp_review. 
  21. ↑ Dunham, Jeremy (February 21, 2005). "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim (PS2)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/02/22/ys-the-ark-of-napishtim-2. 
  22. ↑ Dunham, Jeremy (March 6, 2006). "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim (PSP)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/03/07/ys-the-ark-of-napishtim. 
  23. ↑ Kohler, Chris (March 2005). "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim (PS2)". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine: 101. http://www.1up.com/reviews/ark-napishtim_2. Retrieved February 17, 2016. 
  24. ↑ "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim (PSP)". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine: 96. May 2006. 
  25. ↑ Gardner, Omari (May 1, 2005). "'Ys: The Ark of Napishtim' (PS2)". Detroit Free Press. http://www.freep.com/entertainment/videogames/gmini1e_20050501.htm. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim for PC Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/ys-the-ark-of-napishtim/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim for PlayStation 2 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/ys-the-ark-of-napishtim/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Ys: The Ark of Napishtim for PSP Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/ys-the-ark-of-napishtim/critic-reviews/?platform=psp. 
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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