The Ys franchise, a beloved series of action role-playing games developed by Nihon Falcom, is expanding into the realm of tabletop gaming with the upcoming release of “Ys: Age of Heroes.” Announced on the Digital Emelas X/Twitter account, this tabletop RPG is set to launch on October 1, 2024, with pre-orders opening on September 10, 2024, through Promethium Books’ website. This marks a significant expansion of the Ys universe, offering fans a new way to engage with the lore & adventures that have captivated players for decades.
Collaboration with Nihon Falcom
“Ys: Age of Heroes” is being developed by Promethium Books in close collaboration with Nihon Falcom. The game is officially licensed, ensuring that it remains true to the Ys series’ rich history & storytelling. The development team has had access to official documentation from Falcom, including lore & world information that extends beyond what has been explored in the video games. This partnership aims to create a tabletop experience that is both authentic & immersive for fans of the series.
Setting & Storyline
Set 50 years after the last known adventure of Adol Christin, the iconic protagonist of the Ys series, “Ys: Age of Heroes” takes place roughly a century after the events of Ys I & Ys II. Players will create their own characters & embark on new adventures across the continent of Eresia, filling the shoes of legendary adventurers in a world teeming with mystery & danger.
Character Customization & Gameplay Mechanics
The game promises a high degree of character customization, with a class system that includes Core Classes & Elite Classes such as the Holy Knight & Alchemist. Players can invest skill points to unlock new abilities & special attacks, with no level cap, allowing for epic-level campaigns & character development. This flexibility encourages players to explore various play styles & character builds, making each adventure unique.
Initial Offerings from Promethium Books
Promethium Books plans to release several initial offerings to kickstart players’ adventures. The first two books, the Player & Game Master books, will provide essential rules & statistics for nearly 100 creatures in the bestiary. An Adventure book is also in the works, featuring a premade story that guides characters from level 1 to 15 & potentially beyond. The development team hopes to expand the game further with additional books & supplements in the future.
Artwork & Design
The artwork for “Ys: Age of Heroes” features characters like Cruxie from Ys Seven & Olha from Ys VI, chosen for the packaging illustrations. This attention to detail highlights the developers’ commitment to creating a product that resonates with fans of the series. The game is described as a “love letter” to Ys enthusiasts, aiming to capture the essence of the franchise while offering a new & engaging way to experience its world.
Future of the Ys Franchise
In addition to “Ys: Age of Heroes,” the Ys franchise continues to grow with the upcoming release of “Ys X Nordics,” set to launch on October 25, 2024, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, & PC. This new video game installment introduces innovative mechanics like Mana Actions & a character growth system called Release Lines, further expanding the Ys universe.
With “Ys: Age of Heroes,” fans of the series have the opportunity to explore the Ys world in a new format, delving into its lore & creating their own stories within its expansive universe. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, the upcoming tabletop RPG promises to offer an exciting & immersive adventure that honors the legacy of Ys while paving the way for new explorations & discoveries.
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