Ys Series Turns 38: Composer Yuzo Koshiro Reflects on Influential Beginnings at Falcom

As the acclaimed Ys series commemorates its 38th anniversary, the impact of this long-running RPG franchise on the gaming industry is undeniable.

Developed by Nihon Falcom, Ys made its debut in 1987 with 'Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished,' introducing players to a dynamic blend of fast-paced action, memorable melodies, and mythical storytelling.

The series’ enduring popularity spans numerous platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and PC, solidifying Ys as a cornerstone of Japanese role-playing games.

Reflecting on the milestone, legendary composer Yuzo Koshiro—whose career began with Falcom and whose pioneering music defined early entries in the series—shared his appreciation for the origins that shaped his professional journey.

Koshiro’s early work on both 'Ys I' and 'Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished – The Final Chapter' in the late 1980s laid the groundwork for his rise as one of gaming’s most celebrated composers.

Among his vast body of work are soundtracks for genre-defining titles such as ActRaiser, The Revenge of Shinobi, and Etrian Odyssey, all of which have left an indelible mark on video game music. In a recent post to social media, Koshiro remarked that taking his first steps with Falcom, particularly through his involvement with the Ys series, had a profound influence on his career.

"Reflecting on the series' 38th anniversary, I'm reminded how pivotal working on Ys was for everything I am involved with today," Koshiro shared.

Over the past year, he has contributed to projects like Earthion—a new shoot-’em-up designed for both classic Sega Mega Drive/Genesis hardware and contemporary platforms—as well as contributing music to Wangan Midnight: Speed Ignition, Algolemeth, and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance.

Koshiro continues to express his hope to one day return to the Ys universe in a creative role. The Ys franchise continues to evolve, with the latest mainline entry, Ys X: Nordics, debuting in 2023.

This installment features a rich score from composers Hayato Sonoda, Shuntaro Koguchi, Yukihiro Jindo, and Mitsuo Singa, underscoring Falcom’s ongoing commitment to musical excellence and innovative gameplay.

Ys X: Nordics is available across multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles, with digital releases on storefronts including the Nintendo eShop. With over three decades of history, global sales in the millions, and a legacy of inspiring some of the greatest talents in video game music, the Ys series remains an influential force in the world of RPGs.

As both longtime fans and newcomers celebrate this milestone, Falcom and the creative figures behind Ys continue to shape the future of interactive entertainment.

Yuzo Koshiro Falcom Ys Ys series Earthion Ys X: Nordics Nintendo Switch Hayato Sonoda Shuntaro Koguchi Yukihiro Jindo Mitsuo Singa