When you think of the games that might inspire a master world-builder like Brandon Sanderson, certain titles immediately spring to mind. The sprawling, morally complex world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the intricate lore and challenging design of Dark Souls, and the player-driven narrative of Fallout: New Vegas all seem like natural fits for the celebrated fantasy author. While Sanderson does indeed count these modern masterpieces among his favorites, his most cherished role-playing game from his formative years is a deep cut that speaks to the foundational pillars of the action RPG genre: the classic Ys Books I & II.
This revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the influences of one of modern fantasy's most prominent voices, highlighting a title that championed fast-paced action and epic adventure long before many of its more famous contemporaries. It's a choice that sidesteps the expected turn-based epics of the era, instead celebrating a game known for its blistering pace, iconic soundtrack, and pure, unadulterated sense of discovery.
A Pantheon of Modern Classics
It comes as no surprise that Brandon Sanderson's list of favored games reads like a hall of fame for modern RPGs. Titles like The Witcher 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are lauded for their exceptional writing, branching narratives, and richly detailed worlds—qualities that resonate deeply with Sanderson's own literary creations. The unforgiving yet fair world of FromSoftware's Dark Souls also makes the list, a game that tells its story through environmental details and cryptic lore, rewarding players who meticulously piece together its history. These games represent the pinnacle of interactive storytelling and complex system design, making them obvious choices for an author whose work is defined by intricate magic systems and epic-scale conflicts.
A Classic Choice from a Different Era
However, when looking back to the foundational games of his youth, Sanderson points to a different kind of classic. Not a sprawling turn-based saga, but Nihon Falcom's Ys Books I & II. Originally released in the late 1980s and popularized on consoles like the TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine CD-ROM² in the early 90s, this collection is a landmark title in the action RPG genre. It tells the story of the red-headed adventurer Adol Christin and his quest to uncover the secrets of the ancient, vanished land of Ys.
For many, Ys was a revelation. While other RPGs focused on menus and strategic, turn-based combat, Ys threw players directly into the action with its unique and controversial "bump" combat system. To attack, players simply ram Adol into enemies. While it sounds overly simplistic, the system has a hidden layer of strategy, requiring players to approach foes off-center to deal damage without taking any in return. This focus on constant motion, speed, and momentum set it apart, creating a gameplay loop that was instantly gratifying and relentlessly paced.
Why Ys Resonates
One can speculate why this particular classic holds such a special place for Sanderson. At its core, Ys I & II is a masterclass in efficient storytelling and world-building. It doesn't bog the player down with excessive exposition; instead, it builds its world through exploration, memorable character interactions, and a legendary, pulse-pounding score composed by Yuzo Koshiro and Mieko Ishikawa. The sense of adventure is palpable as Adol explores fields, delves into treacherous mines, and ultimately ascends the colossal Darm Tower. Each new area brings new challenges, new secrets, and some of the most iconic boss battles of the 16-bit era.
The game's narrative is straightforward but mythic in its scope, focusing on a hero's journey against a backdrop of ancient secrets and divine conflict. This kind of focused, high-concept fantasy likely appeals to an author who has built a career on creating accessible yet incredibly deep magical and historical frameworks. The game is less about shades of gray and more about the thrill of adventure and the heroism of a single, determined individual against overwhelming odds—a timeless fantasy trope.
The Enduring Legacy of Ys
Sanderson's appreciation for Ys Books I & II is a testament to the game's enduring quality and influence. The series is still going strong today, with numerous sequels and remakes continuing the adventures of Adol Christin. Though its mechanics have evolved far beyond the original bump combat, the core tenets of the series remain: fast-paced action, exploration, and an absolutely stellar soundtrack. By singling out this 90s classic, Sanderson not only reveals a piece of his own gaming history but also shines a spotlight on a foundational franchise that helped define a genre. It serves as a reminder that while modern RPGs offer unparalleled complexity, the simple, powerful loop of adventure found in the classics can be just as compelling.