I'm playing Ys II right now, having just finished Ys I (Steam "Chronicles" versions). It's different from any game I've played before, but I like it. It's fast-paced, gameplay- and exploration-driven, and the setting is interesting. The bump combat might turn some people off, and I'm glad that system isn't used in every game ever, but it's a fun change of pace for a while. The story is clichéd, but the game was made in 1987, so you can't expect a lot. I would probably play Ys just to ogle the map artwork and listen to the music.

Also http://home.eyesonff.com/general-gam...oks-1-2-a.html