When Ys first came to the US, it was on systems I couldn't play them on, because I didn't have them (TG-16, Master System, etc.). But I certainly had my eye on them!
I think the first Ys game I got was Ys 6 on the PS2. But for some reason, I couldn't get into it much. Not sure why, must've been timing. But then, later on I read it's one of the weaker entries in the series, so maybe that's why.
The first Ys game I beat was the remake of Ys 1 and 2 on the DS. A lot of people say it's a crappy port, but I loved it. Later on, XSEED ported a LOT of Ys games to the PSP, so I played all of those. Memories of Celceta is one of the few games I have for the Vita.
My favorite Ys game is Ys Seven. Love the music in that one. "Mother Earth Altego" is such a great overworld theme.
It's funny you said Ys 8 is like Gilligan's Island: The RPG. My brothers and I called it Jurassic Park: The JRPG. I liked the castaway theme in that one and Dana is a cool character because she has blue hair and beat Dogi in an armwrestling match! Wow!
Even though I liked Ys Seven and 8 more, I enjoyed Ys 9 way more than I thought I would. It almost would've been my GOTY last year, but lost to Pokemon Snap, and maybe would've tied with The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. Can you guess who my favorite character in Ys 9 is?
Have you watched this video on the history of Falcom? It's really interesting.
