Characters can be created from three starting races, Afrocan (best suited for fighting classes), Eresians (blend of fighter and magic), or Kimoan (best suited for magic). Any race can start as a basic magic user or fighter, however, and YS Gold each race has it's own unique tree that branches from these two bases into more specialized classes as you reach level milestones. Thich results in a wide range of character customization. As you level and are able to train new skills, you pay the trainer with Auras (essences) that you collect by killing creatures or completing quests. It's an interesting concept, using auras as a training currency. Don't worry. They're not hard to get, and you'll have a nice nest egg of auras in no time.
Adding to this is Ys use of a “card” system. Cards are dropped by mobs or purchased from vendors. Cards are necessary for a variety of things, including quests, crafting, enchanting, learning custom skills, advancing into more complex skill sets, etc. Cards become increasingly important as you advance in level, especially if you want better gear or skills. It is a unique idea, and it definitely has some merit. It also creates some extreme drawbacks. For example, you CANNOT craft an item without the appropriate crafting card, and YS Gold every time you craft an item, the card is consumed in the process. Some cards are equipable, and give your character expanded abilities and enhancements. It will be interesting to see how the card system plays out.
Crafting requires a LOT of resources (gathered from quest rewards and mob drops) and YS Gold basically requires several steps: Gathering primary materials>refining materials,>smelting loot,>Item Crafting. Anyone can craft even the most complex of items if they have the materials and gold to pay for crafting fees. This makes Ys somewhat unique. Crafted goods are generally the ultimate high-end gear.
Battle is straightforward. Your default attack auto-repeats unless you use a special skill. There are no “chain” attacks either. Once you use a special, the cooldown timer is activated for ALL specials. You can form a party of up to 10 characters, which does allow somewhat of a coordinated series of specials from various players. You can also form guilds, much like any other MMO. A unique twist for being in a guild: there are interesting opportunities for quests, rewards, and other goodies that are available ONLY to guilds and guild members.
