After two decades, a fan translation brings the controversial PS2 remake of a beloved Ys JRPG to English-speaking players.

After years of being a hidden gem even among JRPG enthusiasts, the long-standing Ys series has finally carved out a global following, with nearly the entire franchise now available in English in various forms. The notable exception is Ys 5, which stands out as one of the most controversial entries in the series. However, dedicated fan translators are ensuring that no part of the Ys saga remains inaccessible to English-speaking JRPG fans.

Originally launched for the Super Famicom in 1995, Ys 5: Lost Kefin, Kingdom of Sand marked a departure from the series’ signature bump combat, opting instead for a Zelda-inspired combat system that uses buttons for attacking and defending. This shift led many Ys fans to view it as a slower, less favorable installment, though it still possesses its own unique charms.

While Ys 5 never saw an official English release, a complete fan translation has been available for over a decade. The same cannot be said for the 2006 PS2 remake, developed by Arc System Works, a studio more widely recognized today for its fighting games like Guilty Gear.

That is, until now. As noted by a gaming channel, a fan translation for the PS2 version of Ys 5 has emerged, making the game fully playable from start to finish. The translation patch, which can be found on GitHub, is currently in beta, but all the essential elements are already implemented.

“This past year had its ups and downs for me, but working on Lost Kefin has helped me stay on track,” said patch lead Kaisaan in a recent post. “I am extremely grateful for all the support I have received in making this quirky game playable in English!”