By Crunchyroll
Report updated Apr 13, 2026
Crunchyroll: Ys Chronicles II
For fans of classic JRPGs and anime enthusiasts who are already subscribed to or considering a Crunchyroll Premium membership.
Crunchyroll: Ys Chronicles II is a challenged games app that is available. With a 3.7/5 rating from 3 reviews, it faces significant user friction. Users particularly appreciate game quality, though subscription paywall remains a common concern.
What Is Crunchyroll: Ys Chronicles II?
Current Momentum
v1.0 · 3mo ago
ZombieYs Chronicles II launched its initial version but has transitioned into maintenance with only minor bug fixes since late 2025.
Active Nemesis
Secret of Mana
By SQUARE ENIX
Other Rivals
7-Day Rank Pulse 🇺🇸
No ranking data
Recent User Mood 🇺🇸
What makes this app unique?
What Does It Look Like?
How Is The App's Momentum Right Now?
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What Are The Key Features?
Ability to transform into a demon to speak with any standard enemy in the game, providing unique narrative depth.
Players can toggle between original 80s FM-synth, MIDI-style remixes, or modern studio performances, and switch between 90s-style or modern anime character art.
Traditional action-RPG combat system requiring players to attack by pouncing on enemies, updated with analog-enabled controls.
Who is it for & how much does it cost?
Target Audience
Fans of classic JRPGs and anime enthusiasts who are already subscribed to or considering a Crunchyroll Premium membership.
Pricing
Subscription- Free to download
- Requires Crunchyroll Mega or Ultimate Fan membership
The app is a value-add for existing streaming subscribers. It uses exclusive content to drive retention and upsell to higher-tier memberships, mirroring the Netflix Games model.
Who Built It?
Enrichment in progress
Publisher profile available very soon
What other apps does Crunchyroll make?
What do users think recently?
Medium confidence · 9 reviews analyzed
What is the recent mood?
“Recent user voice shows a frustrated sentiment. Users appreciate game quality, but report subscription paywall and poor controls.”
What Users Love
ys 2 really adds a lot of improvements like a much smoother level curve, proper fast travel
What Frustrates Users
now it's stuck behind a subscription to Crunchyroll premium I don't need or want
Where is the copy of the app that I paid money for?
controls are super janky and uncomfortable
the fire spell is not only janky but it feels very hard to use comfortably on phone controls
What is the competitive landscape for Crunchyroll: Ys Chronicles II?
How's The Games Market?
Market outlook for this category
Available very soon
Games Market Trend
Games market trend & dynamics
Available very soon
The rivals identified
The Nemesis
Head to Head
Secret of Mana holds the edge in prestige and ownership model, but Ys Chronicles II is a superior value proposition for active anime streamers who already pay for Crunchyroll's premium tiers.
What sets Crunchyroll: Ys Chronicles II apart
- +
Included at no extra cost for existing Crunchyroll Mega/Ultimate Fan subscribers
- +
Unique 'bump' combat system offers a faster, more arcade-like pace
What's Secret of Mana's Edge
- -
Significantly higher user sentiment and historical acclaim
- -
Permanent ownership via one-time purchase rather than a service-dependent license
Contenders
Unique time-travel narrative with multiple branching endings
Active Time Battle (ATB) system that blends turn-based and real-time elements
Genre-bending gameplay that evolves from 2D RPG to 3D fighter and beyond
Extensive parodies and references to the history of Japanese RPGs
Peers
Metroidvania exploration focus rather than linear JRPG progression
Highly competitive price point for a full console-quality port
Procedurally generated levels ensuring no two runs are the same
Extensive post-launch support with numerous DLC expansions
Shades: Shadow Fight Roguelike
★4.7 (15K)Nekki Limited
A high-action RPG that shares the same 'free with subscription' business model as the Crunchyroll Game Vault.
Modern rogue-like structure with high replayability
Exclusive to Netflix subscribers, mirroring Crunchyroll's gated access strategy
New Kids on the Block
Afterimage Mobile
★4.3 (24)Beijing Wangyuan Shengtang Entertainment Technology Co., Ltd.
A newer, visually stunning 2D action-RPG that pushes the boundaries of the genre on mobile devices.
Hand-drawn 2D art style that contrasts with the pixel-art of classic ports
Massive non-linear world with over 15 distinct areas to explore
The outtake for Crunchyroll: Ys Chronicles II
SWOT Analysis
Core Strengths
- Unique 'Demon Transformation' narrative mechanic
- Extensive aesthetic customization (3 soundtrack versions, 2 art styles)
- Zero extra cost for high-tier Crunchyroll subscribers
Critical Frictions
- Janky touch controls for magic/fire spells
- Mandatory subscription model alienates legacy purchasers
- Low rating volume and visibility on app stores
Growth Levers
- Cross-promotion with related anime titles on Crunchyroll
- Optimization and marketing of external controller support
- Expansion of Game Vault to increase bundle perceived value
Market Threats
- Square Enix's 'buy-to-own' model for competing classics like Secret of Mana
- Netflix Games' aggressive acquisition of high-profile indie RPGs
- Declining sentiment trend due to monetization friction
What are the next best moves?
Refactor touch-screen magic controls
Users specifically cited the fire spell as 'janky' and 'hard to use,' which is a primary driver of negative sentiment for a core gameplay mechanic.
Implement a 'Legacy User' verification system
Top complaint theme is from users who previously paid for the game and now find it gated behind a subscription they don't want.
Highlight Gamepad Support in store assets
Since touch controls are a pain point, emphasizing the 'analog-enabled upgrade for gamepad users' can pivot frustrated users toward a better experience.
Feature Gaps vs Competitors
- Multiplayer support (available in Secret of Mana but missing here)
- Standalone purchase option (available in all Square Enix contenders but missing here)
- Procedural replayability (available in Dead Cells but missing here)
Key Takeaways
Ys Chronicles II is a high-quality port currently hamstrung by its delivery method. While it offers superior customization and unique mechanics compared to Secret of Mana, the 'Frustrated' user base—driven by paywall friction and janky magic controls—risks turning a premium retention asset into a source of brand negativity.
Where Is It Heading?
Declining
User mood is Frustrated due to the mandatory subscription transition for legacy owners.
Core gameplay friction: Fire spell controls are cited as janky and uncomfortable on mobile.
v2.0.1 focused on stability and graphics, but did not address the primary control complaints.