Topic: Help YS book 1 and 2. Background is white.

Hello I was playing YS Book 1 and 2 on virtual console and I just got a mask and the screen I am walking in turned black and white wherever I go. I can't see the enemies or people and cannot go into buildings. What happened to my game and what should I do. I saved and turned it off but when I turned it on it was still black and white. My character is the normal color but the area my character is walking in isn't

I think you might have the mask equipped. It's purpose is to reaveal hidden paths, and enemies dissappear from vision while it's on. Try unequipping it.

Don't panic! It sounds like you just experienced the effect of the mask of eyes. The mask enables you to see hidden paths that are normally invisible to the naked eye but at the cost of not being able to see living things such as monsters and people. Yes, it also turns the screen black and white! The game tends to give you hints as to when to use such items so no need to walk around wearing it all the time. Simply unequip the mask and everything should go back to normal. If you still have problems feel free to ask any questions.

how do you unequip the mask and how do you use potions

To equip and unequip key items, you just select them. If there's a square around it, it's equipped. I think potions are used to automatically restore health if it runs out (I haven't played in a while).

correct--there's a yellow selection box and a blue it's-equipped box. If you look at your character info (on whatever screen its on, depending on control style) you can see what item and what ring adol has equipped, if any. If you need to use the item, press Up on the D-pad (I think) - this is for herbs, other consumables, and story progression items. I don't think the game ever tells you this....same with Ys 2--that game has a magic button, which I believe is Down on the D-pad, plus you need an item in your inventory first before you can cast.

It's kind of like all the original console RPGs in that where to go/what to do isn't quite as clear-cut as it is today. The games kind of wanted you to "a-ha moment" how to use/do everything, rather than telling you directly. Just be ready to try using everything in your inventory or talking to everyone around, or just walking the world map aimlessly looking for something...that's how these games were (or find a walkthrough if that's your thing)

EDIT: realized I was answering based on DS version instead of VC version...sorry!

To unequip items go to your item menu and any item that is equipped will have a purple box around it. Use the D-pad to move that box over something you do want to equip or just keep pressing left on the D-pad until you no longer see the box. When you don't see that purple box anymore that means nothing is equipped. As for potions, when want to use any item just make sure it is equipped and press the B button on the controller. When you press B the game will ask you if you want to use the item(such as a potion). You can only carry one potion at a time so when you find a potion in a chest it will automatically revive you but if your HP is full you won't be able to get that potion if you already have one in your inventory but you can always come back for it later.

Thanks alot