Komatsu
Member
Developer: Nihon Falcom
Publisher: NIS America
Platforms: Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch, Windows
Gebre: Action RPG
Mode: Single-Player
Price: 59.99 (USD)
The *Ys* franchise, developed by Nihon Falcom, began in 1987 with *Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished*, setting the stage for a long-running action RPG series. The game introduced players to the red-haired adventurer, Adol Christin, who would become the series' iconic protagonist. Known for its fast-paced "bump combat" system, where players simply rammed into enemies to deal damage, the original *Ys* stood out for its innovative mechanics, memorable music, and a rich fantasy world steeped in mystery. The game's success quickly led to the release of *Ys II*, forming a duology that told the story of the ancient kingdom of Ys and Adol’s journey to uncover its secrets.
As the series progressed through the 1990s and 2000s, *Ys* gained a reputation for its tight gameplay, excellent soundtracks (largely composed by the Falcom Sound Team JDK), and engaging narratives, though it remained a niche franchise outside of Japan for much of this period. With titles like *Ys III: Wanderers from Ys* experimenting with side-scrolling action and *Ys IV: The Dawn of Ys* and *Memories of Celceta* offering deeper explorations of the world, the series continued to evolve. The franchise shifted to a more modernized action-RPG system with *Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim* in 2003, abandoning the bump combat in favor of a more direct attack system, which would influence the gameplay of subsequent titles.
The release of *Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana* in 2016 marked a turning point for the series, receiving widespread critical acclaim for its deep storytelling, fast-paced combat, and expansive world. This game, along with the later *Ys IX: Monstrum Nox*, helped to elevate the series to greater international prominence, expanding its fanbase beyond Japan. Today, *Ys* is celebrated for its thrilling combat, memorable characters, and captivating adventures, with Adol Christin's legendary journeys continuing to captivate players across generations.
Ys X: Nordics introduces new gameplay elements that expand on the series' signature fast-paced combat and exploration. One of the standout features is the **Cross Action system**, which allows players to switch between "Solo Mode," where Adol fights alone with more precise control, and "Combination Mode," where he fights alongside a partner for coordinated, more powerful attacks. This dual-combat approach adds flexibility and strategy to battles.
Another key aspect of the game is **naval exploration**. For the first time in the *Ys* series, players can pilot a ship, exploring the seas and islands of the Obelia Bay. This adds a new layer of adventure, as players navigate open waters, discover hidden locations, and engage in ship-to-ship combat. The naval mechanics tie into the game’s overarching theme of exploration, blending traditional land-based action with oceanic journeys.
The game also introduces a **Mana Action system**, which integrates platforming and environmental interaction into the gameplay. Players can manipulate certain elements of the environment, solving puzzles or overcoming obstacles in creative ways. Together, these systems provide a fresh, dynamic approach to the *Ys* experience while maintaining the series' core focus on fast, fluid combat and exploration.
Review - Ys X: Nordics | Review Thread
Game Information Game Title: Ys X: Nordics Platforms (Western Release): PC (Oct 25, 2024) PlayStation 4 & 5 (Oct 25, 2024) Nintendo Switch (Oct 25, 2024) Trailer: Steam Ys X: Nordics Announcement Trailer Ys X: Nordics Launch Trailer Ys X: Nordics Promo Trailer Developer: Falcom Publisher...
Last edited:
