Remember the days when we eagerly anticipated the release of amazing games, initially exclusive to Japan? I’m excited to share my experience with Ys X: Nordics, the latest installment in Falcom’s Ys franchise. It was one of my most enjoyable gaming experiences in 2023, and it’s likely making its way to the West.
For those unfamiliar with the Ys series, it’s a long-running action RPG featuring the adventurer Adol Christin. Originating in 1987, the series initially reached the West with the first three games, impressing players with its cinematic presentation on platforms like TurboGrafx 16 and Super NES.
However, after Ys 3, the series disappeared from Western shores until Falcom’s resurgence in the early 2000s with Ys 6 – The Ark of Napishtim.
Ys X: Nordics, released in September 2023 on PlayStation and Switch, continues the series’ legacy. Despite Falcom being a small studio, the game showcases improvements in technology.
The maps are more expansive and detailed, animations are smoother, and major cutscenes receive quality animation work. While not pushing visual boundaries, Ys X looks attractive and polished.
The PS5 version stands out with native 4K at 60 fps and no loading times, making it the recommended choice. The Switch version, while not perfect, is a noticeable improvement over the last two games.
It runs at 900p in docked mode and 600p in portable mode, with occasional frame-rate dips, mainly during alpha-heavy effects.
The PS4 Pro version offers a choice between 30 fps and an unlocked 60 fps target, but the unlocked mode can be unstable in crowded areas. Despite visual compromises, the game runs smoothly on PS5.
In terms of gameplay, Ys X introduces the cross-action system, abandoning the multi-character system from previous entries. You primarily control Adol or Karja, switching between them for combo attacks. Mana powers add variety, offering abilities like a grappling hook and a hoverboard.
The game’s structure involves exploring a series of islands using the Sandras, a naval vessel. The world feels reminiscent of old-school overworld maps, and ship-to-ship combat and boarding mechanics add depth.
Ys X’s storytelling is a highlight, offering a more personal narrative with surprising twists. The game’s log system proves useful for understanding the dialogue, even before full localization.
While this review may deviate from typical Digital Foundry content, Ys X: Nordics left a lasting impression, reminiscent of the excitement surrounding Japanese games in the late ’80s and early ’90s. I’m hopeful for a swift Western release, and when it happens, be sure to check it out.
