Ys X: Nordics represents a significant milestone for this long-running franchise, which has stood the test of time. It is one of the most ambitious titles in the series to date and marks its localized debut across multiple platforms. While already available in Japan, this acclaimed RPG is set to launch in the West later this month. As a fan of the Ys franchise, you may be wondering if this entry is a notable step forward from previous games, and whether there have been major improvements beyond the switch to a new engine.
Each game in the Ys series stands on its own, with core themes and recurring characters shared across entries. However, each installment offers a fresh adventure for the protagonist, Adol Christin, and his companions. Over the years, the series has seen several remasters and full remakes of its earlier titles, dating back to the late 1980s. The fact that the series continues to enjoy popularity today places Ys among the finest action RPG franchises.
Although Ys X: Nordics sticks to the familiar formula of placing Adol in a new location where he must confront a mysterious threat and save the land, it introduces some fresh mechanics. One of the most notable is the Duo Combat System, which offers a new layer of strategy to the action.
While the Ys series is named sequentially, the games do not follow a strict linear narrative. Ys X: Nordics is set several years before most of the other games in the franchise, featuring a younger Adol Christin. During a routine sea adventure to the town of Celceta, Adol and his companion Dogi are attacked by pirates, forcing them to dock in the town of Carnac. As Adol explores the town, he discovers a mysterious shell through which he begins to hear voices. Adol must team up with Karja, a user of mana powers in the world, and they are compelled to travel together due to the overlap of their mana abilities.
The integration of Karja into the story introduces two distinct gameplay modes: Solo and Duo. For most of the game, players will control Adol in Solo mode, but there are key moments when teaming up with Karja becomes essential to defeat powerful enemies. Adol can also unlock a variety of skills throughout the game, which can be assigned to face buttons for quick access during combat. The battle system incorporates mechanics such as parrying, defending, and dodging, which keeps the gameplay dynamic. Successfully dodging enemy attacks and counterattacking provides a satisfying flow to combat, making it one of the most enjoyable systems in the Ys franchise.
Compared to previous entries, Ys X: Nordics feels a bit easier, though it strikes a good balance between challenge and reward. Having played earlier Ys games, it seems that while the recent titles are generally less difficult than the older ones, this game offers a satisfying blend of difficulty without being overly punishing. Both Adol and Karja are fun to control during battle, and they can use their mana skills to great effect. Beyond combat, the movement feels fluid, and traversing the world—whether in the towns or during battles—is rewarding. The inclusion of a lock-on feature is especially useful during boss fights, though for regular enemy encounters, I often relied on skill spamming by switching between characters.
Platforming has always been a crucial element in the Ys series, and Ys X: Nordics continues this tradition. Not only can Adol use newly acquired mana abilities in battle, but these skills also aid in traversal. Some of these abilities allow Adol to access areas that would otherwise be unreachable, while others simply enhance the fun of exploring the game world. Although it doesn’t strictly follow the Metroidvania style of exploration, Ys X: Nordics rewards players who pay attention to their surroundings and have a curiosity for exploration.
In Ys X: Nordics, the ship Sandras plays a central role, acting as the primary hub for Adol and Karja. As they explore the Obelia Gulf, they work to free individuals from the threat of Greiger, and many of these rescued characters join the crew aboard the Sandras. This allows the ship to serve as more than just a transport vessel, as new gameplay avenues open up with each addition, including crafting and upgrade maintenance. The ship itself also has an upgrade system, which proves essential given the possibility of encountering hostile ships while navigating the seas. These upgrades not only make the ship stronger but also unlock new locations for exploration.
One of the significant improvements in Ys X: Nordics over earlier games in the series is the enhanced sense of freedom in exploration. While not all areas of the world map are accessible right away, the game gradually opens up, often in tandem with the upgrades made to the Sandras. The naval exploration adds a dimension reminiscent of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, with the upgrades playing a key role in making exploration smoother and more rewarding. However, it’s worth noting that the sea exploration feels somewhat slow at the beginning of the game, and the presentation of this aspect can be underwhelming at times.
A notable change in Ys X: Nordics is the focus on only two playable characters, Adol and Karja, which stands in contrast to earlier Ys games that often featured multiple characters. This decision allows the developers to invest more deeply in character development and gameplay mechanics. The absence of numerous playable characters works in favor of delivering a more refined experience, with each character having a well-developed skill set and abilities. Karja stands out as a strong addition to the series, with an excellent character arc that gradually unfolds as she grows closer to Adol. While the overarching story may not be groundbreaking, the strong character development and the engaging gameplay loop keep the game entertaining through to the end.
From a technical perspective, the PC port of Ys X: Nordics is well-optimized. The game runs smoothly on most hardware configurations, including the Steam Deck, where it maintains a stable 60 FPS on the OLED model. This fluidity is crucial, especially in combat, where dodging and parrying enemy attacks rely on quick reflexes. The overall visual presentation is sharp, and performance is consistent throughout. While I cannot speak to the performance on other platforms like the Nintendo Switch, my experience on PC was seamless, with no major issues encountered.
Ys X: Nordics Game Information
- Price: $59.99
- Publisher: NIS America
- Developer: Falcom
- Platform: PC (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
