Nihon Falcom’s Ys series has a long history of delivering fast-paced and engaging action RPG experiences, and Ys X: Nordics continues this legacy while introducing a few fresh elements to the mix. Published by NIS America, this latest entry puts the spotlight on a new setting, the Obelia Gulf, and an interesting partnership between series protagonist Adol Christin and a pirate named Karja Balta. Together, they face off against the mysterious Griegr, immortal beings that plague the people of the region. With a blend of familiar mechanics and a few new gameplay ideas, Ys X strikes a balance between pushing the series forward and the tried-and-true formula that fans have come to expect.
The narrative of Ys X: Nordics unfolds in typical Ys fashion, with Adol finding himself embroiled in a new conflict. This time, it’s not just about exploring dungeons or slashing through hordes of monsters. Adol is thrust into an uneasy alliance with Karja, a pirate whose motives initially seem questionable. The dynamic between these two characters is one of the game’s highlights, adding a layer of tension and intrigue to the story. And while the overarching plot might not break new ground for long-time Ys players, it’s a solid setup for the action-packed gameplay that follows.
The game’s Cross Action System is a new feature that differentiates Ys X from its predecessors. Players can freely switch between controlling Adol and Karja, utilizing each character’s unique strengths in combat. Adol’s familiar swift swordplay contrasts with Karja’s more brutish fighting style, and the ability to combine their skills adds a strategic element to the combat. You can also fight with both characters at once using a linked mode, which allows for devastating combo attacks and adds variety to the encounters. But while the system is fun and offers depth, there are times when switching between characters can feel a little clunky, particularly when facing off against larger groups of enemies.
Outside of combat, Ys X introduces naval exploration, a new aspect for the series. The Sandras, a ship that Adol and Karja use to travel across the Obelia Gulf, becomes a central part of the game’s exploration. Sailing between islands and engaging in naval battles adds a fresh layer of gameplay, though these sections can sometimes feel underdeveloped compared to the on-foot action that the series is known for. Naval combat, while visually impressive, lacks the same intensity and fluidity that the ground combat offers, and some players might find themselves rushing through these sections to get back to the more traditional Ys experience.
Mana abilities allow players to interact with the environment in new ways, such as grappling across gaps or sliding through narrow spaces. This gives dungeon exploration a more dynamic feel and opens up opportunities for puzzles and hidden treasures. It’s a clever addition that adds variety to the game’s level design, though some of the Mana abilities could have been more fleshed out, as they occasionally feel like missed opportunities for deeper environmental interaction.
Visually, Ys X is a mixed bag. The game’s art direction is strong, with colorful environments and distinct character designs that stand out. The world of the Obelia Gulf feels alive, with vibrant towns and varied landscapes. However, the graphics themselves, particularly when it comes to textures and detail, sometimes fall short of what you’d expect from a PlayStation 5 game. While the game runs smoothly, it lacks the visual polish seen in other modern RPGs, which may disappoint players looking for a more technically impressive experience.
When it comes to audio, the soundtrack, composed by Falcom’s in-house team, delivers as expected. The music is energetic and complements the game’s fast-paced action, with orchestral pieces during exploration and more intense tracks during combat. Longtime fans of the series will feel right at home with the music, though there aren’t many standout tracks that will linger in your memory after the credits roll. The voice acting is solid, but like the visuals, it doesn’t particularly elevate the overall experience.
Controls in Ys X are generally responsive, with the kind of fluid movement and fast-paced combat that Ys is known for. However, as mentioned earlier, switching between characters can sometimes feel less intuitive than it should, particularly in more chaotic combat situations. Additionally, the ship controls during the naval segments, while functional, can feel a bit stiff at times, which detracts from the otherwise engaging sense of exploration that happens on foot.
In conclusion, Ys X: Nordics is a strong addition to the long-running series, offering a satisfying mix of action, exploration, and narrative. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it introduces enough new elements, like the Cross Action System and naval exploration, to keep things fresh. The game’s visuals and naval sections could have used a bit more polish, but for fans of the series, this is another solid adventure with plenty of memorable moments. If you’re looking for a fast-paced action RPG with a rich history, Ys X delivers, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some of its predecessors.
Score: 8.0/10
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