For fans of action RPGs with a rich history, the Ys series is a household name at this point, and Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a perfect example of why the franchise has stayed popular for so long. This version is a remaster of a PSP remaster of Ys III: Wanderers from Ys (yes, you read that correctly) and comes with several upgrades for the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The result is the best way to play this iconic story, combining old-school charm with new features that improve the experience for both longtime fans and new players.
The story centers around Adol Christin, the series’ main character, who arrives in the region of Felghana. This place is filled with danger and mystery, and players quickly get drawn into its mix of high-stakes drama and personal stories. The addition of new voice acting for Adol adds an extra layer of immersion, making the characters feel more alive. A narrated introduction sets the stage for the adventure, making it feel more cinematic this time around.
Where this game really stands out as a timeless classic is in its gameplay. The combat is fast and happens in real time, requiring players to think quickly and use tactics. You’ll need to manage attacks, dodges, and special abilities during battles with both regular enemies and tough bosses. The remaster includes a turbo mode that speeds up the game, which is especially useful for grinding or backtracking. There are also difficulty settings to make the game more approachable for new players while still challenging veterans.
The controls are smooth and easy to use, which is important in an action-packed game like this. Whether you’re exploring dungeons or fighting enemies, the gameplay feels fluid. The game stays true to its original mechanics, but there are helpful improvements, like better navigation and updated menus. That said, some new players might miss modern features like quest markers or more detailed tutorials, which could make the game feel a bit outdated.
Visually, the remaster does a good job of balancing the old with the new. Players can choose between updated character portraits or classic ones, depending on what they prefer. The game’s world is colorful and detailed, even though the environments show their age. While it doesn’t look cutting-edge, the art style has a timeless quality that fans of retro games will appreciate. The graphics have been polished for modern screens and resolutions though, so everything looks sharper and more vibrant than before.
One of the best parts of Ys Memoire is its music. The game offers three different versions of its soundtrack: original, PC-8801, and X68000. All of them have been remastered with high-quality sound, and players can pick their favorite version. The music adds a lot to the game, with memorable tracks that make every moment more exciting, whether you’re exploring towns or fighting bosses. The soundtrack was always is a big part of what makes this game so special, so having high quality alternatives is a great touch.
Despite all its strengths, The Oath in Felghana has a few rough edges. The story and gameplay stick closely to the original, which might feel too old-fashioned for players used to modern RPGs with open worlds and complex storytelling. Some of the game’s visuals, especially the environments, also feel a bit outdated. But these minor flaws don’t take away from the overall experience, especially for fans of classic action RPGs.
In summary, Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a fantastic remaster that keeps the heart of the original while adding smart updates. The new voice acting, different soundtrack options, and quality-of-life improvements make it the best way to experience this beloved entry in the Ys series. It’s a must-play for longtime fans and a great way for new players to get into the franchise. Even though it shows its retro roots, the game’s timeless appeal makes it stand out in today’s gaming world.
Score: 8.0/10
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