Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana Review

Game: Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam (Windows) & PS4 & PS5)
Developer|Publisher: Falcom | Marvelous (Xseed)
Age Rating: EU 16+ | US Teen
Price: US $39.99 | UK £34.99 | EU €39,99
Release Date: January 7th, 2025

A review code was provided, and many thanks to Decibel PR. 

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana – More Ys is Always a Good Thing

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a remaster of a remake. Let that sink in for a moment. Originally released as Ys III: Wanderers From Ys on older platforms, it was reinvented over a decade ago for PC and PSP. Now, it returns for the Nintendo Switch with new bells and whistles. If you’re a fan of the Ys series, or you love fast-paced action-adventure games with a European fantasy vibe, this game might just be your next favourite thing. For newcomers, this is a welcoming entry point into the franchise, no prior knowledge is required.

A Familiar Homecoming

The story once again follows Adol Christin, our eternally red-haired adventurer. Alongside his burly companion Dogi, Adol arrives in Dogi’s hometown, Redmont, only to find it overrun by monsters and plagued by a looming threat from the nearby castle. Naturally, Adol does what he does best: grab a sword, head out into danger, and try to make things right.

The plot is straightforward, bolstered by a small but memorable cast of NPCs. With solid voice acting and a steady pace, the story doesn’t outstay its welcome. It’s like a short story in RPG form: compact, satisfying, and just deep enough to make you care about the stakes.

Ys Memoire story segment
I get that a lot

Adventure Awaits

The game’s structure sticks to a tried-and-true formula. You’ll explore a large island split into distinct areas like ruins, quarries, and mountain paths. The overarching goal is to retrieve four statues, each hidden in a dungeon and guarded by a formidable boss.

Progression is gated by abilities like a double jump or a glide, which means revisiting older areas to uncover hidden secrets. Side quests sprinkle in a bit of extra content, offering useful rewards like crystals to upgrade your gear. While the formula isn’t groundbreaking, it’s executed with such polish and efficiency that it feels fresh, even if you’ve seen it before.

Fast and Fluid Combat

Combat is where the game truly shines. It’s hack-and-slash, pure and simple. Most enemies can be dealt with by mashing the attack button, but there’s a finesse to Adol’s strikes that makes every swing feel impactful. Enemies drop items and coins at such a rapid pace that even grinding feels satisfying.

Adding depth to the combat, you’ll unlock elemental spells through magical bracelets. Certain enemies are weak to specific spells, encouraging experimentation. Adol’s arsenal also includes special moves like upward thrusts and downward strikes, useful for handling flying or armoured foes.

Upgrades play a crucial role, too. New swords, shields, and armour not only improve your stats but also appear on Adol’s character model, a small touch that many modern games overlook. Boss fights are a highlight, offering just the right mix of challenge and spectacle.

Ys Memoire combat
A ‘Stunning’ display of swordsmanship

A Retro Aesthetic

Visually, The Oath in Felghana shows its age, but not in a bad way. The 3D environments have a low-poly charm that feels nostalgic, even if they lack a bit of vibrancy. Character sprites are detailed, and seeing Adol’s gear change with upgrades is a delightful throwback.

The soundtrack is a standout feature. With different versions to choose from remastered to retro, it’s a treat for fans of game music. The rock-infused melodies perfectly complement the fast-paced action, making battles and exploration all the more exhilarating.

New Additions

This remaster brings some welcome updates. Difficulty options are available from the start, but you’ll need to commit to them as they can’t be changed mid-playthrough. Turbo mode is a handy addition, letting you zip around the map with ease at the click of a button. And for those who like visual customization, you can choose between refined or classic character illustrations.

These features, while not revolutionary, make this the definitive version of the game.

Minor Annoyances

No game is without its flaws, and Ys Memoire has a few. Flying enemies can be a hassle to hit, which becomes particularly frustrating during a certain boss fight. There are also moments when the game doesn’t clearly indicate where to go next. If you miss a conversation with an NPC, you might find yourself wandering aimlessly, triggering some unnecessary backtracking.

These issues are minor, though, and don’t significantly detract from the overall experience.

Ys Memoire boss fight
Nothing more epic than fighting on lava

Conclusion: Y Not Give It a Go?

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a shining example of why the Ys series has endured for so long. Its blend of tight combat, satisfying upgrades, and bite-sized quests makes it an easy recommendation for fans of action-adventure games.

Sure, it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but when the wheel works this well, who cares? Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this is a game that deserves your attention. It’s proof that even a remaster of a remake can feel fresh and exciting when done right.

Final Verdict: I Like It a Lot I like it a lot

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