Game: Ys Memorie: Revelations in Celceta
Genre: Adventure, Action, RPG
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Windows (Steam) and PlayStation)
Developer|Publisher: Nihon Falcom | Marvelous
Age Rating: EU 12+ | US Teen
Price: US $29.99 | UK £24.99 | EU € 29,99
Release Date: April 28th, 2026
Review code provided with many thanks to Decibel PR.
Ys Memories: Revelation in Celceta – More Ys, Yes Please
Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta is a game that has quietly travelled through several platforms over the years. Originally released on the PlayStation Vita (R.I.P), it has since appeared on PC and PlayStation systems, and now it finally arrives on Nintendo Switch as well, the most important of handheld platforms.
For long-time fans of the series, this is a fairly familiar adventure. For newcomers, though, it’s a good jumping-on point in Falcom’s long-running action RPG franchise.
The story follows the red-haired adventurer Adol Christin, who unfortunately suffers from one of the most common illnesses in video games: amnesia. He has lost his memories and must piece together what happened while exploring the mysterious forest region known as Celceta.
The narrative mainly revolves around mapping this vast forest while uncovering secrets about Adol’s past and dealing with a growing threat lurking within the wilderness. It’s a fairly straightforward RPG story overall. There are allies to meet, a few villains to deal with, and plenty of strange happenings along the way.
The writing gets the job done, though it doesn’t always go very deep. A fair amount of dialogue revolves around Adol not remembering things, which makes sense for the story, but the gimmick gets old quickly. As to be expected for a Falcom game, expect plenty of dialogue, some of which probably sticks around longer than needed. Still, the plot works well enough as a backdrop for the real star of the show: the gameplay.
Fast And Fluid Combat
If there’s one thing the Ys series is known for, it’s its action-heavy combat, and Revelations in Celceta delivers exactly that. Battles take place in real time, and the pace is quick from the moment you step into the field. Instead of relying on turn-based mechanics, you’re constantly moving, attacking, dodging and switching between party members.
Your team can consist of up to three characters at a time, each with their own weapon types and strengths. Switching between them during battle is instant, which allows you to adapt quickly depending on the enemy you’re facing. This is encouraged as enemies are often weaker to a specific character’s attacks, and exploiting these weaknesses nets you more lovely loot.
The battle system itself is fairly straightforward but very satisfying to play. Attacks flow smoothly, and the game encourages a mix of aggressive strikes and defensive moves. You have access to a guard ability that can stagger enemies if timed correctly, as well as a dodge move that grants a brief advantage when used at the right moment. Mastering these mechanics adds a bit of strategy to what might otherwise just be constant button mashing. Then again if playing the game on an easier setting is your preference, this will probably still get the job done.
Special skills also come into play as battles progress. By holding a button and hitting one of the face buttons, you can unleash stronger abilities that deal heavy damage or hit multiple enemies at once. The result is a combat system that feels fast, responsive, and consistently fun throughout the adventure.
Exploring The Forest Of Celceta
Outside of combat, exploration plays a huge role in this game. The Great Forest of Celceta acts as the main setting, and much of your time is spent uncovering its secrets while gradually mapping out the region. As you explore, your map fills in piece by piece, giving a satisfying sense of progress as the once-unknown wilderness becomes more familiar. There are hidden paths, side quests, and small discoveries scattered throughout the environment, encouraging players to wander off the main route now and then.
This sense of exploration ended up being one of the most enjoyable parts of the game for me. The world feels large and mysterious; the sense of getting lost in a dense forest takes me back to my childhood days, only I don’t remember there being as many monsters back then.
Back in town, you’ll also find the usual RPG activities waiting. Items gathered during exploration can be traded for equipment or materials, quests can be accepted from NPCs, and new upgrades help strengthen your party for the challenges ahead. It’s a familiar RPG loop: venture out, defeat monsters, gather resources, return to town, upgrade your gear, and head back out again. It might be simple, but it works very well.
Presentation And Performance
Visually, Revelations in Celceta does show its age a little. The game originally launched on the PlayStation Vita, and while the Switch version runs smoothly, the graphics still reflect that earlier era. Character models and environments look somewhat basic compared to modern entries in the series. That said, the game performs extremely well on the Switch. Movement is smooth, battles remain responsive, and everything runs without noticeable issues. For some players, the slightly older look may even add a bit of nostalgic appeal.
The soundtrack, on the other hand, remains one of the standout elements. Falcom is well known for its music, and the energetic rock-inspired tracks help give battles a strong sense of excitement. Even simple encounters feel more dramatic thanks to the music accompanying them.
Conclusion: Forest Fun
Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta might not be the newest entry in the series, but it still holds up well today. The story is fairly straightforward and occasionally repeats itself, but it serves its purpose as a backdrop for the real highlights: fast-paced combat and enjoyable exploration.
The action-focused battle system remains incredibly fun to play, and gradually mapping out the mysterious forest adds a strong sense of adventure to the experience. While the visuals reflect the game’s origins on older hardware, the Switch version runs smoothly and still captures the spirit of the original release.
For long-time Ys fans, this is a welcome addition to the Switch library. For newcomers looking for an accessible action RPG with quick combat and plenty of exploration, it’s also a great place to start.
It might be a revisit to a past adventure, but Ys Memoire: Revelations in Celceta still delivers an enjoyable journey through one of the series’ most memorable settings. Here’s hoping more of the past Ys series makes its way to Switch.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot
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