Game: Ys X: Nordics
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
System: Nintendo Switch (also available on Steam (Windows) and PS4 & PS5)
Developer|Publisher: Falcom | NIS America
Age Rating: EU 16+ | US Teen
Price: US $59.99 | UK £53.99 | EU € 59,99
Release Date: October 25th, 2024
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Reef Entertainment.
Ys X: Nordics – A Mighty Entry in the Long-Running Series
The Ys series has been a staple in gaming for quite some time, with its first appearance dating all the way back to the late 1980s. Over the years, it has appeared on multiple consoles and handhelds, gradually building a loyal fanbase. My first foray into the series was Ys: Memories of Celceta on the PlayStation Vita, and it left a strong impression on me.
Now, with Ys X: Nordics, the latest in this action RPG series, fans and newcomers alike are treated to another fantastic adventure. Nordics also marks what could be the last of the mainline Ys games on the Nintendo Switch, following the releases of Ys VIII and Ys IX on the system, as well as the spin-off Ys Origin. With this potentially being the final Ys game on Switch, developer Nihon Falcom has crafted a highly enjoyable experience that suits both longtime fans and those new to the series.
Set Sail
In Ys X: Nordics, we once again follow the series’ familiar red-haired protagonist, Adol Christin, who embarks on yet another journey, this time accompanied by his trusty companion, Dogi. Their adventure begins as they sail to a new region of the world, tasked with helping a researcher locate some healing flowers. However, things quickly take a turn when they have a run-in with the fierce pirate princess Karja. Through a series of events, Adol and Karja become magically bound at the wrist by mystical cuffs.
As if that weren’t enough, the duo must also contend with a dark force known as the Griega, which threatens the land. Adol and Karja must put aside their differences and work together to not only defeat the looming evil but also find a way to free themselves from the cuffs, preferably without losing any limbs in the process.
While the premise of two characters forced to work together may seem familiar, Ys X manages to avoid falling into the typical “enemies turned allies” trope. Rather than dragging out the tension between Adol and Karja, the two quickly come to terms with their situation and begin collaborating effectively. What I appreciated most about the story was Karja’s character development. While Adol is already an established figure in the series, kind and determined hero always willing to help others. Karja is a fresh face, and her growth throughout the game adds depth to the narrative. She starts off tough and guarded, but over time, her more vulnerable side is revealed. This makes her an interesting and well-rounded character. For longtime fans, there are nods to past entries in the Ys series, while newcomers can jump in without needing any prior knowledge of the franchise.
That said, the story can sometimes drag in places, which is something common in Falcom games. While some players may appreciate the extra depth and world-building, others might find the pacing slow, especially during dialogue-heavy moments. Fortunately, if you find these sections tedious, you can skip through conversations or bypass cutscenes entirely.
Fast-Paced Action Battles
The standout feature of Ys X: Nordics is, without a doubt, its fast-paced and satisfying battle system. Like other games in the series, Nordics is an action RPG, allowing you to explore vast open areas, dungeons, and towns, all while encountering enemies in real time. Battles are initiated seamlessly as you approach enemies on the map, with no transition screens to slow things down. You can control either Adol or Karja in battle, with each character having their own weapons and unique abilities. Switching between the two characters is instant, allowing for fluid transitions during combat. If one character is downed, the other can revive them by holding a button.
Combat is a satisfying blend of hack-and-slash action and strategic ability management. You can attack enemies, use special moves by holding the shoulder buttons, and guard or dodge incoming attacks. Timing these defensive manoeuvres perfectly opens enemies up for more devastating counterattacks. The battles have a quick and efficient flow, and even when enemies are defeated, your characters automatically collect items and gold without unnecessary loading screens or victory cutscenes, keeping the pace brisk.
As you progress, new abilities are unlocked that not only aid in combat but also help you explore the world more thoroughly. For example, you can use a magical grappling hook to reach high places, which can also be employed in battle to latch onto enemies for more dynamic combat options.
Work Together in Duo Mode
A significant part of combat is the Duo Mode, where Adol and Karja fight together in perfect sync. By holding down the shoulder buttons, both characters will attack and block in unison, and this mode allows you to unleash powerful abilities that are especially useful against larger, tougher enemies. However, using this mode against smaller enemies can feel like overkill, making the game feel a bit too easy at times. Fortunately, Ys X offers a variety of difficulty settings, ranging from easy to extremely hard, and you can adjust the difficulty at any time from the options menu. This flexibility allows players to fine-tune the challenge to their liking, ensuring that the game remains enjoyable for both casual players and hardcore fans of action RPGs.
It’s worth noting, though, that despite the game’s focus on teamwork between Adol and Karja, no co-op mode is available. While it would have been interesting to see some form of local or online multiplayer, it’s understandable that incorporating co-op might have been difficult to implement in this type of game. That being said, I did like how your partner will fight for themselves when not directly controlling them, giving the illusion you’re playing with a buddy.
Sailing Around
In addition to the familiar exploration of towns, dungeons, and open areas, Ys X: Nordics introduces a new feature: ship exploration and naval combat. You’ll have the chance to hop aboard a ship and sail to various islands, expanding the game world and offering new areas to discover. When at sea, you can engage in ship combat, firing cannons at enemy ships. There are multiple types of cannon shots, some more effective at long range and others at short range. A helpful reticle indicates when you’re within the optimal distance to launch an attack, adding a bit of strategy to these encounters. This naval exploration and combat is a welcome addition to the series, providing a fresh layer of gameplay variety and enhancing the joy of exploring unknown territories.
Level Up
As an action RPG, there’s ample opportunity for character progression. Each character can unlock new skills through gameplay, and you can further customize them by adjusting perks in a unique skill tree, where coloured mana skills enhance specific stats. This system allows you to tailor each character to your preferred playstyle. Additionally, your ship can be upgraded over time by improving its stats and acquiring new weapons.
Anime-Style Graphics and Performance
The graphics in Ys X: Nordics maintain the familiar anime-inspired aesthetic that the series is known for, featuring vibrant, colourful environments and characters. The game also boasts a fantastic soundtrack that complements the action and exploration. The overall design of Ys X: Nordics leans into a Norse theme, with lush green landscapes, roaming wildlife, and ancient mystical monuments dotting the world. Dark, ominous dungeons are also present, providing a good balance between light and dark environments. While the graphics won’t blow anyone away compared to more technically advanced games, they fit the style and tone of Ys perfectly.
Performance on the Nintendo Switch is solid. Load times between areas are relatively short, and the game runs smoothly in both TV mode and handheld mode. Even during intense battles or ship combat, the frame rate holds up well, ensuring that the fast-paced action never feels bogged down.
Conclusion: A Brilliant Entry in the Ys Series
Ys X: Nordics is yet another fantastic entry in the long-running Ys series and a welcome addition to any Switch library. The story, while occasionally slow, offers a solid narrative with enjoyable character development, particularly for Karja. However, it’s the fast-paced battles, seamless exploration, and the new ship mechanics that truly make this entry stand out. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer looking to dive into a new action RPG, Ys X: Nordics has something to offer. If you’re looking for an exciting adventure with engaging combat and exploration, don’t let this one pass you by. A free demo is available on the Nintendo eShop.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot
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