As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for action-RPGs, I’ve been following the Ys series with bated breath. With each new installment, I eagerly anticipate the next adventure of Adol and his trusty companions. However, my experience with Ys X: Nordics left me feeling a bit divided.
Adol Christian is a truly exceptional individual. It seems that whenever he boards a ship, disaster – whether it’s a crash, sinking, attack, or a combination of these – follows close behind. Despite this, his passion for exploration never waivers. Similarly, the Ys X: Nordics game, part of Falcom’s long-running Ys series, introduces significant changes to its narrative and structural framework. While these innovations are admirable or intriguing in concept, they often fall short, resulting in a game that is sound but seems somewhat lacking in that special something that makes it truly stand out.
But first, some Cliff Notes
Reflecting slightly since this is the initial Ys appraisal on Shacknews, Ys initially emerged as a 2D action role-playing game, often mistakenly likened to an anime-style Zelda. The early versions featured a unique “bump” mechanic for combat – you’d collide with enemies to inflict damage rather than using an ‘attack’ button. This intense close-quarter fighting was accompanied by a heavy metal soundtrack, creating an immersive experience reminiscent of an anime OVA from the era that didn’t adhere to genre norms.
The main character throughout the series is consistently Adol Christian, a taciturn redhead who frequently finds himself in trouble regardless of his location. Despite rarely uttering a word, he has an insatiable appetite for adventure and somehow manages to wreck every ship he sets foot on, even if he’s not at the helm. Characters like Dogi, who sports blue hair, may appear in various tales, but Adol remains the constant presence. The chronicles unfold on a continuous timeline, though Ys X occurs immediately following the second game, allowing Falcom to fill in gaps and jump around the narrative as needed. Each story is self-contained enough that newcomers can easily jump in, although dedicated fans may find connections between them. This interconnectedness is subtly hinted at through the lore woven into each Ys game, which presents itself as epic tales based on ancient journal entries penned by Adol himself. I find this method of storytelling to be intriguing because it allows for creative exploration of the lore without taking it too seriously. I’m a fan.
Vikings do not play with toll money
In a turn of events, Ys X observes Adol becoming entangled with a band of Viking pirates settled in the northern Obelia Gulf. This occurs when he witnesses the captain of the ship he’s traveling on being executed for tax evasion by Karja Baltan, who is the princess among these seafaring, fur-clad pirates. Initially, it appears that Karja might be the story’s antagonist following a brief altercation with Adol. However, their partnership is unexpectedly formed when a nearby village is raided by undead creatures. Due to an enigmatic magical bond, they are unable to remain in separate rooms without experiencing a comedic predicament reminiscent of Tom and Jerry. As the undead prove to be part of a well-organized military force, Adol and Karja are bound through local tradition, becoming the reluctant heroes that the Gulf requires to defend against this threat.
In this game, the relationship between Adol and Karja forms the core of the storyline, influencing not just the narrative but also the combat mechanics. Unlike previous versions where multiple characters could join you, here it’s primarily Adol and Karja. As you progress through the game, their growth reflects your growing arsenal of tools. They each possess unique skills, but when you press the right trigger, they combine for a unique set of attack properties and abilities. This team-up not only serves as your main defense against enemies but also helps in defeating powerful bosses. Even when they seem independent, Adol and Karja function as a single unit, merging into one force when the situation requires maximum power.
A little more time in the oven, please
While the dramatic flair is appealing, this feature highlights a significant issue with feedback and clarity regarding rules in Ys X. For instance, pressing and holding the right trigger to bring heroes together functions as a parry mechanic, potentially leading to impressive counterattacks when executed correctly. However, the game fails to effectively communicate the timing for both failures and successes, leaving players to essentially guess. This is due to the excessive visual activity and action only slowing down if a QTE prompt appears, which isn’t even a guaranteed sign of a successful parry.
In Ys X, there’s an intriguing feature that resembles Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – a ship customization and battle system. However, unlike Black Flag, it lacks the high-budget production value. Interestingly, despite Adol’s history of trouble with ships, this time around, he’s been given one to manage, including its finances and maintenance. Quite risky! Fortunately, since the adventure has already begun, the ship is generally safe. Unfortunately, the system is clumsy and moves at a snail’s pace, not really picking up until close to the end of the game. There’s a lot of detail and complexity in it, but the initial moments are so slow and tedious that it’s hard to get excited until almost too late. Falcom tends to refine ideas over time, so if this ship system returns for the next game, it might be fantastic. The ambition is clear, but it just falls short a bit in this instance.
My key observation from Ys X: Nordics is that while it comes close to achieving its ambition, it falls slightly short. However, the game’s solid foundation, particularly appealing to action-RPG enthusiasts, is undeniable. The Ys series has been a mainstay for years, and rightly so. Although some missteps occur when trying something new, which is not necessarily a bad thing in a long-running series, it shows Falcom’s commitment to innovation.
As a gamer eagerly anticipating my next adventure, I’m thrilled to share that Ys X: Nordics has just dropped! This epic game is now playable on the PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Guess what? A PS5 code was generously provided by the publisher for this review – talk about timing! Let’s dive into the Nordics together!
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2024-10-28 18:27