Exploring the Legacy: Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana
In the debate of whether Ys still represents Nihon Falcom’s flagship series, its enduring significance in gaming history is undeniable. The series’ latest addition, Ys X: Nordics, showcases a bold step into new territory, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers. However, nostalgia for the simpler, more direct earlier titles remains strong. Among these classics, Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana stands out as a revitalized remake of a fan-favorite, set to launch on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4/5 in early 2025.
A Brief History of the Ys Series
Nihon Falcom made a pivotal choice with its third installment of the Ys series in 1989. Departing from the top-down gameplay style of its predecessors, Ys III: Wanderers from Ys embraced a side-scrolling mechanism, reminiscent of the acclaimed Xanadu: Dragon Slayer II. Despite the drastic change, fans welcomed the game, which later saw various ports to multiple platforms. This entry, unlike its siblings, laid the groundwork for future excellences while also diverging from the series’ original gameplay style.
The Remake Journey
When it came time to revive Wanderers from Ys, Falcom opted to rebuild the game using contemporary technology. The engine from Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim facilitated this transformation, culminating in the 2005 release of Ys: The Oath in Felghana for Windows PC in Japan. This remake retained essential story elements and locations but expanded character depth, narrative complexity, and dungeon intricacies to engage players in new ways. Fans in Japan lauded this enhanced experience, and a long wait followed before it was introduced to Western audiences.
Capitalizing on the popularity of the PlayStation Portable, in 2010, Nihoon Falcom launched the PSP version of Ys: The Oath in Felghana, with Xseed Games localizing this version for Western markets. While the core experience remained intact, players enjoyed additional quality-of-life improvements and extra dialogue, further enriching the immersive world of Ys. In 2012, the Windows PC version received its localization, widening access to the revitalized classic.
What’s New in Ys Memoire?
My hands-on experience with Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana reveals that this version largely follows the PSP iteration, which is a positive update for newcomers and returning players alike. However, those familiar with the original PC version may notice some discrepancies, like minor texture quality differences. Noteworthy enhancements include the option to choose from multiple soundtracks: Mieko Ishikawa’s original tunes from the PC-88, Masaki Kawai’s delightful X68000 arrangements, or Yukihiro Jindo’s renditions from The Oath in Felghana. Additionally, new character portraits are available, although the classic designs can be retained for traditionalists. This version also features dialogue for protagonist Adol, a notable evolution from previous iterations.
On the Switch, gameplay renders smoothly with minimal loading times, creating an enjoyable experience. However, the control scheme includes some quirks—navigational choices require directional buttons while character movements depend on the joystick, a design choice that did not exist in prior versions. Despite this, the game successfully maintains the charm of its earlier creation while modernizing visuals to a higher resolution.
An Action-Packed Experience
Ys: The Oath in Felghana showcases fast-paced action that distinguishes it from many contemporary RPGs that emphasize more gradual, methodical gameplay. In this title, main character Adol Christin whirls through enemies with remarkable speed, creating a dynamic battle atmosphere. As he gains new abilities and levels up, his effectiveness against hordes of enemies increases, while boss encounters demand strategic thought without sacrificing intensity. The game offers just the right amount of platforming to break up combat without disrupting its brisk pace.
The story unfolds rapidly, keeping players engaged as they transition from quest to quest with minimal downtime. While side quests exist, they are shorter and complement the main storyline without detracting from the urgency of the adventure. Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana embraces a fast-moving narrative, making it one of the most exhilarating action-RPGs in today’s gaming landscape.
Returning to a Genre Classic
While newer titles in the Ys franchise offer fantastic features, the essence of earlier games often feels somewhat lost. Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana evokes nostalgia by revisiting what makes the original game so exceptional. Initial impressions suggest that this remake is a solid tribute to a timeless classic. If the remainder of the game holds up to the high standards set during my play session, it could indeed provide an exciting start to the new year.
Mark your calendars! Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is scheduled for release on
Nintendo Switch,
PlayStation 4,
and PlayStation 5 on January 7, 2025.
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