The Ys series by Falcom, although not as widely recognized as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, has been gaining attention in the Western market alongside the Trails series in recent years. Ys X: Nordics, the latest installment in the series, takes players back to a younger Adol Christin, just after his adventures in the Kingdom of Ys. Set in the Obelia Gulf, an area reminiscent of Normandy, Adol and his companion find themselves entangled in a challenging situation involving a powerful pirate group and the mysterious Griegr threat.

The gameplay in Ys X: Nordics deviates from traditional Ys titles by introducing the Cross Action Gameplay system, replacing the party system. Players control either Adol or Karja, each with unique skills and weapons, allowing for strategic gameplay dynamics. The Duo Mode enables simultaneous control of both characters for enhanced abilities and devastating attacks, particularly effective against shielded enemies. Despite these changes, the core combat mechanics retain the series’ signature fast-paced action, with added depth from the new gameplay system.

Magic plays a significant role in Ys X: Nordics, granting the characters Mana Actions for improved exploration and traversal. The Release Lines system, tied to the magical bond between Adol and Karja, offers diverse customization options and character progression. Naval battles form a substantial part of the gameplay experience, featuring ship combat and exploration of the Obelia Gulf. The evolving naval combat options, alongside a cooking system for buffs, promise engaging challenges and rewards.

As a long-time fan of the Ys series, the fresh gameplay approach in Ys X: Nordics has heightened anticipation for its upcoming release. The blend of classic Ys elements with innovative mechanics like Cross Action Gameplay and naval battles seems to inject new life into the series, steering it away from stagnation. With the game scheduled for release on various platforms on October 25th, fans can soon embark on a new adventure with Adol and Karja in the captivating Obelia Gulf.

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