The Ys series, a cornerstone of the action RPG genre, has captivated players since its inception in the late 1980s. Originally launched as “Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished,” the franchise quickly established itself with its innovative blend of fast-paced combat and engaging storytelling.
Over the decades, Nihon Falcom has evolved the series, introducing increasingly complex mechanics and richer narratives while maintaining its core identity. Notably, titles like “Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana” showcased a shift towards deeper character development and expansive worlds, setting a high bar for the franchise’s future.
With “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana,” we revisit a beloved entry in the series, originally released as a remake of “Ys III: Wanderers from Ys.” This remaster brings the classic action RPG to modern consoles, including the PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, while retaining the nostalgic charm that longtime fans cherish.
Classified as an action RPG with hack-and-slash elements, “Oath in Felghana” emphasizes fluid combat and exploration, inviting newcomers and veterans to experience Adol Christin’s thrilling adventure in Felghana. The game balances traditional RPG mechanics and fast-paced action, reminiscent of titles like “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night,” which melds seamlessly platforming with combat.
Narrative Depth: Unraveling the Tales of Felghana
In “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana,” players are again thrust into the adventures of Adol Christin, the iconic red-haired hero, alongside his steadfast companion, Dogi. Their journey begins in Redmont, Dogi’s homeland, which has fallen under the shadow of dire circumstances.
The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of escalating chaos, where monstrous threats plague the townsfolk, a corrupt Count seeks to harness an ancient power, and Dogi’s best friend mysteriously vanishes. This setup establishes a classic heroic quest reminiscent of traditional RPGs where the protagonist must confront personal and external conflicts to restore peace.
At its core, the story blends elements of fantasy and adventure with a sense of urgency. Adol’s determination to tackle local issues head-on showcases his unwavering bravery, drawing players into the narrative. As the pair navigates the treacherous landscape of Felghana, they encounter various challenges that weave together action and plot progression.
For instance, including the missing friend, the subplot adds emotional stakes, driving Adol to engage with the community and uncover the deeper layers of the conflict. This narrative structure echoes the thematic richness of games like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” where exploration is intertwined with personal stories that enhance the overall experience.
Character development is another strong point in “Oath in Felghana.” While often portrayed as a silent protagonist, Adol gradually reveals his personality through interactions and deeds. His dynamic with Dogi enriches the story, as Dogi’s larger-than-life persona balances Adol’s quieter demeanor. Supporting characters, such as the townsfolk, contribute significantly to the world-building and narrative depth.
Each character offers quests and dialogue that flesh out their backgrounds and provide insight into the town’s struggles. This sense of community engagement is reminiscent of titles like “Final Fantasy IX,” where character arcs and interconnections drive the narrative forward, creating a vibrant world that feels alive and reactive to the player’s journey.
Core Mechanics: The Heart of the Adventure
In “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana,” the gameplay mechanics deliver a fluid and engaging experience emphasizing action and exploration. At its core, the game employs a straightforward control scheme that allows players to easily navigate the intricacies of combat and movement.
Basic controls include a single attack button that can be combined with jump attacks and evasive maneuvers, ensuring players can execute combos relatively easily. This simplicity mirrors the design philosophy of classic action RPGs, akin to “Zelda II: The Adventure of Link,” where responsive controls enhance the fast-paced nature of gameplay.
A notable feature of “Oath in Felghana” is its magic system, which introduces a layer of strategy to combat. Players can collect magical bracelets that grant unique abilities, such as launching fireballs or executing powerful spinning attacks. These magical skills serve as offensive tools and play a crucial role in exploration, allowing Adol to traverse new areas and solve environmental puzzles. For example, using the wind bracelet to glide over chasms evokes the platforming elements in “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night,” where magic and mobility are integral to combat and exploration.
The game’s difficulty levels cater to a wide range of players, offering adjustable settings that can be customized to suit individual preferences. This flexibility is particularly beneficial given the challenging nature of boss encounters, which often require multiple attempts to master their attack patterns. Players can lower the difficulty if they struggle, allowing them to engage with the game without feeling frustrated.
Moreover, the gameplay encourages an experimental approach; players are motivated to adapt their strategies based on the enemies they face. The emphasis on learning from failure and refining combat tactics echoes mechanics in modern titles like “Dark Souls,” where overcoming formidable challenges yields a satisfying sense of achievement.
In summary, the gameplay mechanics in “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana” combine straightforward controls, an engaging magic system, and flexible difficulty options to create an action-packed experience that resonates with both newcomers and seasoned fans of the genre.
Engagement in Battle: Mastering the Art of Combat
The combat system in “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana” is a core component that enhances the game’s fast-paced action and keeps players engaged. At its foundation, combat revolves around a straightforward yet satisfying mechanic—players primarily rely on a basic attack button to unleash a flurry of sword strikes.
This simplicity allows for immediate accessibility, enabling newcomers to enter the fray without a steep learning curve. However, the game encourages players to develop their combat strategies further by incorporating dodging mechanics; timing jumps, and evasive maneuvers become essential for avoiding enemy attacks, particularly during intense skirmishes. This dynamic is reminiscent of the “Tales” series combat, where timing and positioning are crucial for success.
Magic bracelets introduce a significant layer of depth to the combat, allowing players to harness elemental powers to enhance their offensive capabilities. Each bracelet offers unique abilities—from fireballs that deal damage from a distance to wind-based attacks that can stun enemies or propel Adol into the air.
This versatility enriches the combat experience and encourages players to experiment with different combinations to find the most effective strategies against varying foes. The integration of these magical abilities echoes mechanics from games like “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” where items and magic transform combat encounters into multifaceted challenges.
Boss battles in “Oath in Felghana” are particularly noteworthy, showcasing well-designed mechanics that test the player’s mastery of the combat system. Each boss encounter is carefully crafted, requiring players to learn attack patterns and exploit weaknesses to succeed. For instance, the battles often demand precise timing and a keen understanding of Adol’s abilities, pushing players to adapt their strategies.
However, these encounters can present significant difficulty spikes, often leading to frustration as players grapple with memorizing complex patterns and executing flawless dodges. This design choice cultivates a sense of achievement when players finally conquer a boss, akin to the satisfaction derived from overcoming formidable foes in “Dark Souls.”
Overall, the combat system in “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana” expertly combines straightforward mechanics with strategic depth, creating an engaging experience that rewards skill and adaptability. The thrilling boss battles are a testament to the game’s design, ensuring players remain invested in their journey through Felghana.
Journeying Through Felghana: A Study in Exploration
In “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana,” exploration is a key element that enriches the overall gameplay experience, seamlessly blending platforming mechanics with traditional RPG elements. Players are encouraged to traverse various environments, from bustling towns to perilous dungeons, each designed to reward curiosity and skill.
The platforming aspect is particularly notable as players navigate vertical spaces, leap across chasms, and dodge hazards. This design choice not only enhances the gameplay but also evokes a sense of adventure reminiscent of classic platformers like “Super Metroid,” where exploration is intrinsically tied to the progression of the narrative.
Backtracking is crucial in the exploration mechanics of “Oath in Felghana.” As players acquire new abilities through magic bracelets, they are often invited to revisit previously explored areas to uncover hidden treasures and unlock new pathways. This encourages a rewarding loop of exploration, where each new skill translates into tangible in-game benefits.
For example, acquiring the wind bracelet allows players to reach high platforms that were previously inaccessible, leading to valuable items or lore-rich dialogue with NPCs. This design philosophy echoes the Metroidvania genre, where gaining new abilities recontextualizes the game world and deepens player engagement.
The dungeon design in “Oath in Felghana” is another highlight, showcasing a variety of layouts that challenge players’ skills and problem-solving abilities. Each dungeon feels distinct, with unique themes and challenges that keep the experience fresh. For instance, one dungeon may require players to navigate through a labyrinthine structure filled with traps, while another might focus on verticality and precision jumps.
The integration of puzzles within these dungeons further enhances the exploration experience. Notable examples include puzzles that require players to manipulate environmental elements, such as activating switches or moving blocks to access new areas. These puzzles serve as obstacles and enrich the narrative by providing context and lore about the world of Felghana.
Overall, the exploration and level design in “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana” create a captivating environment that encourages players to engage deeply with the game world. The combination of platforming elements, backtracking mechanics, and varied dungeon layouts ensures that players remain invested in their journey, continually discovering new challenges and rewards that enhance their adventure.
Sensory Experience: The Aesthetics of Ys Memoire
The visual presentation of “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana” showcases a careful balance between nostalgia and modern enhancements. The remaster brings graphical improvements that elevate the experience for players familiar with the original PSP release. Enhanced textures and smoother animations breathe new life into the vibrant world of Felghana, allowing for a more immersive experience.
The option to toggle between original and refined character designs adds an interesting layer for players, enabling them to choose between the classic look, which retains a certain charm, and a polished aesthetic that aligns more closely with contemporary visual standards. However, opinions vary on these new designs, with some players preferring the rougher edges of the original art that evoke a distinct retro feel.
Accompanying the visuals, the audio quality in “Oath in Felghana” also receives a significant upgrade. The soundtrack, a hallmark of the series, features a blend of remastered tracks and options for original compositions, immersing players in the rich auditory landscape of the game. The music captures the essence of adventure with its energetic melodies and sweeping orchestral pieces, reminiscent of classic RPG soundtracks like those found in “Final Fantasy.”
Additionally, introducing voice acting adds a new dimension to character interactions, providing a more engaging narrative experience. While the voice lines are simple and occasionally feel minimalistic, they enhance character presence and help to convey emotions in pivotal moments, reminiscent of the voice work seen in titles like “The Legend of Heroes” series. Overall, the combination of upgraded visuals and a rich audio landscape elevates the game’s atmosphere, making the adventure in Felghana feel familiar and refreshingly new.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Embark on This Quest?
“Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana” combines engaging gameplay mechanics, a rich narrative, and enhanced audiovisual presentation into a cohesive package that appeals to new players and series veterans. The remaster’s graphical enhancements breathe new life into the vibrant world, while the refined character designs offer a fresh take on beloved characters.
The combat system is fluid and rewarding, emphasizing strategic use of magic and precise timing, reminiscent of classic action RPGs and modern titles in the genre. Furthermore, the exploration mechanics encourage thorough engagement with the game world, rewarding players for their curiosity and skill.
However, the game is not without its drawbacks. Some players may find the difficulty spikes during boss battles frustrating, particularly if they are unaccustomed to the rapid pace and precise execution required. Additionally, while the voice acting adds depth, it may feel minimalistic to those expecting a more extensive narrative experience.
Overall, “Oath in Felghana” is highly recommended for newcomers who appreciate action RPGs and enjoy a blend of exploration and combat. Series veterans will find a nostalgic yet refreshed experience that honors the original’s legacy while making it accessible on modern platforms. Whether diving into the Ys universe for the first time or revisiting a classic, this title promises an engaging adventure worth the journey.
The Review
Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana
"Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana" is a masterful remaster revitalizing a beloved classic. Its fluid combat, engaging exploration, and enhanced visuals strike a perfect balance between nostalgia and modern gaming. While some difficulty spikes may challenge players, the rewarding gameplay and rich narrative make for an unforgettable experience. This title is a must-play for both newcomers and series veterans, offering an adventure that captures the essence of the Ys franchise.
PROS
- Engaging and fluid combat mechanics.
- Enhanced visuals and character designs in the remaster.
- Rewarding exploration with meaningful backtracking.
- Varied dungeon layouts and challenging puzzles.
- Strong soundtrack and improved voice acting.
CONS
- Difficulty spikes during boss battles may frustrate some players.
- Voice acting can feel minimalistic at times.
- Some may prefer the original character designs over the refined art.
