Ys X: Nordics Reviews
Ys X: Nordics is a truly successful title whose only real flaw can be attributed to its visual presentation being so outdated that it feels like you are playing on a PS360. Fortunately, the narrative, not so “fresh” but functional, and the very successful and fast-paced gameplay, in perfect tune just like Adol and Karja, make Ys X: Nordics a really solid and very enjoyable title to play.
Review in Italian | Read full review
While it's not the biggest game changer in the franchise ala Ys VIII, Ys X: Nordics is still a fun and smooth-sailing ride that truly throws you back to the days when Adol had less people to work with in the combat field. Having said that, new character Karja is a worthy addition and a tag-team player to go alongside Adol, and does help form a pretty fun-if-potentially-broken combat system involving tag-team moves that go in sync.
Ys is a series I fell in love with some years ago and each new entry has often given me what I have wanted from it. Nordics; however, doesn’t provide me with much more than what I already got from Lacrimosa of Dana in regards to its combat and exploration, and the newly implemented ship combat and sailing is just as bland as its lifeless ocean. I love this series and want it to be better than it is, but after the remarkably impressive Monstrum Nox, I feel that this team is capable of giving us an epic and fantastic adventure for Adol to tackle. Ys X: Nordics; however, doesn’t provide anything new and interesting to really sink your teeth into. It’s a fine adventure that I did enjoy pushing through, but it’s my least favorite Ys game so far by a nautical mile.
Ys X: Nordics is one of the best entries in the Ys series thanks to great on-foot combat, an engaging cast of characters, and beautiful visuals, even though the general story, variety of locations, and naval combat could have been improved. It is also wonderfully optimized, making it near perfect for the Steam Deck.
With Ys X: Nordics we will live a new adventure with the reddish-haired hero and incombustible protagonist of the Ys franchise, Adol Cristin, where he will discover, in the company of the Nordic Karja, the mysteries that the islands of Obelia Bay contain.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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 perfect choice for RPG fans who love this style of game. The story is engaging, the soundtrack is excellent, the battles are intense, and the character design is very well done. However, it’s not a game recommended for those who aren’t RPG fans, as the lengthy dialogues may discourage newcomers from continuing to play.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
There’s a lot packed into Ys X: Nordics, making for a thrilling ride. Quick-paced features make sure something exciting is always happening during gameplay, but the cast is given an appreciated chance to breathe and stand out in their own way.
Although the tenth installment of the Ys series was unsatisfying in several aspects, most notably the story, the fun and fast-paced gameplay made Ys X Nordics an enjoyable experience for fans of action JRPGs, even if it wasn't on the same level as the best games in the genre.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Ys X: Nordics introduces an interesting combat system with Duo Mode, but it quickly becomes repetitive due to limited party dynamics and a lack of damage type mechanics. While the exploration and improved graphics are highlights, the slow-paced story, Saturday morning cartoon villains and so-so gameplay make the experience fall short of expectations, especially when compared to previous entries in the series.
Ys X: Nordics takes the series a step further and even appeals to fans of sea battles. The battles are fast and fun, the traversal across the different areas is nicely varied, even if the graphics unfortunately can't really keep up. If you fancy a Nordic anime setting and want to keep expanding your crew, this is the perfect game for you, even if you haven't played any of the Ys games.
Review in German | Read full review
Ys X: Nordics effectively combines classic Ys elements with modern gameplay, offering a rewarding action RPG experience. Centered on a younger Adol Christin, the game introduces the Duo Combat System and focuses on exploration via the ship Sandras. Despite some minor drawbacks in the early naval sections, it’s a must-play for both fans and newcomers, blending action, exploration, and character development seamlessly.
While some might find the early stages of the game a bit slow, I’d recommend sticking with it or focusing only on essential interactions to progress the quests—it makes the pace feel more manageable. Although I haven’t played many of the previous Ys titles, this one has definitely inspired me to revisit earlier games and further explore the adventures of Adol Christin!
Despite not reaching the high points of some of its predecessors, Ys X: Nordics is yet another thrilling action RPG that's consistent with the franchise's quality. Hopefully, the next Adol games will manage to make the most out of what was developed here and bring even more enticing journeys.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
While the land-based exploration and fast-paced duo combat deliver the thrilling action Ys fans expect, the sea combat disappoints with its overly simplistic mechanics and slow pacing. Despite its shortcomings at sea, the game’s vibrant environments and energetic soundtrack make it a solid addition to the series.
Ys X: Nordics brings back the classic spirit of the franchise with fast-paced combat and revamped mechanics. The dynamic between Adol and Karja, united by a spell, creates a good starting point for the plot, and the duo combat system offers exciting moments, especially against bosses. The protagonists' customizations and abilities also give plenty of room to explore different combinations. However, the game stumbles in several aspects. The narrative, although promising, gets lost in superficial developments and unmemorable characters. Exploration, although well-intentioned with the addition of naval combat and transversal abilities, suffers from simplified maps and a lack of incentive to revisit areas. Overall, Ys X: Nordics is a fun adventure, but it could have been more memorable if it had made better use of its ideas.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ys X: Nordics is a very fun action game with loveable characters and a soundtrack that’s sure to have one or two tracks that’ll stick in your mind. The Cross Action System allows for players to enact beautiful destruction and is sure to be a hit with action fans. It has a story that does enough to capture your attention and keep it through the duration of the game, and is a perfect starting point for those new to the Ys series. The naval gameplay does need some polish, but Falcom gave an excellent first attempt. While the game was hampered by some technical and visual issues, this should not deter you from playing this game. Longtime fans of the Ys series, as well as newcomers, will find a lot to enjoy in this game. I certainly had a lot of fun playing through it.
Ys X: Nordics showcases many outstanding elements the series excels at — combat, skills, music, and characters are on-point and some of the best we've seen in the nearly 40 years the series has existed.
Ys X: Nordics is presented as a solid addition to the franchise, offering evolved gameplay and new playable elements. The Mana String is quite interesting and gives many new possibilities to the protagonists that make the game more dynamic and fun. On the other hand, the naval combats, although interesting, have left us a little cold. Still, Ys fans are in luck because the spirit of Ys is still intact and in top form, and it's still devilishly fun.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Ys X: Nordics is a crowning achievement for Falcom as one of its most vibrant and compelling action RPGs yet. The setting of the Obelia Gulf invokes a sense of adventure and mystery, while its characters, locations, and lore keeps players engaged. As the young hero Adol and the pirate princess Karja, players experience a combat system that sets the new standard for the franchise as well.