Ys X: Proud Nordics Reviews
The tenth chapter of the Ys saga was already a good game, but Ys X: Proud Nordics manages to make it even better. Although the lack of an upgrade between the Switch and Switch 2 versions is annoying, there's no denying that this is now the definitive version of the competent action RPG, which finally finds a version worthy of its experience on Nintendo's new console.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ys X: Proud Nordics is the definitive way to play Adol’s seafaring adventure with a great story alongside a strong, memorable cast and even better re-balanced combat that feels like a solid entry for new fans to get into the franchise.
In Proud Nordics, so much of the culture and particulars of the politics are laid bare to us in our journey. The world and its people are rich and deliberate in their presentation. It's not a shock that this is the case — Ys is a series going on for nearly 40 years at this point — but I am awed a bit by the scope of the tale the series is telling.
Ys X: Proud Nordics is the definitive version of Ys X: Nordics. If you haven't purchased the game yet, I highly recommended that you get it, as it introduces new content that adds more to the game. But therein lies the problem: the extra content is so minimal and so optional that there is practically no reason for you to buy it otherwise, unless you want a version made for the Switch 2.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ys X: Proud Nordics is the most complete version of an already strong action RPG. The refined performance, expanded story and extra challenges make it the definitive way to experience Adol and Karja’s journey across Obelia Bay. If you’re new to Ys or skipped the original release, this is an easy recommendation. Fast combat, enjoyable exploration and a solid central duo carry the experience confidently. If you’re a returning veteran, your enjoyment will depend on how ready you are to relive the voyage. Either way, Falcom proves there’s still plenty of life in this long-running series.
It may have all the same bones as the original version, but Ys X: Proud Nordics on Switch 2 is undoubtedly the way that this landmark action-adventure title deserves to be experienced on Nintendo hardware. Not only are the visuals improved, but the major performance bump makes everything from striking down enemies to simply navigating menus an absolute joy.The new gameplay additions, ranging from new story scenarios to tough-as-nails dungeon crawling, are nice to have as well, even if they ultimately feel like a small speck awash in the sea of gameplay variety that Ys X already contained. This enhanced version's siren song may be too faint to lure back anyone who forged through the original release, but newcomers and prospective fans owe it to themselves to answer the call and embark on the definitive version of this grand adventure.
Whether they dive right in or wait a while, the good news is that Proud Nordics will be delivering a fantastic experience once they pick it up, as it’s the definitive version of Nihon Falcom’s latest RPG.
Ys X: Proud Nordics is built on the solid bones of Ys X: Nordics. It, however, doesn’t add a lot of extra substance to warrant a new playthrough. It is the ultimate version of the game and the new recommended Ys to play for newcomers.
The added content in Ys X: Proud Nordics is definitely a nice bonus compared to the original, but is paying full price again really worth it? If there were ever a time for Adol to voice his thoughts, this would surely be it.
A refined and expanded adventure that elevates an already strong entry into one of the franchise’s finest
An improved and expanded take on Ys X that is a must-play on Nintendo Switch 2
As a complete game, Ys X: Proud Nordics is among the best in the series. As a re-release, however, it leaves much to be desired.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ys X: Proud Nordics delivers Falcom’s most confident and complete take on the adventure, refining the original release with sharper combat, cleaner presentation and a brighter sense of character. The Switch 2 version benefits from stronger performance, faster loading and a noticeably smoother flow during exploration and battles, although the dated engine and occasional stutters reveal the limits of the underlying technology. The added content and quality‑of‑life improvements give this re‑release genuine value, yet the full‑price model and lack of an upgrade path remain difficult to ignore. Even so, Proud Nordics stands as the definitive way to experience Adol’s latest journey, offering an energetic, polished and consistently engaging action RPG that plays to the series’ strengths.
However, the lack of cross-progression does mean that you'll have no choice but to start over. On the other hand, if you've yet to play Ys X, I can wholeheartedly recommend this version. While returning players do have to wrestle with whether the upgrade is worth it, new players should absolutely dive in without hesitation.
Ys X: Proud Nordics is the same great game with extra content that adds a lot of value and rewarding challenges for those who master its memorable seafaring campaign. It may have released a bit too soon but what's here is excellent stuff regardless. ⛵
Ys X: Proud Nordics is the definitive edition of Ys X and a step above its predecessor. It’s a solid action RPG with fun combat, nice visuals, and great music. The new story is interesting and implemented well without interfering with the existing story. The newly added game modes are a great deal of fun and add much more replay value to the game. I highly recommend Proud Nordics to newcomers and those who played the original. The new additions and improvements made Adol’s adventure through Obelia Gulf a more enjoyable experience overall.
Ys X: Proud Nordics sails onto Switch 2 with impressive 120 FPS performance and sharp DLSS visuals, yet struggles to justify its "full-price" re-release.
Ys X: Proud Nordics is the definitive edition of one of the most successful chapters in the historic Ys saga. Set after the events of Ys I and Ys II, the game follows Adol to the Nordics archipelago, among pirates, Vikings and ancestral mysteries. The adventure combines fast-paced real-time combat, land and sea exploration, and a more structured narrative than in the past. This edition introduces Oland Island with new characters and quests, the Muspelheim dungeon, the Bergen Coliseum, and the Mana Hold mechanic for solving environmental puzzles. Maritime navigation is one of the highlights, as are the soundtrack and the variety of content. With around 30 hours for the main story and up to 60 for total completion, it offers a solid and accessible experience, ideal for both veterans and those new to the series.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Ys X: Proud Nordics delivers Adol's definitive journey featuring dynamic combat, memorable bosses, and naval exploration within a world full of new content. This version expands the experience with an additional narrative and a challenging dungeon designed for veteran players who have finished the main campaign. However, the game suffers from excessively similar linear environments and common opponents that make the battle rhythm less exciting over time.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Returning Ys X players have little to look forward to in Ys X: Proud Nordics as it doesn’t add anything particularly substantial and the technical improvements aren’t that great to begin with.