Ys X: Proud Nordics Reviews
Ys X: Proud Nordics is an enhanced version of a good JRPG that could have elevated it to greatness, but it left me wanting more on some of the promises made. The story remains the game’s highlight, with intriguing plot development, great new characters and locations, and a dungeon as icing on the cake. However, the combat feels repetitive and button-mashy at times, so some new mechanics would have been welcome alongside the further skill mastery and mana hold. The graphics are also a mixed bag: the character design and cutscenes are great, but the muddy textures sometimes made me wonder if this was a current-gen game. This may be limited to the Switch 2 version that I played, but I think Ys X: Proud Nordics would have benefited from more development time and a longer break after the first game, which is still fresh in the minds of most fans.
It may not be up the alley of those looking for deeply engrossing gameplay, but for players with a passing interest in the franchise who have not yet committed to this installment, now’s the perfect time to dive in and get their feet wet.
Ys X – Proud Nordics comes with the premise of being a definitive version, but the improvements and extra content it offers don’t justify the high price. If it’s on sale, it’s a title worth considering; otherwise, Ys X – Proud Nordics ceases to be an option for everyone and becomes an exclusive game for hardcore fans of the series.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ys X: Proud Nordics is the definitive version of the 2024 action RPG with new story and side content, improved gameplay and features, and amazing performance on Nintendo Switch 2. The lack of an upgrade path from Ys X: Nordics and the need to replay story content limits some of the game's potential, but Ys and action RPG fans are in for a treat nonetheless.
Ys X: Proud Nordics is definitely recommended. The game is a must-have for fans of Adol the Red, and will certainly please fans of the franchise.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
I didn’t expect the Ys series to pull a Persona 5 Royal and drop a definitive edition so soon after the 2023 release, but here we are. Ys X: Proud Nordics is the best way to play this chapter of Adol’s life, thanks to a solid side story and great additions to its gameplay. Does it justify a second purchase for returning players? Not really. But it is still a great action RPG regardless, especially for those who have yet to play the game.
If you skipped Ys X the first time, buy Proud Nordics and enjoy one of the more distinct modern entries in the franchise. If you already own Ys X, the decision is tougher. The added content is meaningful but not transformative. The quality of life updates are welcome but arguably overdue.
Ys X: Proud Nordics offers the definitive outing of a game I already know I loved, but it’s precisely because of this that I’m left a little bit disappointed that they didn’t go bigger with potential changes. If this was DLC, I’d have called it great and left it at that, but this is a full game purchase that still stands alongside the original version of Ys X. Knowing that, it’s hard not to say “that’s it?” when seeing how it aims to improve that original version. While I already loved that game on both a mechanical and narrative level, this new iteration presented opportunities that just weren’t taken. The game still looks underwhelming a lot of the time, which is less forgivable given its made the full jump to current gen hardware. There also wasn’t much thoughtful reconsideration given to certain balance quirks. For players who are new to Ys X or simply decided to wait on this version, you’ll have a great experience to look forward to. The original game was already decently generous in terms of content and length, and here it’s even better thanks to the new additions and improvements. Not only that, but the new content made specifically for Proud is far and away the best it has to offer. This is an excellent game packed with lots to enjoy, despite the cynical handling of its release overall. Some years from now, that won’t matter much, but I think this kind of thing shouldn’t happen again. It really could have just been DLC.
Ys X: ProudYs X: Proud Nordics is still a great action RPG at the end of the day. The fighting system works well and is fun, the world is cute, and the game moves quickly. Nordics is still a great action RPG at the end of the day. The fighting system works well and is fun, the world is cute, and the game moves quickly.
Ys X: Nordics is a well-thought-out remake that puts community building and maritime exploration ahead of large party systems. Its focus on two main characters makes character relationships stronger and fighting sharper and more deliberate. Ys X: Nordics grows the franchise without cutting it off from its roots by tying development to both land and sea.
Ys X: Proud Nordics may not be the best the series has to offer, but the Switch 2 version is fantastic and the new content is great.
Ys X: Proud Nordics offers the most complete and polished version of this installment, with an expanded story, new characters, dungeons, and challenges that enrich the original experience. The gameplay remains dynamic and fluid, the soundtrack and visuals maintain the high standard of the original game, and the Spanish localization provides the accessibility the series has needed for years. For those who have already played Nordics, the new features are interesting, though not essential; for new players, this is undoubtedly the definitive experience of this tenth installment in the franchise.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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.
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.