Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana Review

Being deeply fond of the Ys series, my relationship with it has been somewhat challenging recently. The latest main installment, Ys 10: Nordics, while acceptable, didn’t quite measure up to Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana or Ys 9: Monstrum Nox. As they say, you can never truly return to the past, but with the announcement of Proud Nordics, there’s no risk of that happening any time soon. However, the original classics like Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana still stand out.

To put it simply, Ys Memoire is essentially a modernized version of Ys: The Oath in Felghana, which was itself a remake of Ys 3: Wanderers from Ys (originally released in 1989). If you’ve played The Oath in Felghana on PlayStation Portable or PC before, Memoire offers much the same experience with some added features. It’s not a complete overhaul, but rather an opportunity for PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch players to enjoy this classic game that has stood the test of time. Fortunately, it meets today’s standards without any issues.

In addition to its spoken nature, it adds a heroic atmosphere to the events unfolding. However, Adol’s character growth and function remain consistent with the larger narrative picture.

Regarding the evolution of Ys games, The Oath in Felghana finds itself as a blend between traditional and modern aspects. Unlike the old-school versions, it doesn’t incorporate bump mechanics or an overhead view; instead, it offers side-scrolling gameplay and rapid combat sequences. Unlike later installments such as Ys Seven, where Adol has teammates to assist him, you won’t find this feature in The Oath in Felghana. However, its action RPG design and pacing are impressive, enhanced by elements like Turbo Mode that speeds things up even further (reducing tedious backtracking).

In this story, as usual, Adol and his buddy Dogi reach a new destination where trouble seems to follow them. This time, it’s Redmont, which happens to be Dogi’s hometown in Felghana Province, and they get involved in tracking down some crucial statues. Matters become intriguing as Adol clashes with Chester (Elena’s brother and an old friend of Dogi) and uncovers the secrets surrounding these statues. The storyline isn’t overly convoluted, but the personal connections lend it an appealing complexity that is further enhanced by top-notch voice acting that remains impressive.

As a passionate fan, I must say that the opening of this game sets an epic tone, and it feels like I’m part of something grand. However, Adol’s character growth and function in the story seem consistent with previous installments. But let me add, the new character illustrations displayed during cutscenes are visually appealing – they certainly catch my eye! If you prefer the classic designs, there’s always the option to revert back to them.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t deny that the thrilling action is what draws me into any Ys title, and Ys Memoire is no exception. At first glance, Adol’s combat skills might seem straightforward – he can perform ground combo slashes or leap into the air for attacks. But don’t let that simplicity fool you! Air attacks aren’t just for show; they can also be used for devastating plunging strikes that stun enemies.

Plus, Adol isn’t just a one-trick pony. He’s got Boost, which temporarily boosts his damage output and speed. And let’s not forget about the elemental attacks! You unlock these by collecting different bracelets along your journey. Some of these bracelets even aid exploration, helping me uncover hidden paths and secrets in this captivating world.

Some battles have an element reminiscent of ‘Zelda’ games, where you’ll need to utilize a newly acquired skill to overcome the boss.

In simpler terms, the battle system in Memoire is delightfully straightforward, a stark contrast to today’s complex games. Yet, it’s this simplicity that adds charm. The Ys series’ smooth and reactive gameplay further enhances this experience. Slaying foes feels rewarding, but you won’t effortlessly conquer them all; some types are vulnerable to specific attacks instead.

As you get into the rhythm, everything seems incredibly familiar, like a habit. Enemies will scatter useful items such as health boosts and extra abilities, making you even more ready for the next battle and maintaining the fast-paced action. The layout of the environment is also simplified, ensuring that the action remains central while still providing ample room for exploration and solving simple puzzles. Although not complex, they effectively serve their intended purpose.

Afterward, there are the boss battles, a common feature in many Ys games. The initial one won’t test your abilities much, but later on, every battle becomes a thrilling test of reflexes as you jump, dodge, and struggle to stay alive. Some fights have a similarity to those in Zelda, requiring the use of a newly acquired ability to defeat the boss. Although there aren’t many unlockable skills overall, each boss is distinct, presenting different challenges that require you to adapt.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but be instantly captivated by its top-notch battles and formidable boss encounters. What keeps me engaged from start to finish is the gripping narrative and well-developed characters.

The essence of the overall experience lies in the music, and let me tell you, The Oath in Felghana showcases some of Falcom’s finest creations. From the poignant violin melodies of “The Boy Who Had Wings,” the energetic rock beats of “Be Careful,” to the fusion of techno and guitar riffs in “Illburns Ruins,” there is something for everyone. The game, Memoire, even lets you switch between various versions of these songs that have been released over time. While personal preference might differ with certain renditions, having this versatility is a fantastic choice.

One potential drawback of this experience lies in its graphics, despite running at high resolutions, the textures, details, and special effects appear to be a bit outdated, offering no major changes from the PC version. However, there’s something timeless about them that retains a certain charm. As for the sprite work and animations, they remain smooth, while the boss designs continue to impress.

Personally speaking, “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana” stands out as an indispensable action RPG for enthusiasts of the genre and the series alike. It swiftly captivates with its top-notch combat and boss battles, while the narrative and character development keep you engrossed till the end. Although the gameplay mechanics might seem quite basic compared to modern standards, this retro feel is indispensable given the direction the series has taken recently. From time to time, it’s refreshing to dive into a straightforward yet finely tuned hack-and-slash adventure like this one.

1. The length isn’t excessive nor does it seem unnecessarily elongated. There’s an appealing simplicity to it. Regarding the visuals, they may not be technically advanced, but I appreciate the nostalgic feel and charming character designs.

2. It’s neither overly prolonged nor does it appear padded for no good reason. The brevity gives it a certain charm. As for the graphics, although they might not be cutting-edge, I enjoy the vintage vibe and well-designed characters.

3. It’s not unduly lengthy and doesn’t feel inflated or extended without purpose. There’s a certain appeal to its conciseness. The visuals might not impress with technical prowess, but they retain a captivating old-school charm and character design.

Replaying “The Oath in Felghana” has been quite remarkable, considering the numerous action RPGs and dungeon crawlers I’ve played since then. Remarkably, it manages to maintain its charm, along with its exceptional music, despite the passage of time. It neither drags on excessively nor feels padded for no good reason. Even though the graphics might not be state-of-the-art technically, I appreciate the nostalgic feel and the design of the characters.

Time continues to move forward, and Falcom is bound to refurbish the series again with its upcoming mainline title. While this is all well and fine, it’s terrific when they make their earlier experiences accessible for a new generation, regardless of any additional features. If Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana achieves anything beyond being an enjoyable action RPG, it serves as a reminder that more “Memoires” are essential, if only to ensure the experience is preserved for future generations.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

2025-01-11 11:44

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