Ys X: Proud Nordics launches July 31 in Japan

Title-wise upgrading from “Ys X: Nordics” to “Proud Nordics,” this enhanced edition will include fresh narrative elements and additional features when it drops on July 31 for Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan, as confirmed by developer Falcom. The game can be purchased either physically or digitally for a price of 7,800 yen.

As I eagerly gazed upon the tantalizing screenshot unveiled in December 2024 of the upcoming game, I couldn’t help but notice those familiar PlayStation button prompts. Yet, when I probed Gematsu about this intriguing detail, a Falcom representative revealed that the screenshot was actually captured during the late stages of development in 2024, a time when the platform for the game had yet to be finalized.

Currently, there’s an official announcement about the launch of Nintendo Switch 2, and you can already watch its online advertisement, noted a Falcom representative. However, specific plans regarding other platforms like PlayStation 5 and PC are still under consideration.

Get the first details below.

■ About the Game

“With pride in our hearts, set off on a new adventure!!”

In 2025, an enhanced edition of the action RPG titled “Ys X: Nordics,” known for its Nordic pride, will debut in Japan as “Proud Nordics.” This updated version offers a fresh narrative, exciting new locations for exploration, and a multitude of novel features.

The large island of Aland lies to the north of the Obelia Gulf. Amidst their struggle against the eternal beings called Griegr, the fiery-haired explorer Adol and the pirate royalty Karja find themselves on this island, discovering numerous ruins scattered across its undiscovered territories.

What happened on this island…?

An encounter with another “Mana user” leads Adol and his companions on an unknown adventure…

Beyond the thrilling clashes of strategy between Adol and Karja in “Cross Actions,” the game Ys X: Proud Nordics offers fresh “Mana Actions” as well as an expansive map of Aland Island and areas to explore! Additional content is plentiful, such as new bosses, Mana Ride races, and arena battles where challenging enemies lie in wait.

Please look forward to a new Ys story, reborn as Ys X: Proud Nordics!

■ Physical Edition First-Print Bonus: “Ys X: Proud Nordics Additional Music Collection”

A disc with all the new tunes from the additional areas, caves, and occurrences in “Ys X: Proud Nordics” is included as an exclusive extra for the physical version of the game. This special soundtrack CD was created specifically for this release.

■ Characters

Adol Christin (voiced by Yuki Kaji)

  • Age: 17 years old

The protagonist of this tale.

A remarkable explorer, boasting fiery red tresses and eyes sparkling with insatiable curiosity, left behind more than a century’s worth of journals after his demise, chronicling his thrilling expeditions.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: “Leaving Esteria, the place where my first grand adventure began, at seventeen, I set off on a journey to Celceta. But before reaching there, my friend Dogi, the former thief, and I made a brief detour to Obelia Gulf, as hinted in ‘The Normans’ Paradise Lost’, one of the books found back home.

Karja Balta (voiced by Lynn)

  • Age: 17 years old

The only daughter of the Balta Seaforce’s jarl, Grimson.

Without hesitation, she boldly commands a band of pillagers, executing the Seaforce’s pirate-like operations. Witnessing these deeds instills terror in the people of Carnac, earning her the title of the Pirate Queen.

Though she appears elegant on first sight, she battles just as mercilessly and savagely as any Norman, wielding an axe and shield with equal ferocity.

Canute Gamley (voiced by Daiki Hamano)

  • Age: 20 years old

Originating from the Kingdom of Danmorc, a Norman who exuded bravery in his demeanor, yet was elusive and difficult to catch.

Known as “Canute the Bloody,” he is an exceptional warrior, and the son of Sven, the powerful leader who orchestrated the attack on the seven realms of Britain. At one point, he joined forces with his relative, Karja, in the British campaign.

Skilled in tactics too, it’s worth mentioning that he once turned the tide for the outnumbered Normans by devising his own strategies to escape perilous situations. Yet, there’s an unsettling feeling Karja gets when he is near him.

Astrid Zayren (voiced by Coco Hayashi)

  • Age: 20 years old

A Norman woman who serves as Canute’s “Shield Sister” and adjutant.

She doesn’t have mana at her disposal, yet she’s agile and shines in providing tactical assistance during battles, particularly in logistics.

She chats openly with Adol and Karja, her cheerful demeanor shining through. However, she’s typically brief when interacting with Canute, possibly due to his actions which she finds bothersome on occasion.

■ Keywords

Aland Island

The main island lies in the north of Obelia Gulf, but its rugged cliffs make approaching it quite challenging.

Since it remains undiscovered, this area boasts numerous nests for migrating birds and various other wildlife, and serves as the landing spot for one of the arks from the closing era of the Norgard Duchy.

Back in the day, Grimson, the head of the Balta Seaforce, had scouted an island as a possible headquarters, yet crucial details about this island still elude us to this very moment.

Kingdom of Danmorc

In the northern region of the vast Eresian continent, there lies a Norman kingdom, bordered by the expansive Northern Sea. This is their grandest fortress, a beacon of Norman power. They have a tense relationship with both the Romun Empire and Britai, which often leads to hostility.

The Balta Seaforce is one of the territories under the Kingdom of Danmorc, with a peace agreement in place that prevents both sides from attacking each other. If the Balta Seaforce finds itself unable to manage the Obelia Gulf, then control over it would pass to the Kingdom of Danmorc.

■ New Elements

A New Story Set on Danmorc Island

Adol and Karja persist in their voyage across Obelia Gulf, sailing onboard the ship named Sandras, with the aim of overpowering the eternal beings referred to as Griegr during their expedition.

As part of their adventure, they ventured to discover Aland Island, the most significant isle within the Obelia Gulf, where they met Canute and Astrid, known as the Shield Siblings, hailing from the realm of Danmorc.

What could be the reason behind the unexpected presence of the Normans, who were believed to have a non-aggression agreement with the Balta Seaforce, in the waters of Obelia Gulf now? Also, what secrets might this island hold, which was previously scouted by the leader of the Balta Seaforce, Grimson?

The tale of the Normans, as they chase the source of the enigmatic force called “mana,” is told via two sets of sibling pairs, who wield shields.

Mana Action: Mana Hold

An unique ability that harnesses mana energy to move or throw specific items towards a designated spot. This skill plays a crucial role in dungeon navigation, either by manipulating mechanical objects during battles or carving out new pathways by setting strategic positions.

Mana Ride Races

With Mana Ride – an ability to soar over both land and water using mana energy – you can conquer various terrains across Aland Island. Overcome your opponents, and you could win unique rewards!

Bergen Arena

At the Bergen Arena on Aland Island, you have the opportunity to engage in Norman-style training. This means you can train individually with either Adol or Karja. Your adversaries in this training will be tough, yet overcoming them could lead to lavish prizes.

Muspelheim Shrine

To access the challenging Muspelheim Shrine, ensure you fulfill specific requirements. With a clock ticking and complex gameplay elements in play, this daunting dungeon houses tough adversaries. However, by employing scarce artifacts called “Deepcrystals,” you can alleviate some of the shrine’s constraints, such as extending your action duration, altering enemy capabilities, and more.

Golden Symbols / Sea Breezes

During your voyages on the ship named Sandras, you might encounter a “Golden Emblem” floating at sea. Engaging with this emblem can lead to a naval combat; overcoming it will provide access to a new “Sea Breeze.” Utilizing a Sea Breeze significantly boosts the speed of your ship, Sandras.

Visit the official website here. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.

Screenshots

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2025-04-14 09:18