Pledge an oath to this PSP traditional.
I first performed Ys: Oath in Felghana through the PSP model greater than a decade in the past and it blew my hair again. I wouldn’t name myself an Ys man, however after Oath in Felghana, I checked in on the collection constantly over time and largely loved my time with all the video games, however I might all the time converse so fondly of Oath in Felghana. I used to be ecstatic to listen to Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana was coming to Swap in 2025, however taking part in by it was a reminder that this collection has continued to enhance and refine within the 20 years since this remake of the third Ys recreation initially got here out in Japan.
This motion RPG has snappy fight, as you’re taking management of collection protagonist Adol Christin and bounce across the land of Felghana taking down hordes of enemies with sword combos and magic talents. It’s not a loopy in-depth system, nevertheless it feels good and the constant stream of degree ups, weapon enhancements, and extra boosts do sufficient to maintain it different. Problem spikes nonetheless hit, however Ys Memoire provides some issue choices and even a frenetic “Turbo” mode that helps pace up components of the sport.
This new model additionally provides in voice appearing for Adol, some visible refinements, and totally different character illustrations and music choices. The rock stylings of the sport’s unique soundtrack nonetheless hit effectively for me, and it’s enjoyable to have among the previous music from the unique variations of Ys III obtainable. That is nonetheless clearly an upgraded model of an older recreation, nevertheless it doesn’t actually really feel as previous because it really is.
Plenty of that feeling comes from how good the fight feels. The motion in Oath in Felghana is simply constantly pleasurable, particularly once you get to bosses that tax the boundaries of the fight in a means that’s difficult however not unfair. I’ve fond reminiscences of the story from after I initially performed this, however throughout this playthrough, Adol and his associate Dogi’s quest was rather less compelling. The motion drives the enjoyable, which makes this 10-15 hour journey a nice journey that doesn’t actually overstay its welcome.
Whereas I’m rather less over the moon about this recreation in 2025, I’m nonetheless very comfortable that Oath in Felghana is out on a contemporary console within the west. From the period of its launch, it’s among the finest motion RPGs of its fashion and even to today, it’s nonetheless a really pleasurable one. I would advocate among the later Ys video games forward of this one, particularly in order for you a extra true 3D journey, but when your aim is to take a look at the highs of the storied Ys collection, Oath in Felghana is a must-play.