Pledge an oath to this PSP traditional.
I first performed Ys: Oath in Felghana by way of 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 through the years and largely loved my time with all the video games, however I might at all times converse so fondly of Oath in Felghana. I used to be ecstatic to listen to Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana was coming to Change in 2025, however taking part in by way of 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 skills. It’s not a loopy in-depth system, however it feels good and the constant stream of degree ups, weapon enhancements, and extra boosts do sufficient to maintain it diverse. Issue spikes nonetheless hit, however Ys Memoire provides some issue choices and even a frenetic “Turbo” mode that helps pace up elements 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rock stylings of the sport’s unique soundtrack nonetheless hit properly for me, and it’s enjoyable to have among the outdated music from the unique variations of Ys III obtainable. That is nonetheless clearly an upgraded model of an older recreation, however it doesn’t actually really feel as outdated because it really is.
Numerous that feeling comes from how good the fight feels. The motion in Oath in Felghana is simply constantly satisfying, particularly once you get to bosses that tax the boundaries of the fight in a method that’s difficult however not unfair. I’ve fond recollections of the story from once 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 pleasing 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 completely satisfied that Oath in Felghana is out on a contemporary console within the west. From the period of its launch, it’s top-of-the-line motion RPGs of its model and even to this present day, it’s nonetheless a really satisfying one. I’d advocate among the later Ys video games forward of this one, particularly if you would like a extra true 3D journey, but when your purpose is to take a look at the highs of the storied Ys collection, Oath in Felghana is a must-play.
