Ys X Proud Nordics Review - explores new Oland Island content and Pc performance

Ys X Proud Nordics Edition Review

The idea of convincing people to purchase an improved version of a game they completed earlier becomes challenging when the original game launched almost 18 months ago. Ys X: Proud Nordics is a full scale re release of Falcom's 10th mainline entry. The package functions as the ultimate edition which users can access on pc and ps5 and switch 2 platforms yet it creates a vital choice between two options Does this work as a confident modern remake of a classic movie or does it represent downloadable content which publishers hide behind a full product name

The examination of all updates together with additional content and performance enhancements creates a challenging result. This option represents the most effective method of playing for newcomers. The experience becomes less clear for players who already completed the game.

The primary plot remains unchanged because Adol Christin and Karja Balta must travel through the Obelia Gulf to fight Grieger while restrained by magical mana handcuffs. The relationship between Adol and Karja functions as the fundamental element which drives the entire game forward. Adols partnership with Karja marks his strongest alliance yet because she possesses independence and confidence and demonstrates her personal value beyond being someone who circles around him.

The narrative receives major expansion through Proud Nordics because it introduces Oland Island as a new location. The new area introduces a major landmass which opens two new dungeons and brings back characters from the game who include Canute and Astrid. The Norman culture receives expansion through these new features which transform the virtual environment into a more authentic space. The introduction of Canute creates conflict with Karjas native background while some players might perceive the ongoing plot development as an optional side story that affects Chapter 5 yet maintains its status as a noncritical element of the primary storyline.

The combat system serves as the game’s most impressive feature. Players switch between Adol and Karja to control SP gauges through their rhythmic blocking combat actions. The game introduces major gameplay alterations through its new systems which affect multiple parts of the player experience.

• Monogra (Mana Hand) A new ability allows players to grab blocks and redirect projectiles. The game introduces physicsbased elements which create challenging puzzle mechanics and combat systems yet players will encounter technical issues because blocks can get trapped inside walls or they can turn in unexpected ways.
• Ship Traversal Fixes The original game had sailing move at a slow pace. The new version includes extra sea battles which players can activate to create permanent wind currents that enhance their sea travel experience and make sailing enjoyable on the water.
• Mana Ride Races A new minigame on Oland Island utilizes the Gullen Board’s boost mechanics. The new movement system provides players with rewards for accurate performance while it extends the existing movement mechanics.
• Rebalanced Difficulty The game has received adjustments to enhance the experience for experienced players. Bosses transmit their attacking patterns through clear visual signals yet their second stages bring about severe damage. Nightmare difficulty now requires players to create active strategies which involve managing status effects and using Release Line upgrades.

The game contains extensive postgame material which exists outside the boundaries of Oland Island. Muspelheim is a timed dungeon which players must complete to collect resources which enable them to unlock continuous advantages. The game presents a challenging experience which skilled players can finish within 60 minutes. The Ceaseless Sea mode provides players with endless ship battles which they can use to collect materials.

The Bergen Coliseum has introduced an Arena Mode which enables players to take on combat challenges by themselves or with a partner. The package contains all previous cosmetic DLCs plus colorless gear items which players can use for their ultimate character builds.

The game has enhanced its lighting system to create deeper and warmer spaces yet the game does not include HDR support. The game achieves perfect optimization while its visual display maintains a polished appearance.

The definite solution still encounters its original problems of legacy systems. The environmental dialogue clips become unplayable because they replay too rapidly, which breaks the flow of interactive conversation. Players need to stop moving at all times because the game system interrupts charming ship banter through its forceful checkpoint system.

Proud Nordics is a full price $70 release. There is no $20 upgrade path for owners of the original game, and save data does not transfer in a way that lets you skip to the new content immediately. You must replay the game to access the Oland Island arc.

For a game released so recently, this pricing strategy feels egregious to many. While the new content is high-quality "DLC-tier" expansion material, asking players to rebuy and replay a 70+ hour JRPG for it is a tall order.

PROS

CONS

The game Ys X exists as an absolute mustplay for new players who want to experience Proud Nordics because it delivers a perfect 10/10 experience. The action RPG delivers confident impressive gameplay through its vast content. The new content provides excellent value yet players who already possess the original game must buy the game again because it includes DLC content. Players who are not dedicated Falcom fanatics should wait for major discounts before trying to revisit.

Pc Version Tested.

Disclosure: We received a free review copy of this product from Devs