Ys X: Nordics

[Alberto Pizzaolla]

I just finished playing this game recently, and I must say I was pretty underwhelmed by it. The story and writing were balls, the music wasn't up to the usual Ys standard, and the game railroaded you through most of it.
For a game about "exploring the open seas" there wasn't much openness or exploring actually going on.

The combat was ok. Sea combat was basic and boring as hell but I started having a little fun once I got the boat gerobi.
Combat on foot is better, of course. Honestly most of the time I was playing I kept thinking to myself "Why couldn't this game just be all ground combat and exploration like the other games?" It's definitely the game's strongest aspect, but even it has it's problems. The constant loop of switching characters gets repetitive after a while, and while I was able to mitigate that slightly with a certain build, I can't help but worry that if they continue to use this system such a build may not be possible in the next game.


Pic related: The build in question. I took this at an early point in the game so I didn't have all the accessory slots unlocked yet but I'm not bothered to boot up the game and take another one. These are all the required accessories anyway.

Anyway, what are your guy's thoughts on this game?

Also, for those who have finished it:

► Show Spoiler

I can't be the only one who thought Rafe and Logr were the same person, right?! They both look EXACLTY the same, and the game established people can become Griegr early on, so it's not out of the realm of possibility.
Before Adol rescues Rafe he says: "Sorry, I'm just a bit part, so I don't get to close out the scene. But no need to worry. Look, the leads have finally arrived". He never speaks like this again afterwards, and this is 100% something Logr would say.
He also is one of the few people who wasn't transformed into a puppet griegr after being captured, and he's also shown prominently in shots where the crew are navigating the whiteshade.
There's more that made me think these two were the same character, but these are some of the biggest indicators. This is some truly irresponsible writing.

[Val the Moofia Boss]

I was playing I kept thinking to myself "Why couldn't this game just be all ground combat and exploration like the other games?"

I appreciate it when game series try out new things, even if it does not pan out well. You can only eat the exact same copypasted formula over and over again before it becomes boring. Given Falcom's mandatory annual release quota, I feel like these experimental ideas suffer from a lack of time more than anything else.

[Shillitron]

That screenshot you posted was very convincing that I'll hate this game.

Good write up though. You should do a full RPGHQ review.

[Alberto Pizzaolla]

I was playing I kept thinking to myself "Why couldn't this game just be all ground combat and exploration like the other games?"

I appreciate it when game series try out new things, even if it does not pan out well. You can only eat the exact same copypasted formula over and over again before it becomes boring. Given Falcom's mandatory annual release quota, I feel like these experimental ideas suffer from a lack of time more than anything else.

That was more meant as a comment on how poorly fleshed out the new gimmicks were. I don't mind games trying new things, actually I think it's a good thing more often than not. But in this instance the result was so uninteresting it made me yearn for a return to the familiar.

[Vergil]

I was looking at this game the other day. A lot of beautiful men in it.
When is Ys X: Mediterraneans?

[Alberto Pizzaolla]

When is Ys X: Mediterraneans?

Ys 8 had a Greek guy in it.

[Vergil]

When is Ys X: Mediterraneans?

Ys 8 had a Greek guy in it.

Have they considered having normal titles for their gams?

[LemonDemonGirl]

I was looking at this game the other day. A lot of beautiful men in it.
When is Ys X: Mediterraneans?

Does Ys 7 count?

[boot]

vergil is soooooooooooooooooo gay

[Finarfin]

When is Ys X: Mediterraneans?

Ys 8 had a Greek guy in it.

Have they considered having normal titles for their gams?

Ys is a legendary Island up in the sky which was important in the first games but nowadays it gets rarely mentioned.

[rusty_shackleford]

Is it pronounced "ees"?

[Val the Moofia Boss]

Is it pronounced "ees"?

Yes.

[LemonDemonGirl]

Geese without the g

[Mordred]

Ys is one of the most legandary game series to exist. I played every single one that is available on PC and they are all good

[gerey]

Is there a patch that removes the NISA (may they all be boiled alive in their own excrements) translation?

[Gastrick]

Is it pronounced "ees"?

Yes.

The outro is also cool: