Ys X: Proud Nordics: Deluxe Edition - Review
Discover our Ys X: Proud Nordics: Deluxe Edition - PlayStation 5 review covering gameplay, features, and exclusive content to help you decide if this adventure is worth it
Bit Blaster
1/11/20269 min read


In this review, we'll explore what makes this game special. We'll talk about the premium content, exciting combat, and unforgettable story moments. This guide is for both fans and newcomers, to see if this game is your next favorite.
Key Takeaways
This nihon falcom game features innovative dual-character combat mechanics that create dynamic and engaging battles throughout your adventure
Naval exploration adds a fresh dimension to gameplay, letting you sail across the Obelia Gulf and discover hidden treasures
The story focuses on character development with Adol Christin during his younger years, creating intimate and memorable relationships
Enhanced content in this premium package includes exclusive bonuses and improved technical features for an optimal gaming experience
The game runs smoothly across platforms with outstanding performance and beautiful Norse-inspired visuals
Critics have praised this entry as one of the best in the franchise, combining classic elements with innovative new systems
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Setting Sail with Adol's Nordic Adventure
Adol sets sail for the Celceta region, finding his adventure anew. This journey starts early in the series, right after Ys I and II. At seventeen, Adol and his friend Dogi head to the Obelia Gulf's northern lands.
The Nordics region introduces the Norman tribe and their Balta Seaforce. These Viking warriors are respected throughout the gulf. Their culture is deeply woven into the game world.
Adol gains a mysterious power called Mana. Princess Karja Balta, the Norman leader's daughter, notices it. Their first meeting sparks an unlikely partnership that drives the story.
The town of Carnac is attacked by undead Griegers. Adol and Karja are bound by magical handcuffs. This forced partnership brings out interesting character dynamics.
Adol asks the Balta Seaforce for help. He becomes Karja's "Shield Brother," fighting against Griegers. This JRPG beautifully incorporates Viking customs into gameplay.
The Sandras, a worn-down ship, becomes your base. You'll recruit a crew from Carnac's youth. The ship evolves into a living headquarters for your adventures.
Combat is just part of the mission. You'll search for scattered villagers across the Obelia Gulf. Each island holds secrets and colorful environments.
World-building is a highlight of this adventure. Minor NPCs have their own stories, making the Nordics feel alive. The Balta Seaforce's politics add depth to the story.
Exploration is key as you sail between islands. Each new island offers discoveries and side quests. The sense of discovery keeps players engaged.
The game mixes high fantasy with Norse mythology. This creates an epic and intimate atmosphere. The charming characters make every interaction meaningful and part of the story.
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Gameplay Mechanics and Combat Excellence
Ys X: Proud Nordics brings new gameplay mechanics to action RPGs on the PlayStation 5. The combat system is the best yet, blending fast action with strategy. Every fight is meaningful, rewarding those who master the dual-mode system.
Solo Combat Mode
Solo mode is all about the classic action fans love. You'll move quickly, attack fast, and dodge enemy attacks with precision. You can switch characters instantly, adapting to each battle.
Adol is all about dealing massive damage with his sword. His quick combos and finishers are perfect for taking down enemies. His speed and reach make him great for aggressive play.
Karja has a different style with her axe. She's great at breaking through enemy defenses. Her area-of-effect attacks also clear groups of enemies efficiently.
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Combination Mode and Team Attacks
Combination mode changes combat by controlling both characters at once. It sacrifices some mobility for better offense and defense. It feels natural after a short time, offering new tactics.
In this mode, you can use duo attacks for big damage. These attacks look amazing and deal a lot of damage. Timing duo parries right can lead to counterattacks.
Adol and Karja's teamwork creates awesome combos. You'll find new ways to attack as you play. The revenge gauge fills up as you fight, leading to even more powerful attacks.
Seamless Character Switching
Switching characters is key to success. Your AI partner won't use special skills on their own, so you need to switch often. This keeps the game exciting and active.
The game doesn't use the traditional three-element system. Instead, it focuses on damage and breaking enemies. This makes combat more straightforward but still strategic.
Open World Design
The Obelia Gulf is your main area to explore, divided into different zones. Each zone has its own islands, treasures, and challenges. The nautical theme makes the game stand out.
Your ship, the Sandras, is more than just a way to travel. Upgrading it gives you new weapons for sea battles. While exciting, sea battles aren't as thrilling as land battles.
Mana abilities open up new ways to move. The Mana Ride lets you glide along rails, reaching new places. The grapple hook helps you swing across gaps and attack enemies quickly.
Boss battles are spectacular highlights. Each boss has unique mechanics to test your skills. You'll need to switch between solo and combination modes to succeed.
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Side Quests and Activities
Side quests add depth to the game. They're meaningful and help grow your characters and the world. The deluxe version of Ys X shines through these activities.
The fishing minigame is a standout feature. It's fun and rewarding, offering a break from intense battles. It's worth doing for the useful items and equipment it provides.
Customizing your characters is deep through the Release Line system. This system lets you unlock new skills and enhance abilities. With equipment and accessories, you can tailor your playstyle for a 30-40 hour adventure.
Story, Characters, and Narrative Depth
The game's story dives into deep themes like generational conflict and personal growth. Unlike many nihon falcom rpg games, Ys X: Proud Nordics focuses on personal struggles rather than world-ending threats. The stakes are high, but they feel more personal, focusing on relationships and beliefs.
The story starts broad but gets more intimate and character-focused. Adol and Karja share the spotlight, each with their own role. This adol christin ps5 game lets both shine without overshadowing the other.
Karja's journey is the heart of the story. It explores themes of honor, duty, and finding one's place. She evolves from a warrior bound by tradition to someone who questions and reshapes it.
Adol, though silent, has a big impact. His adventurous spirit draws out growth in others. He encourages them to question their beliefs and grow.
The bond between Adol and Karja grows throughout the game. They start as reluctant partners, becoming trusted friends. Their relationship, like that of honorary siblings, adds a powerful theme of trust and respect.
The game's supporting cast is a highlight. The crew is more than background; they're complex characters with their own stories. With only two main characters, the supporting cast gets more screen time.
The game's concept is like a Gundam series. Young civilians fight despite their lack of experience. This creates drama and allows for character growth. The friendships between Adol, Karja, and the crew are the game's emotional core.
The story tackles mature themes about tradition and young people's aspirations. It shows how even well-meaning efforts can sometimes keep cycles going. These themes add depth and resonance to the game.
The world of Obelia Gulf is rich and detailed. NPCs are so well-developed that players can pick up plot details early. This makes conversations rewarding, unlike other norse mythology games.
Sidequests are essential for a full experience. They add to the world's lore and help characters grow. These missions are woven into the story, making the world feel cohesive.
The game's presentation supports its story well. The character models and animation are top-notch. Voice acting, especially from Cherami Leigh and Alejandro Saab, brings characters to life.
The story builds slowly but ends with a bang. The final chapters are full of twists and emotional moments. This new release shows that action RPGs can be both thrilling and deeply moving.
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Ys X: Proud Nordics: Deluxe Edition - PlayStation 5 Features and Content
Choosing the deluxe edition ps5 version gives you special items and features. These add to Adol's Nordic journey, making the game more than just a game. It becomes a collector's item with real benefits for fans.
Bonus In-Game Items and Equipment
The deluxe edition comes with special weapons and armor. These items give you an edge in the early game. They also let you customize your characters' looks.
There are also consumable items that help in tough battles. These items aren't too strong, but they make the game more fun. They help you learn the game's combat system.
Digital Artbook and Soundtrack
The digital artbook shows off beautiful character designs and environments. It brings the Norse world to life. It's a great addition for fans who love art.
The soundtrack is also a big part of the package. It goes from calm to exciting during battles. The music is memorable and makes the game more enjoyable.
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Additional Costumes and Cosmetics
There are costume options for Adol and Karja. These let you change how they look. It's fun to see your characters in different outfits.
You can switch costumes anytime. This means your characters can always look how you want. It's a nice touch.
Graphics Fidelity and Visual Enhancements
The PlayStation 5 version looks better than the Nintendo Switch version. It has improved character shading and animation. This makes the game look great.
The game's world is colorful and captures the Nordic feel. While some areas feel the same, the later parts are more memorable. The game looks good throughout.
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Frame Rate and Loading Times
The game runs smoothly, but there are loading zones. You have to load different areas to explore them. This feels old-fashioned.
But, loading times are short. This makes moving around the game world less frustrating. The game also has a fast travel system.
The PlayStation version should handle the game better than the Switch. It should make the game run smoother. Overall, the game plays well on both platforms.
DualSense Controller Integration
The DualSense controller adds to the game's feel. It could make combat and sailing more immersive. This could make the game feel more real.
Using the DualSense controller could make battles and sailing more exciting. It could add a new level of interaction. This is one way the PlayStation version stands out.
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Major Strengths
The combat system is the best in the series. It focuses on two characters, making battles more meaningful. Each battle is a test of skill, not just about dealing damage.
The characters grow and develop throughout the story. The world is rich with lore. Upgrading your ship is satisfying and affects the game.
The side content is well-integrated into the story. The soundtrack is memorable. The voice acting is top-notch in both English and Japanese.
Exploring the world is rewarding. The game's focus on two characters adds strategy. The game's abilities are visually stunning during battles.
Notable Weaknesses
The world design feels old-fashioned. The story starts slow, which can be frustrating. The game's difficulty drops too much in the final part.
Ship battles are less exciting than on-foot battles. There are minor issues like untranslated text and menu quirks. The level 99 boss feels like a chore.
The game could have more variety in its world. You can't carry over items to New Game Plus. Button mapping could be better, but customization helps.
Despite these issues, the game's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. It's a great experience for fans. It's a highlight of the series.
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Conclusion
Ys X: Proud Nordics: Deluxe Edition - PlayStation 5 is a big win for the series. It brings new mechanics and keeps the classic feel fans love. The game's dual-character system makes the action tighter and more focused.
New players are welcomed with open arms. You don't need to know the series to start Adol's adventure. The game teaches you its systems well and builds up the challenge slowly.
It's a standout JRPG for the PS5, with hours of exciting combat. The naval exploration adds a fun twist without feeling forced. Each character has a special role in the story.
There are some minor issues, like segmented areas and pacing problems. But, the amazing boss fights, music, and characters make these small flaws forgettable. The game values your time and offers a full adventure.
If you're looking for a great action RPG or want to try the Ys series, this is the perfect start. Falcom has outdone itself, creating a game that shows why we love this genre.
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Ys X: Proud Nordics: Deluxe Edition - Review
Do you remember that magical feeling when you found a game that took you away? It's that wonder as you explore new lands and meet characters you'll never forget. This game brings back the best of classic adventures and adds new twists.
This PS5 jrpg takes you back to Adol Christin's early adventures. It's made by Nihon Falcom, the experts in action rpgs. It offers a unique combat system and exciting sea exploration in the Obelia Gulf.
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