[PlayStation 5] Review: Ys Memoire – The Oath in Felghana

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana, crafted by Nihon Falcom and published by XSEED Games and Marvelous, marks the newest release in a series that’s held the hearts of many. This edition is a spruced-up version of the Ys III remake that first appeared on the PSP back in 2010. For those who cherish this franchise, it’s time to dive into what makes Ys Memoire stand out in this fresh review!

Originally envisioned as a modern take on the 16-bit classic Ys III: Wanderers From Ys, this beloved entry comes to life again, newly polished and ready for action on both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Nearly a decade and a half after its initial release, fans of long standing can revel in a host of new improvements. Notable among these is a brand-new voiceover for the legendary hero Adol Christin. With high-def visuals and a remastered score, this adventure has never looked or sounded quite so spectacular.

This edition piles on the goodies with multiple versions of its sweeping soundtrack, accessibility features, and fresh character illustrations, making Ys Memoire the must-have version of this cherished classic.

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a remastered delight from Nihon Falcom, published by XSEED Games and Marvelous. It revisits the 2010 PSP release, complete with new voiceovers, spruced-up HD graphics, and trophy support. Join Adol Christin and his trusty comrade Dogi as they venture through the stunning realm of Felghana. As a devoted fan of the Ys series, I couldn’t wait to dive into one of the few entries I’d yet to fully experience.

Previous Ys games are heavy on action and exploration, thrusting players into the thick of things with little fanfare. In contrast, newer titles like Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana, which ranks as my favorite, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, and the subsequent Ys X: Nordics pivot towards storytelling, often spending hours setting the scene before getting to the action. Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana hearkens back to games like Ys Origin, in its gameplay and overall vibe.

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana keeps the adrenaline high with fast-paced, arcade-style action that demands your attention. You’ll be smashing that attack button, weaving in jump assaults for aerial attacks, quickly slicing your way through foes. The magical bracelets—Fire, Wind, and Earth—add a strategic layer to your combat and exploration. They’re not just for taking down enemies but also key to solving fun little puzzles and dealing with adversaries that have different elemental defenses, calling for some tactical finesse.

The controls are true to the original Japanese gameplay, though a bit clunky at first. Luckily, they can be customized in the options menu. I found things much smoother by mapping jump to X, attack and talk to the Square Button, and accessory to Circle. A minor hiccup was the shared button for no-fall and fast-travel abilities, both on the touchpad, requiring you to switch each time you needed to change functionality. Given the spare buttons on the DualSense controller, it would have been ideal for each action to have its own button, making gameplay more seamless.

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana embraces that classic-level design, with paths branching out in multiple directions and no map to show you the way. Despite its compact world, there are vast dungeons to explore, taking up most of your adventure time. These dungeons aren’t straightforward; they encourage you to explore, re-explore, and hunt for missing items or secret paths that let you progress. Expect to get lost and retrace your steps until you find that elusive path forward. This design philosophy is a refreshing departure from today’s games, which lean heavily on linear progression and clearly marked objectives.

Playing on normal difficulty, these winding dungeons present a hearty challenge, and it’s crucial to engage every enemy to level up. Each boss encounter feels like hitting a brick wall, prompting a bit of level grinding before taking them on. If things get intense, head back to town to buy and upgrade gear. Just a level or two can turn the tide—turning a boss battle from a wipeout to a victorious triumph.

Running on a 3D engine akin to the HD-2D games from Square Enix, Ys Memoire delivers environments with a low poly charm paired with 2D character designs, all at a fluid 60 frames per second. Though the textures and models have been upscalled, they maintain a nostalgic low-resolution touch. Dialogue scenes are accompanied by character portraits, switchable between classic PSP visuals and remastered art. I found the updated art style more appealing, but those with a taste for early 2000s anime might prefer the PSP style.

Players can choose between English and Japanese voiceovers in Ys Memoire, tailored to their liking. Familiar voices grace the English version, including Patrick Seitz returning as Dogi with a stellar performance that fans will appreciate. Heather Hogan brings life to Elena with notable skill. The soundtrack offers three styles: Original, PC-8801, and X68000. Though the music’s solid, it doesn’t quite hit the heights of some of Falcom’s best work; I did enjoy the Overworld theme, but tracks like the abandoned mine left more to be desired.

The game features a rich trophy list with 59 trophies, comprising 52 Bronze, 6 Silver, and a lone Gold trophy to strive for. These cover all manner of challenges, from story milestones to completing six varied playthroughs (yep, six). After your first Normal run (roughly 12 hours) and a speedier Very Easy run, the subsequent playthroughs whizz by in under an hour each. Thanks to Cross-Buy support, one purchase works for both the PS4 and PS5, each with separate trophy lists and a coveted Platinum.

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a delight for action RPG enthusiasts, a discovery made all the better having missed the original 2010 PSP remake. Remaining faithful to the roots of the series, it delivers three distinct soundtracks alongside that signature fast-paced feel of early Ys entries. The intricate level designs prove demanding at first, learning the lay and tasks required, and bear in mind the normal difficulty ramps up compared to other versions—key for those aiming for the Platinum trophy or wanting the authentic experience. At $29.99, enjoy the Cross-Buy benefit for both PS4 and PS5 versions, providing excellent value.

Disclaimer: This review of Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is based on a PlayStation 5 copy courtesy of XSEED Games.