Ys X: Nordics is the 10th game in the beloved ARPG franchise by Nihon Falcom. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Ys X: Nordics Review Overview
What is Ys X: Nordics?
A 17-year-old Adol Christin, the main protagonist of the Ys series, was setting sail towards Celceta, where they found themselves having to go through the ever-expansive Obelia Bay filled with thousands of islands. There, he encounters two opposing factions: the Normans,
power warrior seafarers, and the Griegers,
unknown monsters that have been causing harm to Obelia Bay’s inhabitants.
Feeling compelled to help, they fend off the Griegers. Adol then meets a peculiar female Norman pirate named Karja Batla, who is the same age as him. They both join forces and battle together in unison to save the people of Obelia Bay and drive off the Griegers.
Ys X: Nordics features:
⚫︎ Two Heroes, One Story
⚫︎ Cross-System Action where you Swap between Adol and Karja
⚫︎ Ship Sailing and Ship Battles
⚫︎ Dungeons and Puzzles
⚫︎ Mana System for Exploration and Combat
⚫︎ Adventure Game
⚫︎ 10th Entry in the Ys Story
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Ys X: Nordics's gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
 PlayStation |
 Switch |
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| Wishlist only | Still unavailable | ||||
Ys X: Nordics Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 A Fun Fantasy Buddy Cop Story Combat is the Best the Series Has to Offer Dynamic and Engaging Exploration |
Slow Naval Combat Incredibly Slow Start Visuals can look Outdated at Times |
Ys X: Nordics Overall Score - 80/100
Step aside, Deadpool and Wolverine—there's a new buddy cop duo in town! Ys X: Nordics might begin with a slow sail, but once it picks up speed, it takes you on an exhilarating adventure. Falcom has truly raised the bar with expansive exploration, innovative mechanics, and a captivating storyline. The tension between the two main characters, who are complete opposites but forced to team up, creates a compelling will-they-won't-they
dynamic that adds an extra layer of excitement to the narrative, keeping you hooked at every twist and turn.
Ys X: Nordics Story - 8/10
In Ys X: Nordics, we journey back to the formative years of the legendary series, where a young 17-year-old Adol finds himself embarking on yet another thrilling escapade. While the story unfolds really slowly and is quite simple, it compensates with a vibrant cast of characters that truly brings the adventure to life. Among this ensemble is Karja, who shines as one of the most compelling female characters in the series to date. Her dynamic presence alongside Adol elevates the narrative, and I can’t help but hope to see her return in future installments.
Ys X: Nordics Gameplay - 8/10
Fans may find themselves taken aback by the new combat system, but it’s undeniably the most exhilarating and fast-paced iteration in the series. The joy of exploration is amplified by the clever use of mana and the thrill of sailing through vibrant waters! However, I must admit that the sailing combat left me wanting more—it felt a bit sluggish and less engaging than I anticipated.
Ys X: Nordics Visuals - 8/10
The visuals in this game are definitely a mixed bag. The characters look fantastic, but the background environments can feel pretty dull and lifeless at times, with overly saturated colors and some low-poly textures. Don’t get me wrong—there are definitely some stunning scenes, like sailing through the ocean, but there are also way too many bland-looking dungeons and areas that just don’t grab my attention.
Ys X: Nordics Audio - 8/10
The Ys games always deliver when it comes to an amazing soundtrack, and this one is no exception—it totally rocks! However, I have to say that the voice acting is a bit of a mixed bag. While some characters, like Karja, really shine, others feel a bit off, as if they weren’t directed well enough to truly capture their characters.
Ys X: Nordics Value for Money - 8/10
Ys X: Nordics is another fantastic addition to this underrated RPG series. For fans, it's an absolute must-buy! But I highly recommend it for newcomers as well; Nordics stands out as a great standalone entry and truly ranks among the best in the series.
Ys X: Nordics Review:
A Buddy Cop Story Like No Other
As a fan of the Ys and Trails games, I was thrilled to finally dive into Ys X: Nordics, especially have to wait a year since it launch over a year ago in Japan. This entry stands out as a unique prequel, set between Ys II: Ancient Ys Vanished – The Final Chapter and Ys: Memories of Celceta. It follows a young 17-year-old Adol Christin, accompanied by his trusty friend Dogi and the mysterious Dr. Flair, as they journey toward Celceta.
Don’t worry if you’re new to the series—you can jump in completely blind! The game does a fantastic job of reintroducing these characters and the rich world they inhabit.
Adol’s adventure quickly takes a wild turn when their ship is attacked by Viking warriors known as the Norman while sailing through the Obelia Gulf. Things get even crazier when Adol and his party find themselves stranded after the conflict.
Just when you think it couldn't get worse, Adol is challenged to a duel by the Norman leader, Karja, right on the beach. The twist? They become inseparably bound by a pair of magical 'Mana Cuffs' that they can't remove!
Now, Adol and Karja are forced to do everything together—eating, sleeping, and most importantly, battling. They must learn to cooperate to break this spell and confront the undead army known as the Grieger, who are ravaging villages along the way.
Together, you and Karja will amass a crew and sail the Ship Sandras, setting out to defeat these evildoers and discover a way to shatter their unbreakable bond.
Karja is Best Girl
Some fans might feel a bit let down by the more personal and smaller-scale story of this game compared to the dark epicness of Ys IX. However, I found this approach to be refreshing and genuinely compelling, especially by the end.
The narrative feels more intimate, allowing you to truly bond with the characters. Plus, the vibrant ocean setting adds an uplifting vibe that I absolutely love.
What really drives the story this time isn't Adol but Karja, who initially comes across as quite infuriating. However, she quickly became my favorite character and arguably the best-written female character in the game.
As the pirate princess, she’s naturally badass and headstrong, but she also has plenty of fun quirks that make her endearing. The more you learn about her backstory, the more you find yourself invested in her journey.
What’s great is that Karja isn’t just a romantic interest for Adol; their dynamic feels like a buddy cop story. They make a fantastic duo, with Adol’s laid-back nature balancing out Karja’s more tomboyish and brash personality.
This fun chemistry elevates the narrative, making it enjoyable even if it has its flaws. The story does start off slow, taking up to four chapters to really get going, but it’s a delightful, character-driven ride that’s well worth the wait!
Innovative Combat System
Ys X: Nordics introduces a controversial shift with its new Cross Action System, departing from the familiar party system that fans have come to expect. While this change might seem restrictive at first glance, it actually enhances the gameplay experience. Instead of juggling multiple characters, you’ll primarily control just two: Adol and Karja. This streamlined approach results in a faster, more fluid combat system packed with combos and creative strategies.
The combat features two modes: Solo Mode and Duo Mode. In Solo Mode, you can choose to control either Adol or Karja, utilizing a fast-paced, step-and-dash movement system while the other character is controlled by AI. You can switch between them to execute powerful partner cut-in attacks. By holding down the right trigger, you can activate Duo Mode, which lets you fight as both characters simultaneously, unlocking powerful team-up skills and effectively doubling your damage output.
This setup allows for some incredible combinations, with skills like Double Smash and Adamas Saber at your disposal, and you can continuously unlock and create even more abilities. One of the standout features of this combat system is the Guard mechanic. By successfully guarding against enemy attacks, you'll increase the Revenge Gauge. Activating Duo Mode-exclusive skills while in this state will fill the gauge even further, allowing you to deal greater damage.
Additionally, there's a skill tree called the Release Line, unique to both Adol and Karja. Each character has a constellation of interconnected nodes, where you can place 'Mana Seeds' that you craft, find, or earn as rewards. Each seed boosts specific stats, letting you mix and match to create a combat style that suits you best. It might sound complicated, but trust me—it’s simple and incredibly fun!
Exploration is Fun but Sailing Not So Much
Exploration in Ys X: Nordics is much more dynamic and enjoyable, building on the vast maps and treasure hunting familiar from previous games. This time, the Mana system adds a whole new layer to exploration and movement. With abilities like Mana String, which feels a bit like Spider-Man’s web-swinging, and Mana Ride, allowing you to glide along mana rails, the world feels alive and full of possibilities. While I do wish the backgrounds, especially in the dungeons, were a bit less bland, the overall sense of adventure is still exciting.
One of the standout features in this game is the sailing and naval combat. You can customize your ship, the Andras, as you navigate the ocean toward mysterious islands. Engaging in sea battles against the Grieger is a blast, allowing you to fire cannonballs and board enemy ships for some thrilling naval combat. You can even find merchant ships to trade with, adding another layer to the experience.
While I enjoyed sailing at times, it can get old quickly due to how slow it is. The naval battles also feel a bit clunky, which can drag down the gameplay, especially since so much of it revolves around this aspect. It’s not a deal-breaker, but I really hope they patch the sailing mechanics to make it faster, as it can really slow down the pace of the game.
Despite these issues, Ys X: Nordics is another incredible entry in the series. I genuinely hope it finds success, paving the way for more innovative features and hopefully a return of Karja in future installments!
Is Ys X: Nordics Worth It?
A Ship Worth Sailing!
For fans of the series, this is a no-brainer purchase! But even newcomers will find plenty to enjoy, as this game serves as a fantastic entry point. At just $60, you’re in for a great time, especially if you love Action RPGs. I really hope Nordics performs well; the series deserves its moment to shine, especially in the western market!
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | l
PlayStation |
Switch |
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| Wishlist Only $59.99 | |||||
Ys X: Nordics FAQ
Can I Play Ys X: Nordics without having Played the Previous Games?
Yes, the game is completely self-contained. While there are some references sprinkled throughout, they aren't essential to the story or your understanding of it.
Who are the Characters in Ys X: Nordics:
⚫︎ Adol Christin
⚫︎ Karja Balta
⚫︎ Dogi
⚫︎ Grenn Berge
⚫︎ Cruz Carpent
⚫︎ Rosalind Rusveri
⚫︎ Mirabel Asrad
⚫︎ Rafe Evelies
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Ys X: Nordics Product Information
 | |
| Title | Ys X: Nordics |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 28, 2023 (Asian, Consoles), March 13, 2024 (Asian, PC), October 25, 2024 (English, All Platforms) |
| Developer | Nihon Falcom, PH3 GmbH |
| Publisher | NIS America Inc. |
| Supported Platforms | PC(Steam), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, RPG |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Rating | RP |
| Official Website | Ys X Nordics Official Website |
