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

Developed by Nihon Falcom and published by XSEED Games and Marvelous, Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana marks the latest chapter in this admired series. This release breathes new life into the Ys III remake, a remastered edition of the PSP classic from 2010. Curious about what this entails? Let’s take a closer look at Ys Memoire and see what fresh surprises it brings!

Originally envisioned as a bold retake on the 16-bit gem Ys III: Wanderers From Ys, this beloved piece of the canon makes its grand return, armed with a host of enhancements for the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Now, nearly 15 years since its last showing, long-time aficionados can delight in a revamped experience, brought to life with brand-new voiceovers for the legendary hero, Adol Christin. The visuals and music have been remastered to high definition, making the journey more visually impactful and sonorous than ever before.

Among the fresh features, you’ll discover different versions of the sweeping soundtrack, enhanced accessibility options, and new character illustrations, all of which crown Ys Memoire as the ultimate edition of this treasured masterpiece.

Hailing back from Nihon Falcom and backed by XSEED Games and Marvelous, Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana revamps the 2010 PSP title with new voice performances, refined HD graphics, and trophy support. Join Adol Christin and his steadfast ally Dogi as they venture into the mystifying lands of Felghana. For someone who has revelled in the Ys series for years, I was thrilled to finally immerse myself in one of the rare gems I hadn’t yet encountered.

Back in the day, Ys games were all about fast-paced action and exploration, thrusting players into the thick of things right away. However, newer titles like Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana—and its successors Ys IX: Monstrum Nox and Ys X: Nordics—have shifted gears towards more engaging narratives, often spending substantial time on setting the stage before diving into the core action. Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana aligns more closely with Ys Origin in its gameplay and overall atmosphere.

The gameplay really shines in Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana, offering brisk, arcade-style action that keeps you engaged and on your toes. You’ll find yourself button mashing for attacks and mixing in some jump strikes as you charge through foes. Depth is added through the magical bracelets—Fire, Wind, and Earth—each one bringing its own set of special abilities. They play a key role when tackling puzzles and present tactical choices during battles, especially against enemies with elemental resistances that demand smart switching.

While the controls in Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana remain faithful to the Japanese original, I found them somewhat clunky. Fortunately, the game allows for customization within the settings, and I suggest adjusting them for a smoother play experience—like assigning jump to the X button, attack and interact to Square, and accessories to Circle. One persistent issue cropped up with the dual functions assigned to the touchpad for the no-fall power-up and fast travel, forcing a toggle every time you switched between them. With a few free buttons on the DualSense controller, it would have been preferable if each task had its dedicated button—avoiding needless interruptions mid-play.

The level design adheres to a traditional style, with twisting paths and no in-game map to guide you. Although the world is not vast, the dungeons are expansive, demanding your attention for most of the game. They’re non-linear, encouraging exploration and re-exploration in search of items or hidden paths needed to advance. Prepare for a bit of wandering until it dawns on you what’s needed to push forward, an experience that starkly contrasts with the hand-holding maps and direct routes of newer games.

Facing the normal difficulty setting, the dungeons demand focus, making it necessary to engage every enemy you meet to level up. Boss fights are no joke, forming formidable barriers needing you to grind a few levels for a fair chance. If the battles seem unyielding, visiting the town for equipment upgrades might do the trick. A little grinding goes a long way, turning previously overwhelming bosses into manageable opponents, with health to spare.

Running on a 3D engine reminiscent of Square Enix’s HD-2D games, the game revels in charming low-poly environments and 2D character renderings, maintaining a rock-solid 60 fps. Although textures and character models have seen enhancements, they bear a charmingly nostalgic low resolution. Dialogue scenes unfold with character portraits beside text boxes, offering players the choice between the iconic 2000s anime-style original PSP graphics and the fresh illustrations created for this remaster. I leaned towards the updated look for its modern appeal, but those fond of early 2000s anime art may prefer the classic images.

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana triumphs with both English and Japanese voice options, giving players freedom of choice. Patrick Seitz reprises his role as Dogi with a compelling performance that fans will appreciate, and Heather Hogan brings a fantastic voice to Elena. The background music, with three different soundtrack options—Original, PC-8801, and X68000—caters to varied tastes. While enjoyable, the soundtrack doesn’t quite hit the heights of some of Falcom’s greatest hits, though tracks like the Overworld theme stood out amidst the lesser moments.

A robust list of 59 trophies, including 52 Bronze, 6 Silver, and a solitary Gold, await you in Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana. Covering story progression and diverse achievements, it even challenges players to complete the game six times. Thankfully, after an initial journey on Normal (around 12 hours) and a second on Very Easy, you can replay the remaining four in under an hour each. With Cross-Buy support between PS4 and PS5, and separate trophy lists, both editions come with the potential to earn a Platinum trophy.

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a delightful action RPG revival of the game I missed on the PSP back in 2010. This remaster pays homage to its origins, offering three distinct soundtracks and exhilarating gameplay reminiscent of early Ys titles. Expect to navigate complex level designs without much guidance and face tougher-than-usual normal difficulty, making the grind before each boss worthwhile. If you’re aspiring for the Platinum trophy or a challenge true to the intended experience, start on this difficulty level. For $29.99, your Cross-Buy purchase grants access to both the PS4 and PS5 versions, a worthwhile investment.

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