Over a decade ago, I had my first encounter with Ys: Oath in Felghana on the PSP, and it left quite an impression. While I wouldn’t label myself a die-hard Ys fan, this game was a standout experience that prompted me to sporadically follow the Ys franchise over the years. Each new release brought enjoyable moments, but I always found myself reminiscing fondly about Oath in Felghana. So, when I heard that Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana would be arriving on the Switch in 2025, I was overjoyed. Revisiting it reminded me just how much the series has evolved and polished its mechanics since the original Japanese release of this remake two decades ago.
In this action RPG, you control the series hero, Adol Christin, as he navigates through Felghana, slashing through waves of enemies using a mix of sword combos and magical abilities. The combat system, although not overly complex, is satisfying, with a steady progression of level ups, weapon upgrades, and more that keep things fresh. While occasional difficulty spikes still occur, Ys Memoire introduces new difficulty settings and a dynamic “Turbo” mode that accelerates parts of the game for a more seamless experience.
This updated version enhances the game with voice acting for Adol, visual tweaks, and a range of character illustrations and music options. The game’s original rock soundtrack still resonates, and it’s enjoyable to access some of the classic tunes from the earlier iterations of Ys III. While it’s evident that this is an enhanced version of an older game, it remarkably doesn’t feel as aged as its years suggest.
A significant part of this sense of timelessness comes from the remarkable combat dynamics. The action in Oath in Felghana remains consistently engaging, particularly during boss battles that challenge your combat prowess in a thrilling yet fair way. While I have cherished memories of the story from my initial playthrough, this time around, the narrative involving Adol and his companion Dogi didn’t captivate me as much. Nevertheless, the gameplay’s excitement ensures that the 10-15 hour journey is enjoyable and doesn’t drag on.
Although my enthusiasm for this title in 2025 isn’t quite as exuberant as it once was, I’m still thrilled to see Oath in Felghana available on a modern platform in the West. For its time, it stood out as one of the premier action RPGs, and it continues to offer an entertaining experience today. While I might suggest exploring some of the more recent Ys games if you’re after a full-fledged 3D adventure, if you’re keen on experiencing the pinnacle moments of the illustrious Ys series, Oath in Felghana should be on your must-play list.
