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Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana
Item: Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, RPG, Single Player

AvailableJan 7, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperFalcom

Overview

Released for PSP in 2010, Ys: The Oath in Felghana was highly acclaimed as a masterpiece in the Ys action RPG series. This high-definition remastered version further improves the game with additional elements: Fully Voiced Event Scenes Including the Long-Awaited Addition of Voiceovers for Adol In addition to voiced events for the game’s more than 30 characters, voiceovers have also been added for protagonist Adol Christin, who will be voiced by Yuki Kaji. Coupled with narration by Banjou Ginga, players will be able to enjoy an even more dramatic story. New Visuals Added! You Can Also Switch Back to the Old Versions “Refine Versions” of the illustrations for every character that appears during the story have been created for this remastered release. The “Classic Versions” that were used in the PSP and PC versions will also be included, so you switch between “Refine” and “Classic” during the game depending on your preference. Remastered Graphics and Sounds Remastered in high-definition for Switch! Not only can you enjoy more beautiful graphics upgraded to high-definition image quality from the original PSP version, you can also enjoy higher-quality background music and sound effects. Switch Between Three Sound Settings There are three in-game background music sound settings to Switch from: the “Original Version” used in the PC version of Ys: The Oath in Felghana, and the “PC-8801 Version” and “X68000 Version” sounds from its ancestors. High-Speed Mode and Beginner-Friendly Support Features Increase your speed while moving on the field and in battle by 1.5 to two times. This can be activated at any time with the push of a button, allowing you to more comfortably enjoy the game. Additionally, the game is equipped with various support features for action game beginners, such as “Not Fall,” which allows you to recover instantly without taking damage if you fall from a high place.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Nostalgic but shallow: Ys Memoire delivers charm and twists but lacks depth. Faithful to Ys III with brisk pacing and engaging mystery, yet its simplistic plot, archetypal characters, and minimal development feel stuck in older JRPG tropes. While praised for accessible adventure, world-building, and voice acting, it’s a gameplay-driven relic that falls short of modern storytelling. A divisive yet likable love letter to the series’ past, balancing legacy appeal with dated mechanics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The reviews for Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana highlight several positive aspects of its narrative, particularly its charm and engaging structure. Critics like Game8 and Checkpoint Gaming praise the story as one of the best in the series, emphasizing its intricate mystery, political conspiracies, and ancient legacies that keep players invested. GameGrin and GamingTrend commend the game’s twists, character interactions, and dialogue, noting that while not deeply complex, the narrative remains "engaging" and "fun" with a brisk pace. Impulsegamer and CGMagazine appreciate the game’s adherence to the original Ys III premise, with CGMagazine specifically highlighting well-written characters and supernatural elements that add depth. Many reviewers also acknowledge the nostalgic appeal, with Pure Nintendo and God is a Geek framing the story as a cozy, adventurous journey that justifies the gameplay, while Nintendo Life praises expanded scenes and voice acting for enhancing emotional stakes. However, several critics point to the story’s limitations, particularly its lack of depth and originality. GameBlast and Digitally Downloaded argue that the plot feels shallow, with minimal impact on character actions or development, while Player 2 and SpazioGames note that it prioritizes action/platformer mechanics over narrative substance. Multiplayer.it criticizes the story for its stereotypical characters and localization issues, and Eurogamer Germany and TheSixthAxis describe it as simplistic, predictable, and reflective of older game design constraints. RPG Site and Worth Playing suggest the story serves more as a vehicle for gameplay than a standout feature, with Wccftech and Vandal pointing to its straightforward, "basic" nature. Finger Guns and Shacknews acknowledge the narrative’s lack of complexity, though they concede it maintains some interest through character dynamics and cosmic horror elements. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Oath in Felghana is a nostalgic, accessible entry in the Ys series, with a story that is more functional than groundbreaking. While it receives praise for its charm, engaging twists, and faithful recreation of the original Ys III premise—particularly from Game8, Checkpoint Gaming, and Impulsegamer—many agree it lacks the depth and innovation seen in newer Ys games. The narrative’s simplicity and reliance on archetypal JRPG tropes are frequently noted, with Digitally Downloaded, Eurogamer Germany, and SpazioGames emphasizing its minimalism. Despite these criticisms, the story is generally seen as sufficient to support the game’s core appeal, with Nintendo Life and CGMagazine appreciating its brisk pacing and world-building. The mixed reception underscores a balance between honoring the series’ legacy and falling short of modern storytelling expectations, making it a divisive but ultimately likable experience for fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Ys Memoire thrills with fast-paced, combo-driven hack-and-slash combat, epic boss battles, and nostalgic charm, but its repetitive mechanics, clunky navigation, and lack of innovation undermine its potential, making it a polarizing pick for retro fans over modern RPG seekers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is widely praised for its fast-paced, dynamic action RPG mechanics, with many critics highlighting its thrilling combat and engaging design. Checkpoint Gaming and GameGrin both commend the "thrilling fast-paced action RPG combat" and "frantic action RPG combat with simple controls," emphasizing the accessibility and excitement of the gameplay loop. The game’s focus on hack-and-slash action, combined with elements like combo meters (Player 2) and magic abilities (GameGrin, Worth Playing), creates a sense of fluidity and variety. Boss fights are a standout feature, with CGMagazine describing them as "epic with unique mechanics" and COGconnected noting "challenging encounters with puzzle elements." The blend of platforming, exploration, and RPG progression—such as stat boosts via item drops (GameGrin) and weapon improvements (NintendoWorldReport)—adds depth, while the "snappy pace" (GamingTrend) and "refreshingly simple combat system" (PlayStation Universe) cater to fans of arcade-style action. Critics like TheSixthAxis and SpazioGames also appreciate the game’s "gameplay depth" and "well-aged" design, suggesting it retains the charm of its predecessors while offering modern refinements. However, several reviewers point to notable flaws that detract from the experience. Game8 criticizes the "navigation issues due to the lack of a mini-map" and a "clunky menu system," while GameBlast and GameSpew highlight the game’s "lack of significant innovation" and "basic, repetitive combat." Impulsegamer notes that the gameplay "retains the isometric perspective of the PSP version," which could feel outdated to some, and Eurogamer Germany argues it "lacks lasting impact" despite enjoyable dungeon crawling. The "button-mashy" combat (Worth Playing) and "limited combat options" (Hey Poor Player) are recurring concerns, with some suggesting the mechanics become monotonous over time. Additionally, Noisy Pixel describes the gameplay as "punishing and demanding," and Pure Nintendo mentions repetition from "exploration and enemy respawns," indicating that the game’s simplicity and linear dungeons may not satisfy players seeking complexity or variety. These critiques often center on accessibility issues and a perceived lack of evolution in core systems. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, with most agreeing that Ys Memoire delivers a solid, fast-paced action RPG experience rooted in its hack-and-slash roots. While the game’s combat is celebrated for its responsiveness and challenge—particularly by reviewers like CGMagazine, GamingTrend, and God is a Geek—its simplicity and repetition are seen as trade-offs. The inclusion of difficulty options and quality-of-life improvements (GameSpew, Multiplayer.it) broadens its appeal, but the lack of innovation or deeper RPG elements (GameBlast, Eurogamer Germany) means it may not resonate with all players. Despite these shortcomings, the game’s "satisfying loop" (Nintendo Life) and "engaging boss battles" (Game8, Wccftech) keep it enjoyable, especially for fans of the Ys series or retro action games. The mixed reception reflects a balance between nostalgia-driven mechanics and modern expectations, with many acknowledging its strengths while recognizing its limitations.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana's remastering brings 'crisp' visuals and nostalgic charm, but dated graphics, pixelated textures, and technical hiccups keep it feeling like a 20-year-old game—'polished throwback' or 'modern misstep'?

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The reviews of Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana highlight several positive aspects of its graphics and visual design, particularly the remastering efforts and nostalgic charm. Many critics praised the improved character portraits and sprite work, with GameGrin noting "crisp visuals" and "improved character portraits," while GameSpew emphasized "remastered high-definition visuals" and "redrawn character portraits" that enhance the experience. The inclusion of optional art styles—allowing players to switch between original and updated designs—was a significant positive, as noted by TheSixthAxis, Noisy Pixel, and PlayStation Universe. Additionally, Nintendo Life and Pure Nintendo appreciated the "colorful and detailed graphics" and "smooth 60fps" performance, while GameBlast and GameGrin acknowledged the "refined character portraits" and "high-definition visuals" as welcome upgrades. These elements collectively suggest a thoughtful effort to modernize the game’s aesthetic while preserving its retro appeal. However, several critics pointed out notable drawbacks, particularly the game’s dated visuals and technical limitations. Checkpoint Gaming and Game8 criticized "dated and crunchy graphics" and "muddy textures," while GamingTrend and Impulsegamer noted that the environmental details "show their age" and the game "largely retain[ed] the look of a 20-year-old game." Issues like pixelated 3D textures (TheSixthAxis, Wccftech) and inconsistent texture quality (RPG Site) were frequently mentioned, with some reviewers calling the visuals "questionable" (GamingTrend) or "simple" (Digitally Downloaded). COGconnected and Eurogamer Germany also found the graphics "dated" and "not visually appealing," arguing that the game’s charm couldn’t fully compensate for its technical shortcomings. These critiques underscore a general consensus that while the remaster is functional, it falls short of modern standards. Overall, the critical reception leans toward a balanced but mixed assessment, with many acknowledging the game’s nostalgic value and minor improvements while recognizing its limitations. Critics like GameGrin and GameSpew praised the "high-definition visuals" and "care in enhancing the original," but others, such as Checkpoint Gaming and Game8, felt the upgrades were minimal. The ability to toggle between art styles (TheSixthAxis, Noisy Pixel) and the retention of the original’s charm (SpazioGames, Finger Guns) were seen as redeeming qualities, yet the consensus remains that Ys Memoire is a product of its era, offering a polished but dated experience. While some reviewers, like Nintendo Life, found the visuals "effective" and "impressive," the broader sentiment suggests that the game’s visual design is more of a nostalgic throwback than a modern triumph.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Ys Memoire’s remastered soundtrack and immersive voice acting dominate praise, with critics calling the audio a "standout" and "immersive" highlight, though some note minor flaws like compressed sound and forgettable tunes—still, the audio overhaul solidifies the game’s appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

30%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana, highlighting the remastered soundtrack as a standout feature. Reviewers like Game8 and GamingBolt emphasized that the enhanced audio quality and stellar voice acting significantly elevate the emotional depth of the narrative, while GameGrin and PlayStation Universe noted the availability of three distinct soundtrack versions, showcasing the evolution of the score. Worth Playing and SpazioGames commended the energetic, fast-paced tracks that complement the gameplay, with RPG Site praising the "sublime guitar solos" and Siliconera highlighting the "outstanding soundtrack" that pairs well with the game’s visuals. The inclusion of dual-language voice acting, particularly for the protagonist Adol, was frequently lauded, with GameBlast and Multiplayer.it noting that the updated audio enhances immersion and storytelling. However, some critics pointed out minor drawbacks. Tech-Gaming mentioned that the remastered PSP version’s sound was "slightly compressed," while COGconnected criticized the voice acting for side characters as "grating." Eurogamer Germany and Finger Guns noted that the soundtrack, though praised, wasn’t as memorable as earlier entries in the Ys series, and Pure Nintendo observed that Adol’s voice acting had "minimal impact." Additionally, Worth Playing and Shacknews pointed out that the voice acting, while improved, couldn’t fully compensate for the game’s "simplistic story," and Finger Guns found the soundtrack "not particularly memorable overall." These critiques, while present, were generally overshadowed by the widespread acclaim for the audio enhancements. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive. The remastered soundtrack, multiple audio options, and improved voice acting were consistently highlighted as major strengths, with GameSpew and TheSixthAxis noting that the auditory experience "adds to the game’s charm." CGMagazine and Nintendo Life emphasized how the audio enhancements contributed to a more immersive experience, while Noisy Pixel and Vandal praised the "impactful and energizing" music. While some reviewers felt the soundtrack lacked the memorability of earlier Ys games, the majority agreed that the sound design and music were among the game’s strongest aspects, solidifying its appeal to fans of the series and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana’s voice acting is a praised, immersive upgrade that gives Adol a voice and depth, enhancing storytelling and fan engagement. While some critics find it lacking in scope or impact, the majority see it as a welcome evolution for the series, adding emotional resonance without overshadowing its core gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is widely praised as a significant and positive addition to the remaster, with several critics highlighting its impact on character depth and storytelling. Game8 and GamingBolt commend the voice acting for enhancing the narrative and creating an "epic feel," while GameBlast and GameGrin emphasize the introduction of new voice lines for the protagonist, Adol Christin, which adds a fresh dimension to his portrayal. RPG Site and Siliconera specifically note the "welcome addition" of English voice acting, paired with the option for Japanese voices, offering players greater immersion and variety. Additionally, GameGrin and GameSpew acknowledge that Adol is no longer a silent protagonist, a change that many reviewers, including Player 2, describe as "awesome" and a long-overdue evolution for the series. The overall sentiment suggests that the voice acting elevates the experience, particularly for fans of the Ys franchise who appreciate the added emotional resonance and engagement it brings to the characters. However, some critics point out limitations and minor drawbacks in the voice acting implementation. COGconnected criticizes the lack of subtitles for Adol’s lines, calling it "annoying," while Worth Playing describes the voice acting as a "mixed bag," noting that the actors "do their best with the material" despite a "simplistic story." Pure Nintendo and Vandal argue that the voice acting’s contribution is "not significant" or "not particularly impactful," suggesting it may not fully justify the effort or cost for some players. SpazioGames also mentions that the series traditionally doesn’t rely heavily on voice acting for storytelling, implying that the addition, while appreciated, is not transformative. These critiques highlight that while the voice acting is a welcome upgrade, its scope and integration are seen as somewhat restrained, with some reviewers feeling it doesn’t fully align with the game’s narrative ambitions. Overall, the critics agree that the voice acting represents a meaningful step forward for the remaster, particularly in giving Adol a more defined personality and modernizing the experience. While there are varied opinions on its depth and effectiveness, the majority view it as a positive enhancement. Game8, GamingBolt, and RPG Site emphasize its role in enriching storytelling, whereas COGconnected and Worth Playing acknowledge its shortcomings. The consensus leans toward appreciation for the effort, especially given the series’ historical reliance on silence, but with a recognition that it is not the game’s defining feature. For players seeking a more immersive narrative, the voice acting is a notable improvement, though its impact remains context-dependent on individual expectations and the game’s broader design choices.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana nails technical performance on PS5 and Switch with smooth, stable frame rates and polished optimizations—PS5 boasts higher resolution, while Switch shines in handheld/docked modes. But PS5 stutters and dated visuals, plus Switch frame drops in intense scenes, snag its perfection. Yet these quirks are minor blemishes on an otherwise stellar, faithful remaster that balances nostalgia with modern tweaks, delivering a near-flawless experience despite platform-specific hiccups.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is largely praised across both the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, with several critics highlighting its stability and optimization. On the PS5, GameBlast, GamingBolt, and Impulsegamer all lauded the game for running smoothly with responsive controls and fluid animations, while TheSixthAxis noted improved resolution and consistent frame rates. Player 2 and Wccftech emphasized features like Turbo Mode and no-fall damage, which enhance gameplay without compromising performance. For the Nintendo Switch, CGMagazine, Digitally Downloaded, and Nintendo Life praised the remaster for its stable performance, 60fps frame rate, and minimal frame drops, with Noisy Pixel and Vandal specifically commending its seamless experience in both handheld and docked modes. These platforms generally received positive feedback for their technical execution, with critics like PlayStation Universe and Multiplayer.it acknowledging the game’s faithful port and quality-of-life upgrades that modernize the original without disrupting its core mechanics. However, some technical drawbacks were noted. On the PS5, Game8 reported occasional stutters and menu system issues that disrupted immersion, while GamingBolt pointed out that the visuals do not meet modern standards, potentially affecting the experience for newer players. For the Switch, RPG Site and Siliconera criticized frame rate inconsistencies, particularly in Turbo mode and during busy scenes, which could hinder responsiveness. COGconnected mentioned that platforming sections felt discouraging, though this might relate more to gameplay design than technical performance. Additionally, PlayStation Universe highlighted the absence of modern quality-of-life features, which, while not a technical flaw, could impact accessibility. These critiques suggest that while the game is well-optimized, platform-specific limitations or design choices occasionally detract from its technical polish, especially in high-intensity moments or for players accustomed to newer standards. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, with most agreeing that the game is technically stable and optimized for both platforms. The PS5 reviews, while noting minor issues like stutters and outdated visuals, emphasized its smooth performance and enhancements such as Turbo Mode and higher resolution. The Switch’s performance was consistently praised for its stability and 60fps consistency, though some critics like RPG Site and Siliconera pointed to frame rate dips in specific scenarios. Despite these discrepancies, the majority of reviewers—such as Impulsegamer, Digitally Downloaded, and Vandal—highlighted the game’s flawless or near-flawless execution, suggesting that the technical shortcomings are relatively minor and do not detract from the overall experience. The remaster’s success lies in its balance of preserving the original’s charm while delivering a polished, accessible experience tailored to each platform’s strengths.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana excels for fans with addictive challenge-driven gameplay, New Game+ rewards, and bonus modes, but its 10–15-hour campaign, shallow narrative, and niche appeal make it a hard sell for newcomers or those craving depth—best for series devotees willing to overlook its brevity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviews highlight several positive aspects of Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana’s replay value, particularly its accessibility to completionists and its challenge-driven features. GameSpew emphasizes that tracking down items and side-quests appeals to those who enjoy meticulous exploration, while Player 2 and Tech-Gaming praise the New Game+ mode, which rewards players with bonuses for defeating bosses and tackling harder difficulties. GamingTrend and Siliconera note the game’s extensive extra difficulties and boss challenges, offering varied experiences for players seeking mastery or nostalgia. Additionally, COGconnected and Noisy Pixel highlight bonus content like Time Attack modes and unique rewards, which cater to speedrunners and those who appreciate structured challenges. The engaging combat and dungeon-crawling mechanics, as mentioned by Tech-Gaming and God is a Geek, further incentivize revisiting the game, especially for fans of the series who value its old-school action and tight pacing. However, many critics point to the game’s limitations in replayability, primarily its brevity and lack of substantial content beyond its core mechanics. GameBlast and Hey Poor Player both describe the short campaign—clocking in at 10–12 hours—as a drawback, while Digitally Downloaded and Impulsegamer note that the 15-hour runtime may feel insufficient for extended engagement. Eurogamer Germany and RPG Site suggest the game’s simplicity and reliance on series-specific appeal could alienate newcomers, reducing its broader replay value. Finger Guns and Worth Playing also mention the steep difficulty as a barrier, deterring some players from returning, though easier settings are available. Multiplayer.it and Shacknews add that while New Game+ and dungeon puzzles exist, they don’t significantly expand the experience, and the narrative remains unchanged, which may leave players uninterested in multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced view: the game’s replay value is strong for dedicated fans and those who enjoy challenge-oriented gameplay, but it may fall short for players seeking depth or longer experiences. Critics like GamingBolt and Wccftech acknowledge its straightforward design as a virtue, making it easy to revisit, while others, such as Game8 and Impulsegamer, caution that its short length and price point could discourage immediate replays. The presence of New Game+ modes, difficulty tiers, and bonus content (noted by Player 2, Noisy Pixel, and SpazioGames) provides enough incentive for enthusiasts, but the lack of narrative or systemic expansion, as highlighted by GameBlast and Multiplayer.it, creates a divide. While the game’s accessibility and nostalgic appeal resonate with some, its brevity and niche focus suggest it’s best suited for those already invested in the Ys series rather than a general audience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment towards Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is largely positive, with many critics highlighting its engaging gameplay and nostalgic appeal. Reviewers like Checkpoint Gaming and GameGrin praise the game’s "charming and enjoyable experience," emphasizing its accessible, bite-sized story, dynamic combat, and varied dungeons that cater to both newcomers and fans. Impulsegamer and Worth Playing commend the remaster for its quality-of-life improvements and modernized visuals, noting that it successfully revitalizes the classic title without losing its core charm. The enhanced audio, including a "timeless soundtrack" (as highlighted by Noisy Pixel), and the "sharp and compact game design" (per GamingTrend) further bolster its appeal. CGMagazine even elevates it to "one of the best action RPGs of all time," celebrating its enduring strengths and the remaster’s ability to secure its place among genre classics. These positives collectively underscore the game’s ability to deliver a satisfying, fast-paced action RPG experience while maintaining its retro essence. However, several critics point out notable drawbacks, particularly its dated mechanics and lack of substantial innovation. Game8 and GameBlast argue that the remaster could have included more updates to justify its price, while GamingTrend and Shacknews note visual limitations, such as pixelated textures and "questionable character art updates," which fail to meet modern standards. Eurogamer Germany and Multiplayer.it criticize its simplicity and "lack of depth," suggesting it feels antiquated compared to newer action RPGs. Finger Guns and God is a Geek mention difficulty spikes and retro combat systems that might alienate modern players, though they acknowledge the inclusion of adjustable difficulty options. Additionally, RPG Site points out visual and performance issues that prevent it from being a "definitive edition," and Shacknews critiques some boss fights for having "annoying gimmicks." These critiques collectively highlight the game’s compromises in modernization and its reliance on older design elements. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus leans toward recommending Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana as a worthwhile experience, particularly for fans of the series and retro action RPGs. PlayStation Universe and Nintendo Life describe it as a "solid experience" that balances nostalgia with accessibility, while Siliconera and TheSixthAxis celebrate its "thrilling" and "flawlessly aged" gameplay. Player 2 and Tech-Gaming emphasize its value for both new and returning players, though Hey Poor Player suggests it’s "not essential" for those already familiar with the original. The game’s ability to preserve the original’s charm while offering modern enhancements like improved visuals and streamlined mechanics (as noted by Impulsegamer and Wccftech) is seen as a strength, even if it falls short of groundbreaking innovation. While not universally hailed as a modern masterpiece, it is broadly regarded as a respectful and enjoyable remaster that honors the Ys legacy.

TL;DR

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a nostalgic, fast-paced action RPG with modernized visuals and a timeless soundtrack, but its dated mechanics and lack of innovation feel like a relic. While praised for dynamic combat and accessible story, critics highlight pixelated textures, simplistic design, and retro difficulty that may frustrate modern players. A solid, if flawed, remaster that honors its legacy—worth it for fans, but not essential for newcomers.

MONSTER

Reviews

66 reviews found

Noisy Pixel

Nintendo Switch

Jan 6, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a meticulously crafted action RPG with exceptional boss design, a timeless soundtrack, and rewarding gameplay experience. Despite limited NPC development, the game remains captivating and offers a definitive release for fans of the genre.

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CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Jan 6, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is praised as one of the best action RPGs of all time, with the remaster enhancing its strengths and securing its place among the all-time greats.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Jan 7, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a simple yet enjoyable action RPG that excels in pacing, combat, visuals, and audio enhancements. It may not be groundbreaking, but it delivers a satisfying experience without overreaching.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Jan 6, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is praised for its sharp and compact game design, engaging gameplay, and solid story. The questionable character art update and occasional pixelated textures are noted as drawbacks, but the game remains a strong entry in the Ys series.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Jan 6, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a flawlessly aged, fast-paced action game that celebrates the origins of the franchise.

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Tech-Gaming

PlayStation 5

Jan 8, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is praised for preserving the game's potencies and offering quality-of-life features to prevent it from feeling antiquated. The gameplay modifications, engaging combat, and charming visuals contribute to a positive experience for players, making it a recommended title for fans of the franchise.

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God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Jan 6, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a classic action RPG with fast-paced combat, epic boss fights, and rewarding exploration, despite some issues like lack of direction and difficulty spikes.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Jan 6, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is a classic Action RPG that has been improved with sharper graphics and enhanced audio. Enjoyable gameplay and engaging story make it a great experience for newcomers to the Ys series.

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Wccftech

PlayStation 5

Jan 7, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana successfully brings the remake of the third entry in the Ys series to modern consoles, offering a fast-paced and engaging experience with enhanced visuals and quality-of-life improvements. While it may feel more straightforward compared to recent entries, it delivers on the core Ys action.

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COGconnected

Nintendo Switch

Jan 7, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is fun but difficult, offering a solid story, slick combat, and great soundtracks, despite its flaws in graphics and platforming.

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