Ys X: Nordics

The reviews of Ys X: Nordics highlight a generally positive reception of its narrative, with many critics praising its engaging character dynamics, thematic depth, and structured storytelling. But Why Tho? and RPG Fan both emphasized the game’s strong character development and emotional complexity, noting how the story evolves from a broad scope to a personal focus, particularly in the relationship between Adol and Karja. Finger Guns and Inverse commended the "fun and nicely structured story" with twists and a "refreshing camaraderie," while GamingBolt and Siliconera appreciated the exploration of Mana-related mysteries and the magical tether between the protagonists. The game’s accessibility for newcomers, as highlighted by Hobby Consolas and Gaming Age, was another key strength, with some critics like PlayStation Universe and Shacknews pointing to its self-contained, adventure-driven plot and the central bond between Adol and Karja that influences both narrative and gameplay. Themes of personal growth, community, and living a fulfilling life, as noted by GamingTrend and COGconnected, added layers to the story, making it a standout in the Ys series for its focus on character interactions and world-building. However, several critics raised concerns about the story’s lack of depth and originality. Cubed3 and Digitally Downloaded criticized the narrative for prioritizing quantity over quality, with characters suffering from "bulletproof plot armor" and a "weak" storyline that felt underdeveloped. RPG Site and TheSixthAxis described the villains as one-dimensional and the dramatic moments as overly convenient, reducing the emotional weight of the plot. TheSixthAxis specifically called the adventure a "flashy action romp" with "arbitrary" big moments, while Cubed3 and Digitally Downloaded pointed to a disconnect from the series’ continuity and a protagonist who didn’t convincingly embody a 17-year-old’s traits. Additionally, some reviewers, like Nintendo Life and Movies Games and Tech, felt the narrative was "not the main draw" and that exploration overshadowed storytelling, leading to a sense of underwhelming execution compared to earlier Ys entries. Pacing issues, as noted by Inverse, and a lack of major plot twists, as mentioned by SpazioGames, further contributed to these criticisms. Despite mixed feedback, the overall consensus among critics leans toward appreciating Ys X: Nordics as a solid, if not revolutionary, entry in the franchise. While some praised its character-driven themes, engaging dual protagonist system, and accessible world-building, others found it formulaic or lacking in emotional resonance. The game’s narrative is often seen as a strong foundation for its gameplay, with Tech-Gaming and ZTGD highlighting its compelling character relationships and geopolitical backstories, but these elements were not universally celebrated. The divide between positive and negative reviews reflects a balance between the game’s strengths in storytelling mechanics and its shortcomings in originality and depth. Ultimately, Ys X: Nordics is viewed as a worthwhile experience for fans, offering a familiar yet enjoyable adventure, though it falls short of redefining the series’ narrative potential.

The gameplay of Ys X: Nordics receives widespread praise for its dynamic and innovative mechanics, particularly the introduction of the Duo Mode and Solo Mode, which allow players to control Adol and Karja simultaneously or individually. Critics like But Why Tho? highlight the fast, responsive combat and challenging bosses with unique abilities, while Eurogamer Germany and Hobby Consolas commend the "new Duo-Specials" and the ability to switch between characters for strategic advantages. Inverse and Movies Games and Tech emphasize the "phenomenal action-RPG experience" and "deep intuitive combat systems," noting the fluidity of the Cross Action system and the satisfaction of mastering timing and skill chaining. The naval combat is also a standout feature, with Hey Poor Player and SpazioGames appreciating its methodical and satisfying nature, likening it to Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. Land-based exploration is similarly lauded for its revamped traversal mechanics, including Mana-imbued tools and engaging puzzle-solving, as highlighted by Hobby Consolas and Nintendo WorldReport. These elements collectively create a gameplay experience that feels fresh and action-oriented, with a strong emphasis on variety and player agency. However, several critics point out notable flaws, particularly in repetition and balance. Finger Guns and Cubed3 note that combat can become monotonous, with Cubed3 criticizing a "broken" unison mode that feels repetitive. GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe mention control complexities and uneven balance, while Siliconera and God is a Geek downplay the naval combat as simplistic or underwhelming. Shacknews and TheSixthAxis also critique the lack of feedback in mechanics and clunky ship controls early on, which can detract from the experience. Additionally, Pure Nintendo and Nintendo Life observe that while the combat is fast-paced, it can be frustrating against bosses, and RPG Site acknowledges that the new rhythm and mechanics require time to adapt to. These issues suggest that while the core combat is engaging, some systems lack polish or depth, leading to mixed experiences depending on the player’s preferences. Overall, the critics agree that Ys X: Nordics represents a significant evolution for the series, with its duo-based combat and fast-paced action being major highlights. But Why Tho?, Inverse, and RPG Fan praise the strategic depth and variety, while Hey Poor Player and Nintendo Life emphasize the engaging exploration and traversal. However, there is a clear divide on the naval combat—some find it enjoyable and unique, while others see it as a weaker, less refined aspect. The consensus leans toward a positive but imperfect experience, with the duo system and character-switching mechanics being praised as groundbreaking, yet some critics, like Cubed3 and Shacknews, feel the game struggles to fully balance its innovations with consistency. Despite these critiques, the majority view the gameplay as a compelling blend of action, strategy, and exploration, marking it as a strong entry in the Ys franchise.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Ys X: Nordics is mixed, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Critics like But Why Tho? and Siliconera praise the game for its best-looking presentation in the series, highlighting detailed character models, impressive art direction, and intricately crafted environments. Noisy Pixel and PlayStation Universe also commend the game for its beautiful environments and smooth performance, especially on the PlayStation 5. Movies Games and Tech notes that the graphics are polished with vibrant environments and detailed character animations, drawing comparisons to the PS2 era, which they suggest can grow on players. Additionally, RPG Fan appreciates the improved shading and terrific animation in both gameplay and cinematics, even if the world feels visually repetitive. On the other hand, several critics express disappointment with the game's visual design, pointing out that it feels outdated or underwhelming. Eurogamer Germany and Finger Guns criticize the graphics as cheap and old-fashioned, with poor animations and NPCs resembling wooden carvings. GamingTrend and God is a Geek mention that the visuals lack the polish of previous entries and are simplistic, reflecting a lower budget. SpazioGames points to technical limitations such as stiff animations and pop-in effects, while Cubed3 and Digitally Downloaded note that the game doesn't show significant visual improvements over Ys VIII, giving it a dated feel. RPG Site and Tech-Gaming also highlight the lack of variety in island environments, which can make the experience feel bland and repetitive. Despite the mixed reviews, there is a general consensus that Ys X: Nordics has a strong art direction and charm, even if its technical execution falls short of modern expectations. While some critics, like But Why Tho? and Siliconera, see it as a visual high point for the series, others, such as Eurogamer Germany and SpazioGames, find it lacking in polish and innovation. The game’s performance on the PlayStation 5 is praised by several, but on the Nintendo Switch, it faces more criticism for its technical limitations. Overall, the visuals are seen as a mixed bag—flawed but still delivering a sense of adventure and style, particularly in key moments like combat and cutscenes.

The sound design and music of Ys X: Nordics received generally positive feedback from several critics, with many highlighting its energetic and action-oriented qualities. GamingBolt praised the soundtrack as a "solid mix," while GamingTrend and Hobby Consolas emphasized its "enjoyable" and "action-packed" nature, particularly during battles. Movies Games and Tech noted that the high-energy tracks "complement both battles and exploration," maintaining the franchise’s musical standards, and RPG Fan commended the "blasting guitars" for giving the game a "unique auditory identity." Nintendo Life and PlayStation Universe also lauded the music for its "adventurous tunes" and "strong songs" that align with the series’ Scandinavian inspiration, with SpazioGames appreciating how it "conveys a sense of excitement and energy typical of action JRPGs." COGconnected and Siliconera went further, calling the soundtrack "gorgeous" and "excellent," respectively, with ZTGD even noting the difficulty in choosing a standout track from the "excellent OST." These reviews collectively underscore the game’s ability to deliver a dynamic and immersive auditory experience that fits its genre and setting. However, some critics pointed out limitations, particularly in comparison to earlier Ys entries. Eurogamer Germany described the music as "average" with a "nordic touch" that "is not particularly memorable," suggesting it lacks the "usual charm" of the series. Noisy Pixel noted that while the soundtrack improved over Ys IX, it "lacks variety in tones," and GamingBolt acknowledged it "may not reach the heights of previous titles like Ys 8 and 9." God is a Geek criticized the "lack of voice acting," with Adol being "mostly silent," and Tech-Gaming found the English vocal performances "average" and "lacking in emotional emphasis." Additionally, GamingBolt and NintendoWorldReport mentioned that Adol’s voice acting, while "relatively good," could be "grating" or "inconsistent." These critiques suggest that while the music is strong, it fails to fully capture the distinctiveness or emotional depth that some fans associate with the Ys series’ earlier installments. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced but mixed assessment. While most critics agree the soundtrack is energetic, well-crafted, and thematically appropriate, there is a recurring sentiment that it does not surpass the series’ earlier works. The music is seen as a solid, if not groundbreaking, entry in the Ys franchise, with its high-octane rock elements and atmospheric tracks enhancing the gameplay experience. However, the lack of variety, the absence of strong voice acting in some cases, and the perception that it falls short of the "charming" or "memorable" qualities of past games create a divide in opinions. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers—such as Nintendo Life, Siliconera, and COGconnected—acknowledge the soundtrack as a significant strength, even if it is not universally hailed as the best in the series. The game’s sound design, while not revolutionary, remains a fitting and enjoyable component of its action-RPG identity.

The voice acting in Ys X: Nordics receives generally positive feedback, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Finger Guns notes that the performances are "relatively good," praising the use of recognizable anime voice talent that avoids being "abhorrent or annoying." COGconnected and Nintendo Insider both commend Karja’s voice acting, with the latter specifically stating that her performance "adds to the character dynamics" and that the cast delivers "good performances" overall. RPG Site also acknowledges the quality of the voice work, particularly for Karja, and emphasizes that the dynamic between Adol and Karja is a standout element. These reviews suggest that the voice acting contributes to a more immersive and engaging experience, with a focus on key characters and a noticeable improvement in quality compared to previous entries in the series. The recognition of specific roles, like Karja, and the general praise for the cast’s work indicate a solid foundation for the game’s audio design. However, the voice acting is not without its criticisms. God is a Geek points out that the limited scope of voice work—especially Adol’s near-silence outside of combat—creates a sense of underutilization, which could detract from the narrative. RPG Site echoes this, noting that the "limited voice acting in key scenes" is "distracting," while Tech-Gaming describes the English voice acting as "average," with some performances "lacking emotional depth and emphasis." These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is competent, it falls short in certain areas, particularly in terms of consistency and depth. The absence of full voice work in major dialogue sequences, as mentioned by Nintendo Insider, further underscores a gap between the game’s potential and its execution, leaving some players feeling that the audio elements could have been more fully realized. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the voice acting’s quality and specific character performances, especially Karja’s. While there is agreement that the cast’s work is "good" and the audio is "less jarring" than in prior games, the limitations in scope and emotional delivery are recurring concerns. The game’s voice acting is seen as a step forward, but not a complete success, with some critics feeling it could have been more expansive or nuanced. This balance of praise and criticism reflects a middle ground: the voice acting is sufficient to enhance the experience but lacks the depth or coverage to fully elevate it, leaving room for improvement in future entries.

The technical performance of Ys X: Nordics receives generally positive feedback across platforms, with notable strengths. On the PS5, most critics highlight its smooth gameplay, with But Why Tho? and GamingBolt praising minimal frame rate drops and stability, while Noisy Pixel describes it as "buttery smooth." Hey Poor Player also notes a "technically solid experience," and SpazioGames acknowledges a consistent 60fps, despite acknowledging some visual compromises. For the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Insider and NintendoWorldReport commend its performance, citing minimal frame rate dips and good resolution, with the latter calling it the "best-looking and best-performing entry in the series" for the platform. On PC, RPG Site lauds the port as "praised for its quality," and ZTGD mentions smooth performance with "good support for UltraWide monitors," though it’s labeled "Playable" on the Steam Deck. These reviews collectively suggest strong optimization and stability, particularly on PS5 and PC, with the Switch offering commendable performance for its hardware. However, technical shortcomings are also evident. On the PS5, Eurogamer Germany criticizes "slow load times on the water," and SpazioGames points to "dated graphics" and cross-gen compromises as weak points, while GamingTrend highlights control issues, such as "responsiveness problems with the revive option." The Nintendo Switch faces more mixed reception, with COGconnected noting "boat controls and cutscene animations" as problematic and Nintendo Life pointing to "inconsistent frame rates," though NintendoWorldReport acknowledges minor dips during set pieces. Pure Nintendo mentions "occasional stumbles" but states they don’t disrupt gameplay. On PC, ZTGD observes "minor stutters" on the Steam Deck, despite the PC version being otherwise smooth. These critiques suggest that while the game performs well overall, platform-specific issues and visual limitations detract from the experience, particularly on the Switch and PS5. The overall consensus among critics is that Ys X: Nordics delivers solid technical performance, especially on PS5 and PC, but with some platform-specific caveats. The PS5 and PC versions are widely praised for their stability and smoothness, with GamingBolt and RPG Site emphasizing their reliability. The Switch version, while considered the series’ best on that platform, still struggles with performance inconsistencies and visual compromises, as noted by Nintendo Life and COGconnected. SpazioGames and Eurogamer Germany critique the PS5’s dated visuals, while ZTGD highlights minor issues on PC. Despite these flaws, the game’s technical foundation is seen as strong, with most reviewers agreeing that it functions well across platforms, even if certain aspects—like graphics or controls—require refinement. The mixed feedback underscores a balance between optimization and design choices, with the PS5 and PC versions standing out as more polished, while the Switch’s performance remains a point of contention.

The overall sentiment among critics regarding the replay value of Ys X: Nordics leans positively, with many highlighting its robust content and systems that encourage multiple playthroughs. Eurogamer Germany emphasizes the game’s "many side quests and a motivating progression path," while Finger Guns notes the "mid-length campaign of around 25-30 hours" and optional modes like Recaptures. GamingBolt and Hobby Consolas praise activities such as sailing, marine wildlife spotting, and fishing, which add variety beyond the main narrative. The combat system, as highlighted by Hey Poor Player and RPG Fan, features a skill tree for customization and adjustable difficulty levels, fostering diverse experiences. Additionally, SpazioGames and PlayStation Universe commend the game’s vast nautical map, secrets, and side quests, with the latter suggesting ship-based combat offers a "good diversion" and "satisfying progression." Noisy Pixel’s unique "Release Line" upgrade system and Nintendo Life’s "stat tree system for character progression" further enhance replayability by allowing players to experiment with different builds and strategies. However, several critics point to limitations that may hinder long-term engagement. GamingTrend criticizes the "lack of enemy variety and straightforward level design," which could make repeated playthroughs feel monotonous. Hobby Consolas mentions the "slow start and excessive dialogue" as potential deterrents for replaying, while Nintendo Insider notes the game’s "less tightly constructed design" might reduce its appeal for some. Cubed3 argues that the game "feels like more of the same" from recent Falcom titles, which could limit its replay value for casual fans. Gaming Age also raises concerns about the "announcement of an expanded version" possibly diminishing the incentive to revisit the base game. These critiques suggest that while the game is rich in content, its repetitive elements or design choices may not sustain interest for all players, particularly those seeking innovation or tighter structure. The consensus among critics is that Ys X: Nordics offers a solid foundation for replayability, especially for fans of the series or those who enjoy exploration and side content. Positive aspects like the "vast nautical map" (SpazioGames), "endless build variety" (Noisy Pixel), and "diverse tasks and subquests" (Nintendo Life) are frequently cited as strong draws for completionists and players seeking depth. Yet, the negatives—such as "straightforward level design" (GamingTrend) and "repetitive mechanics" (Cubed3)—create a divide in opinions. While some reviewers, like Hobby Consolas and Nintendo Insider, acknowledge the game’s potential for replayability, they also stress that its flaws might deter broader audiences. Ultimately, the game’s replay value seems to depend on individual preferences, with its extensive optional content and systems appealing to dedicated fans but possibly falling short for those seeking fresh challenges or tighter design.