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Nihon Falcom announced Ys X: Proud Nordics, an expanded version of the recently released action RPG, coming in 2025. This new version of the game will include an additional storyline and area, as well as new gameplay systems.

The new area being added is Eeland Island. Located in the northern part of the Obelia Bay, the island houses the previously undiscovered ancient ruins and remains of a civilization. Upon arrival in the midst of a battle against the undead Griegers, protagonists Adol and Karja embark on a new adventure involving a mysterious person capable of utilizing Mana.

In addition to the original Cross Action system, the new Ys X will introduce the Mana Action system. There are no details as to how this will work yet, and more information will appear in the future. Furthermore, new bosses, Mana ride races, and arena battles will appear in the game.

As of writing this, there are no confirmed platforms for the release of Ys X: Proud Nordics. While the game is slated to appear sometime in 2025 in Japan, we still don’t know when it will release overseas.

Ys X: Proud Nordics will release on 2025. Meanwhile, Ys X: Nordics is readily available for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.

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Some players really like to have romance in their games. So, does Ys X: Nordics feature love interests or any romance?

Ys X: Nordics might initially seem like it could feature a love story. Especially with its focus on two similarly aged, playable characters—Adol and Karja. This setup might lead some to expect a romantic narrative. However, the game takes a different approach, building a bond between Adol and Karja that feels more familial than romantic.

Rather than romantic tension, the story focuses on their deep connection built on shared experiences and mutual respect. It explores their dynamic as they grow closer, highlighting their importance to each other without introducing many romantic overtones.

The story of Ys X is crafted around this relationship, emphasizing how Adol and Karja learn to rely on one another. Their partnership is central to the game’s plot and adds depth to their individual journeys. The sincerity of the bond's writing makes it feel genuine. It's a unique narrative focus that differs from many romance-centered pairings seen in many JRPGs.

Does Ys: X Nordics have a romance mechanic? 2e614v

As players progress, they’ll also meet a variety of other characters who lend their to Adol and Karja's journey. Interacting with these characters can unlock additional details about their backstories, filling out their profiles. However, there is no relationship-building mechanic similar to those found in other games. These interactions remain limited to story and lore rather than gameplay mechanics.

In the end, Ys X: Nordics explores a strong, non-romantic relationship that feels central to the game’s narrative. This choice makes the game feel fresh and heartfelt, allowing the connection between Adol and Karja to stand out without relying on a love story. However, those looking for a romantic angle might still be pleasantly surprised by the direction the games takes.

Ys X: Nordics will release on the Switch, Playstation 4 and 5, and PC on October 25, 2024.

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The Ys series is one where if you're into the games, you're really into it. It forgoes traditional JRPG conventions by having each game serve as an adventure in the life of protagonist Adol Christin, almost like a throwback to classic adventure novels. The newest title Ys X: Nordics aims to bring it into the swashbuckling world of piracy. However, that's not exactly where the games strengths lie.

The story kicks off with Adol meeting Karja, a fierce "pirate princess," on his travels. Inadvertently, a magical tether binds the two. This connection sets the stage for an action-packed journey during which the pair must confront a looming magical threat. Their dynamic avoids the overdone "reluctant partnership" trope. Instead, Karja actually accepts her bond with Adol pretty quickly, which brings a refreshing sense of camaraderie to their interactions.

Ys X: Nordics draws heavily from Norse mythology, with plenty of Viking-inspired culture sprinkled throughout the game. The pirate ambiance obviously adds to the flavor of the setting. The characters Adol and Karja interact with are enjoyable and the adventures they go on fit all the themes. I found the premise of a swashbuckling Adol to be both refreshing and engaging. However, it quickly becomes clear that the game’s sea-based mechanics aren’t up to par with its land-based exploration.

Ys X: Nordics introduces an entire naval mechanic involving ship-based exploration and combat. However, ship combat is where Ys X falls short. This sure as heck isn't the intricate, multi-layered naval battles of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. It's not even the arcade style system from Kingdom Hearts III's Port Royal. Ys X opts instead for something so simple it's hard to call it a minigame, much less a full mechanic.

Sea battles amount to little more than locking on and firing cannons, with the occasional special volley attack peppered in. After a few encounters, the novelty fades, and it starts to feel quite bland. It doesn't help that the ship moves pretty slow. It especially stands out because the Ys series is famously fast, especially in combat.

Also there's not a lot to do in the water other than just make it to your next destination. Honestly, when I first got the ship, the freedom of sailing around seemed pretty exciting. However, the uninteresting waters and slow pace really takes the shine off of it quickly. It’s a shame, as the pirate theme fits Adol and the game so well, but the execution falls short.

On the flip side, exploration and combat on land are where Ys X: Nordics stands tall. Adol and Karja’s adventures take them across various islands filled with dungeons, plains, or towns to discover. The smaller, scattered islands break away from the massive single-location structure of recent Ys games. The openness and occasional variety make this aspect feel especially like they're going on some grand escapade.

Navigating once you're on these islands is quite fun, especially with the help of your mana abilities. These are powers that you use in the field not for attacking, but for exploration. For example, one ability emulates a grappling hook. Combining Adol and Karja's natural speed with the additional locomotion from these abilities makes exploration feel so smooth.

However, the meat and potatoes of a Ys game is always going to be the combat. It's why fans pay the price of ission. One of the most compelling aspects of Ys X is its fast-paced combat, a hallmark of the series. Luckily, Ys X: Nordics knocks this out of the park.

The game introduces a new "Duo Mode" where Adol and Karja team up for powerful attacks, and I found this to be the highlight of the combat system. Switching between the two characters mid-battle felt seamless, and the chaotic energy of teaming up added a lot of excitement to fights. Duo Mode is so effective that I rarely saw the need to switch out of it. Most of the fights /i did I ended up just lamming through fight in Duo Mode.

To be fair though, I was playing on "normal" difficulty the entire game. Higher difficulties might demand a bit more strategy before leaping into the fight. I know some of you die-hards don't get out of bed for anything less than "Nightmare."

As you progress, you'll unlock new abilities via a skill tree system. The tree has nodes, which are enhanced by slotting "mana seeds" into them. These provide both ive buffs and for certain nodes along the tree, new combat techniques. While not the most revolutionary system, it’s intuitive and offers some flexibility in building your characters. The seeds come in different types, each offering different bonuses and stats. Therefore, experimenting with combining the different seeds is crucial.

As you gain more techniques, it only makes battles look even flashier. Some battles can actually look like an anime episode. This is of course helped by the gorgeous art style of the game. I would say it's the prettiest Ys game yet.

Another area where Ys X: Nordics never falters is its music. The series has always been known for its rocking, high-energy soundtrack, and this entry is no different. Whether you’re engaged in a fierce boss battle or exploring a new island, the music elevates every moment. It helps keep you pumped and immersed. Fans of the series will be pleased, the soundtrack lives up to the standards set by its predecessors.

In the end, Ys X: Nordics is a solid addition to the Ys series, but it should have stayed docked. The ship combat, which should have been a thrilling new addition, ultimately feels bland. Despite this, the game more than makes up for it with its land-based exploration and fast-paced, duo-driven combat. Fans of the series will no doubt want to pick it up for the continuation of Adol’s story and the exciting new setting. And if you’re new to the Ys franchise, this isn’t a bad place to start.

Ys X: Nordics will come to the PS4, PS5, Switch, and PC on October 25, 2024.

The post Review: Ys X: Nordics Isn’t Always Smooth Sailing appeared first on Siliconera.

At Anime Expo 2024, NIS America announced the worldwide release date for Ys X: Nordics. People will be able to play it on the PS4, PS5, Switch, and PC on October 25, 2024, and a $104.99 Limited Edition will be available through the NIS America storefront.

First, here’s the new Ys X: Nordics release date trailer, which also includes new footage. It begins with Adol Christin and Karja Balta fighting alongside each other. From there, we get to hear a sample of the English voice acting for the two of them. After that, we get to see what it’s like to explore on a ship and get in fights with others while exploring the seas. The new Mana powers are highlighted after that, to show how it helps with exploration. Then we see how the Cross Action system allows Solo and Duo Mode fighting. 

Note that while the English voice acting is shown there, Japanese will also be available as an option in the game. Also, while the console versions only have English or French subtitles, the PC version will feature both of those options and Japanese.

As for the Limited Edition, here’s how that looks. In addition to the game, you get a hardcover art book, a mini soundtrack CD, a pin, art cards, and a sling bag.

The Ys X: Nordics release date is October 25, 2024. It will come to the PS4, PS5, Switch, and PC. It is already available in Japan on consoles. The Japanese, Korean, and Standard and Traditional Chinese version is also on PCs on Steam now.

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NIS America announced that it and Nihon Falcom will release Ys X: Nordics on the Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC in English and French in Fall 2024. This comes after its September 2023 launch in Japan on consoles and Clouded Leopard announced it’d bring the Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese PC version to Steam on March 14, 2024. 

Depending on the platform you pick, different text options will be available. Both consoles and PCs will have English and French, as well as English and Japanese voice acting. However, only  Japanese text will be available as an option for the PC version. The PC version will also be available via three outlets at launch, as NISA confirmed Epic Games Store, GOG, and Steam will all offer it.

Once again, players will journey alongside Adol Christin. This time, there are more seafaring elements. This is partially because Adol and Karja, a pirate, are stuck together. (Don’t worry, as Dogi will be back as well.)

There are also a number of initial screenshots showing what people can expect from the release. Here is the first patch NIS America shared with us.

Ys X: Nordics will come to the Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC in English and French worldwide in Fall 2024. The official website is now open.

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Clouded Leopard Entertainment will make its first appearance at Taipei Game Show 2024. Its booth will feature demos of Japanese video games, such as Nihon Falcom's Ys X -Nordics- and D3 Publisher's Earth Defense Force 6. The company will also host a live event starring Nihon Falcom CEO Toshihiro Kondo at the venue.

Clouded Leopard revealed via its Japanese press release that Nihon Falcom titles will dominate its booth. It will feature photo spots and cosplayers modeled after Ys X -Nordics- and The Legend of Heroes: Kuro no Kiseki—the latter is also known in the West as Trails through Daybreak. The booth will also include a shop selling merchandise related to Falcom's games.

Here is the full list of games from Nihon Falcom and D3 Publisher that will have demos on Clouded Leopard's booth at Taipei Game Show 2024:

• The Legend of Heroes: Kuro no Kiseki for Nintendo Switch
• Ys X -Nordics-
• Ys: Memories of Celceta Kai
• Earth Defense Force 6
• Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2

Clouded Leopard will also host a special event featuring Nihon Falcom at the venue. Falcom's CEO Toshihiro Kondo will attend the event to make new announcements related to his company's titles. The event will also have live gameplay footage of Ys X -Nordics-.

People who cannot attend Taipei Game Show 2024 physically will also be able to watch the event via live streams. A link for the stream will be available on the Do Not NOW channel on YouTube. Clouded Leopard will also set up the same stream on the Chinese video platforms BiliBili and Huya.

Taipei Game Show 2024 will take place at the Nangang Exhibition Center on January 25-28, 2024. Clouded Leopard will run the special stage event starring Nihon Falcom's Toshihiro Kondo on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 2 PM local time (GMT+8) / 3 PM JST / 1 AM ET.

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Nihon Falcom opened pre-orders for the Ys X: Nordics Original Soundtrack. It will release the soundtrack on January 18, 2024, with a price tag of 3,740 yen (~$24.69). People residing outside Japan can also place orders on Falcom Shop with additional shipping costs. In its Japanese press release, Nihon Falcom also announced that it will release the soundtrack on digital platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music on the same day. [Thanks, 4Gamer!]

The soundtrack will feature a total of 60 tracks, which include the field tracks "To Be Free" and "Burn with You." The physical album will include 3 discs, each containing 20 tracks. All first-print physical releases will come with a set of eleven cards containing illustrations used for the Japanese release countdown.

There will also be an exclusive bonus set of acrylic stands featuring Adol and Karja in dragon costumes for people who purchase the album on Falcom Shop or the Falcom jdk Band 2024 live concerts. The latter will take place in Tokyo on January 13, 2024, Osaka on January 26, 2024, and Nagoya on January 27, 2024.

Ys X: Nordics is available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in Japan. The Ys X: Nordics Original Soundtrack will be available on January 18, 2024 in Japan.

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Falcom released more information on the side characters who’ll be in Ys X: Nordics. These characters are the crew of the Sandras. As well, it shared details on mini-games such as fishing and tuna fishing, which you can enjoy in between your adventures. [Thanks, Game Watch and 4Gamer!]

The side characters on the Sandras in Ys X: Nordics are:

• Momina Yvelise (VA: Riko Kohara)
• She is a strong and responsible woman who runs a street stall in Karnack. She’s kind and well-liked by her neighbors, but can be overly anxious, which causes worry to the people around her. She can open up an item shop on the Sandras.
• Romes Carpent (VA: Masayuki Fujibuchi)
  He is the chairman of the Carpent Company, and is very shrewd when it comes to business. He’s so good at it that he’s managed to make the number one company in Obelia Bay in a single generation. He wants to raise his son as his successor, and because he’s always looking to make it rich (even in disastrous situations), he is at odds with his son. He opens up a weapon and armor shop on the Sandras.
• Joel Asrad (VA: Yoshito Yasuhara)
  He is a doctor who runs the Asrad Clinic. Aside from knowing a lot about his trade, he also loves to fish. However, he does so when he’s supposed to be working, which leads to his daughter Mirabelle scolding him. As part of the Sandras crew, he can offer you rewards based on your fishing feats.
• Ashley (VA: Aguri Onishi)
• A boy who lives alone in Karnack. He is always grumpy and doesn’t seem to like the citizens very much. He’s more into marine life than people. You can unlock special quests from him to help him investigate the animals throughout Obelia bay. As you complete your nautical charts using Ashley’s quests, you might unlock more quests.
• Urval (VA: Kenichi Mine)
  He is a veteran shipwright in the Balta Navy. Heh maintains the ships that are anchored at Balta Island, as well as the Sandras.

[gallery columns="5" ids="974855,974854,974853,974852,974851" link="file"]

As you explore Obelia bay, you might encounter Runestones. Adol and Karja can use their Mana power to read the stories within them, which allow you to learn more about Obelia bay’s history. You can also obtain Mana Seeds from them, which will help you boost Adol and Karja’s abilities.

[caption id="attachment_974857" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Falcom.[/caption]

Another thing you can do in the game is fishing. You can either fish normally or go tuna fishing. In order to go tuna fishing, you have to be aboard the Sandras. It seems that both are the same in of mechanics, in which you have to fill a fishing gauge and reel in your catch. Your friends can also help you out, and you can earn special rewards when you hand your fish to Joel.

[gallery columns="4" ids="974861,974860,974859,974858" link="file"]

Ys X: Nordics will come out on the PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch on September 28, 2023.

The post Ys X: Nordics Side Characters And Fishing Mini-Game Details Shared appeared first on Siliconera.

Famitsu revealed that new information about the Ys X: Nordics will appear in issue number 1803 of Weekly Famitsu. The publication teased the announcement on its site ahead of the issue's release on June 22, 2023. The new information pertains to the game’s main villains, the Griegers, a seafaring group obsessed with achieving immortality, as well as the character progression system. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

Famitsu revealed that a new character progression system will appear in the new Ys entry, and it will be called the “Release Line.” The game also seems to include two skill systems, with each belonging to Adol and Karja.

Meanwhile, three Grieger main characters belonging to the villain group were shown as well. Their names seem to be Yoruzu (or Yorz,) Raagu (Laag,) and Oruzu (Orz.) Oruzu is a large character wearing an eyepatch and wielding a giant gauntlet, and he is seen clashing with Adol. Meanwhile, Yoruzu is a character of slim build, and they wield floating sickles. Raagu is the final mysterious Grieger, and in the images shown he is seen not wielding any weapon.

We've learned quite a bit about the game lately. Information about Ys X: Nordics' naval combat system and various characters appeared at the end of May 2023.

Ys X: Nordics is in development for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch, and it will appear in Japan on September 28, 2023. More information will appear on issue no.1803 of the Weekly Famitsu magazine.

The post Ys X Nordics Villain and Character Progression Teased appeared first on Siliconera.

Nihon Falcom revealed more information about the Ys X: Nordics alongside its Japanese release date. The game will appear for the PS4, PS5, and Switch on September 28, 2023. There will be a special Adol Christin Edition, which includes a mini soundtrack for the game, an armor set, a pin badge, a set of illustration cards, and a body bag with the logo of the game. New characters and details about naval combat appeared as well. [Thanks, Game Watch!]

Nihon Falcom introduced some new characters that will appear in Adol Christin’s new adventure. Leif Yvelise is a childhood friend of Glenn and Cruz, two other characters that will appear in the game. He is not a native of Karnack, but a migrant worker from outside the city. Mirabel Asrad is a nurse working at the clinic in Karnack that her father opened. She is cheerful and has a good-willed, but has a strong and brave personality as well.

Lila is a mysterious woman that can communicate with Adol through a seashell he picked up at the beach in Karnack, and asks him for help. She is located somewhere in the Gulf of Obelia. The nameless old man is an amnesiac who lives alone in a small hut on an island, and teaches people how to use mana.

A new gameplay feature detailed by Nihon Falcom is the naval battle system. Players can explore the Gulf of Obelia and engage in naval battle while on the ship Sandras, which can be upgraded. Naval battles involve smart positioning, using different type of cannonball​s with different properties, and aiming with the ships many cannons. Some powerful enemy ships will need to be directly boarded after dealing enough damage. Merchant vessels that act as wandering shops exist as well.

You can take a better look at the new characters and naval battles that will appear in Ys X: Nordics here:

[gallery columns="5" ids="965351,965352,965353,965354,965355,965356,965357,965358,965359,965360" link="file"]

Ys X: Nordics is currently in development for the Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PS4, and its Japanese release date is September 28, 2023.

The post Ys X Nordics Gets Release Date and New Naval Combat Details appeared first on Siliconera.

Nihon Falcom updated the teaser website for Ys X: Nordics with new gameplay details, screenshots, and information about the protagonist duo. Ys X: Nordics will only have two playable characters, Adol Christin and Carja Varta, and use the new Cross Action system. The events of Ys X: Nordics happen in between Ys I & II and Ys: Memories of Celceta, chronologically, and they are based on the travelogue titled “Lost Paradise in the North.” Japanese artist toi8 is in charge of character design. [Thanks, Game Watch!]

The new Cross Action system allows players to switch between Solo Mode and Combination Mode. In Solo Mode, the player controls either Adol or Carja, with the AI partner acting automatically. During battle, the player can switch between characters at any time by pressing a single button, similar to the systems used in recent Ys games. Enemy attacks with a blue aura can be easily dodged in Solo Mode.

Meanwhile, in Combination Mode, both Adol and Carja are controlled at the same time. Damage and number of attacks dealt increases, but movement and dash speed is reduced. In Combination Mode, the player can guard against attacks. Doing this increases the Revenge Gauge, which allows the activation of a special skill that deals heavy damage to enemies. Red enemy attacks can only be blocked in Combination Mode.

In Ys X: Nordics, Adol Christin is a young 17-year-old adventurer on his way to Celceta. Meanwhile, Carja is the only daughter of Grimson, the leader of the Varta navy. Carja is known as the Pirate Princess. Japanese visual artist toi8 will be in charge of character design. He has previously worked as the character designer for I am Setsuna, and Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE.

Yuki Kaji voices Adol in the Japanese dub of Ys X: Nordics. Kaji previously voiced Koichi Hirose in the anime adaptation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable and recent JoJo’s fighting games, Hope Estheim throughout the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy, and Phoenix Wright in the anime adaptation of Ace Attorney.

You can check out a gallery with new gameplay screenshots of Ys X: Nordics here:

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Ys X: Nordics is currently in development for the Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PS4, and it is scheduled to release sometime in 2023 in Japan.

The post Ys X Nordics Gets New Gameplay Details and Screenshots appeared first on Siliconera.

Nihon Falcom opened the official Japanese website for its latest Ys game. Titled Ys X Nordics, the game will take series protagonist Adol Christin to the chilly northern seas. There he'll encounter new peoples, new lands, and new challenges.

Here are some of the details about the game, based on the official website. Note that some of the romanizations used may be unofficial and not be reflected by a future English-language release.

Ys X Nordics is set in the Oberia Gulf, a large body of water containing an archipelago of countless islands. There Adol encounters a maritime tribe called the Norman, threatened by a group of "immortal" beings called the Griga (or Grieger), that attack people. Unraveling the mystery of the Griga's goals and nature will be core to the game's narrative.

Other new features teased include a "Solo Mode", a fast-paced combat mode where your partner is controlled by the AI. The "Combi Mode" is an unusual system that puts both on-screen characters in control of the player at the same time. Combi Mode is designed for fighting against strong opponents. A "Cross Action" system will allow players to switch modes as the situation suits.

Ys X Nordics will also feature nautical navigation. Players will control a sailing ship traversing the ocean and moving between Oberia Gulf's islands. They'll explore marine areas using nautical maps and charts, and even conduct naval battles against hostile ships. Screenshots on the official website also show navigation around 3D spaces using a grappling hook-like beam of energy. Another character also moves at high speed riding a hovering board-like vehicle.

Check out some screenshots below.

[gallery columns="4" size="medium" ids="943638,943639,943640,943641,943642,943643,943644,943645" link="file"]

Ys X Nordics is set for release in 2023 on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch in Japan. An international release has not yet been announced. In previous comments Nihon Falcom suggested that it would be out by the end of the 2023 fiscal year, which means it could be out on or before September 30, 2023.

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