Ys X: Proud Nordics — Review: The Definitive Version Falcom Should Have Made Immediately

With Ys X: Proud Nordics, Nihon Falcom returns to one of the most interesting and atypical chapters of the entire Ys saga, offering an expanded, refined, and decidedly more ambitious version compared to the original. This is not a simple re-release or a lazy remaster, but a kind of definitive edition, designed to maximize the experience on current hardware and, above all, to correct some structural limitations that emerged with the initial launch.

Ys X was, from its announcement, defined as an atypical and unconventional chapter, introducing a new combat system, a fixed dual protagonist, a Nordic setting strongly inspired by Viking myths and legends, and a world design that pushed more towards maritime exploration than classic terrestrial backtracking. Proud Nordics takes that foundation and expands it in every direction, making the game more refined, denser, and, ultimately, more representative of what Falcom wanted to create from the beginning.

This new version was created not only to attract new players, but also and above all to convince those who had already played Ys X to return to sail the northern seas.

And, as we will see, there are plenty of reasons.

A More Mature Narrative: Adol, Karja, and the Obelia Islands

The plot of Ys X: Proud Nordics is chronologically set after the events of the first chapters of the saga, once again following Adol Christin, the legendary red-haired adventurer, here younger and more inexperienced compared to his more mature incarnations. The narrative context is that of the Obelia Islands, an archipelago battered by icy seas, populated by Nordic clans, merchants, pirates, and mysterious creatures linked to an ancient threat.

A central element of the narrative is the relationship between Adol and Karja Balta, a Norman warrior belonging to one of the dominant factions of the archipelago. Unlike other adventure companions in the series, Karja is not a mere narrative sidekick, but a strong, charismatic character, often in contrast with Adol's idealism. Their relationship, initially forced, slowly grows, alternating ideological clashes, mutual trust, and moments of sincere complicity.

Proud Nordics significantly expands the narrative compared to the original. The new scenes, additional dialogues, and unprecedented side quests make the world more credible and layered. Local factions are no longer just functional extras for gameplay, but take on a more marked political and cultural weight. The tensions between the clans, the role of the Normans as a “destabilizing force,” and the mystery surrounding the creatures called Griegr are narrated and discovered with greater calm and depth.

We are not facing a revolutionary and overwhelming story, but the writing is more mature compared to other chapters of the saga. Falcom demonstrates its ability to tell a coming-of-age journey that not only involves confronting evil, but also the clash between cultures, worldviews, and personal responsibilities.

Duo Mode Refined: Combat, Naval Exploration, and Progression 

Gameplay remains the beating heart of Ys X, and Proud Nordics decisively intervenes in almost every aspect of it. The combat system is still based on Duo Mode, which allows simultaneous control of Adol and Karja, alternating them or having them act in synergy. The big novelty compared to the past is not so much the concept, as its refinement.

Combat is more reactive, readable, and strategic. Parry and shared guard have been rebalanced, making initial encounters less punishing but advanced ones more technical. Special abilities now have clearer animations and better visual feedback, allowing the player to better read the battlefield even in the most frantic phases.

Maritime exploration, one of the most discussed elements of the original, has been significantly improved. The ship responds better to commands, naval battles are more dynamic and less repetitive, and secondary activities related to navigation are more varied. The islands offer better-constructed dungeons, with more intelligent environmental puzzles and less reliance on simple reiteration of mechanics.

Character progression also benefits from some important adjustments. The skill tree is more flexible, allows for slightly more customizable builds, and encourages experimentation. The new abilities introduced in Proud Nordics do not revolutionize the system, but enrich it just enough to make it deeper and more rewarding in the long run.

In general, the gameplay of Ys X: Proud Nordics finally manages to find a solid balance between pure action and strategy, without sacrificing the speed that has always characterized the series.

On Switch 2 and PS5: Graphics, Frame Rate, and Rearranged Soundtrack

On Nintendo Switch 2, Proud Nordics clearly flexes its muscles. The technical leap compared to the previous version is evident from the first minutes of gameplay. The resolution is higher, the frame rate more stable, and the draw distance significantly improved.

Character models are more detailed, textures are cleaner, and dynamic lighting gives greater depth to environments. The northern seas appear more credible, with improved particle effects, more natural waves, and reflections that contribute to the cold and hostile atmosphere of the setting.

The sound compartment also benefits from preferential treatment. The music, always a strong point of the saga, returns in rearranged versions or with new unreleased tracks that blend rock with Nordic sounds. The sound design is richer, especially during naval battles and boss fights.

The result is an experience that, while not reaching the production levels of the most famous and acclaimed triple-A titles, still represents one of the best examples of action JRPGs on Switch 2.

Almost Perfect: The Limitations That Still Weigh on Ys X

Ys X: Proud Nordics is, without exaggeration, the version that Ys X should have been from day one. Falcom has worked hard on every aspect, smoothing out the rough edges and enhancing the strengths, delivering a solid, engaging action JRPG finally worthy of its name.

It is also true that we will find a structure that, in the long run, still proves to be a bit repetitive and with some mechanics that, although implemented, are less deep than in other chapters, but the biggest problem, which weighs like a boulder, is the total absence of Italian localization.