More than a decade ago, I had my first encounter with Ys: Oath in Felghana on the PSP, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of electrifying. While I wouldn’t label myself a die-hard Ys fan, that experience led me to keep a close eye on the series over the years. I’ve generally enjoyed my journey through the various Ys titles, but Oath in Felghana always held a special place in my heart. So, you can imagine my excitement when Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana was announced for the Switch in 2025. Revisiting it now, it’s clear that the series has evolved significantly, improving over the two decades since this remake of the third Ys game first launched in Japan.
In this captivating action RPG, you steer Adol Christin, the series’ valiant hero, through the land of Felghana. Equipped with a mix of sword skills and magical powers, you face off against waves of enemies. The combat system, while not overwhelmingly complex, delivers satisfaction with every strike, providing a thrilling succession of level-ups, weapon enhancements, and other rewards that maintain a dynamic experience. There are still some challenging hurdles, but Ys Memoire softens them with various difficulty levels and even introduces a “Turbo” mode that accelerates the game’s pace when needed.
This fresh edition also enhances the experience with Adol’s voice acting, visual updates, and options for different character illustrations and musical choices. The original soundtrack, with its rock-infused tracks, still strikes a chord, and having classic tunes from the earlier versions of Ys III as options is a delightful touch. Although it’s clear this is an updated version of an older game, it surprisingly retains a degree of freshness.
The sense of newness largely stems from the superb combat mechanics. The action is consistently engaging, particularly during boss battles that skillfully stretch the combat’s capabilities, offering a fair yet tough challenge. While the story of Adol and his trusty companion Dogi was more memorable in my initial playthrough, this time around it didn’t grip me as much. Nonetheless, the action remains the core of the enjoyment, ensuring this 10-15 hour adventure is both welcoming and brisk.
Fast forward to 2025, and though my sentiments aren’t as overwhelmingly enthusiastic as they once were, I’m genuinely thrilled that Oath in Felghana is available on a modern platform in the West. It stands as one of the finest action RPGs of its era, and even now, it offers an engaging experience. While I might suggest newer Ys games for those seeking a true 3D escapade, if you’re eager to explore the highlights of the storied Ys series, Oath in Felghana is an absolute must-play.
