Speaking of complicated: This is essentially a current-gen port of 2005’s Ys: The Oath in Felghana, which is itself a remake of 1989’s Ys 3: Wanderers from Ys. Long story short, if you’ve played The Oath in Felghana on PlayStation Portable or PC back in the day, Memoire is essentially that but with some extras thrown in. It’s not a major overhaul, serving as a means for PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch players to experience a venerable classic, and that’s perfectly fine. Things would be awkward if it didn’t quite hold up to current-day standards, but thankfully, that’s not the case.

"The opening is also voiced and lends an epic air to the proceedings, though Adol’s character development and role are pretty much the same in the grand scheme."

When considering the old-school and new wave of Ys games, The Oath in Felghana falls somewhere in the middle. There’s no bump mechanic or overhead view – instead, it opts for a side-scrolling perspective and fast-paced combat. Don’t expect any teammates to have Adol’s back, which would change in Ys Seven and serve as the formula for Ys 8 and 9. However, it represents some incredible action RPG design and pacing, further added by features like Turbo Mode for even more speed (and cutting down on tedious backtracking).

As for the narrative, you probably know the drill: Adol and his best friend Dogi arrive at a location and find themselves embroiled in incidents. This time, it’s Redmont, Dogi’s hometown in the Felghana Providence, and the hunt for some important statues. The plot quickly thickens, as Adol runs afoul of Chester (the brother of Elena, Dogi’s childhood friend) and eventually learns the truth behind said statues. It isn’t overly complicated, but the interpersonal relationships add some welcome depth, backed all the more by solid voice acting which still holds up.

The opening is also voiced and lends an epic air to the proceedings, though Adol’s character development and role are pretty much the same in the grand scheme. At least the new character illustrations showcased during cutscenes look nice, though if your mileage varies, you can always revert to the classic designs.

Of course, the action constitutes the main appeal of a Ys title and Ys Memoire is no slouch. Like many other aspects, it seems simple on the surface, as Adol can execute multi-hit slashing combos on the ground or leap into the air for attacks. However, the latter is also useful for plunging strikes which can stun enemies. You also have Boost, which enhances Adol’s damage and speed for a period, and elemental attacks, unlocked by acquiring different bracelets throughout. Some also aid exploration and open up new paths.

"There’s a Zelda-esque aspect to some fights as they’ll necessitate using a recently obtained ability to defeat the boss."

Again, it all sounds so simple, especially compared to all the mechanics of contemporary games. However, that’s the joy of Memoire’s combat alongside the fluidity and responsiveness that defines the Ys series. Decimating enemies feels satisfying but you won’t immediately bulldoze through all of them – certain types are weak to specific attacks.

Once you’re in the flow, all this starts to feel like second nature. Foes will drop pickups like health and bonus stats, further fueling you for the next fight and keeping the action rolling. Environmental layouts are similarly streamlined, keeping the focus on the action but still offering plenty of exploration and light puzzle-solving. While not extensively nuanced, they serve the purpose.

Then you have the boss fights, a hallmark of many Ys titles. The first won’t exactly stress your skills, but from then on, every battle can be a frantic exercise in jumping, dodging, and fighting for your life to survive. There’s a Zelda-esque aspect to some fights as they’ll necessitate using a recently obtained ability to defeat the boss. Granted, the sheer number of unlockable skills isn’t that high, but each boss still stands out in unique ways, offering up different challenges and pushing you to adapt.

"It quickly draws you in with its excellent combat and boss fights while the plot and characterization ensure you’re hooked throughout."

The final key to the experience is the music and suffice it to say that The Oath in Felghana represents some of Falcom’s best work. Between the emotional violin of “The Boy Who Had Wings”, the fast-paced rock of “Be Careful” or the intermixing of techno and guitar play in “Illburns Ruins,” there is much to like. All of it adds to the atmosphere and Memoire allows for swapping between the multiple versions released throughout the title’s history. Your mileage may vary at some renditions but it’s still a great option to have.

Perhaps the only real downside to the experience is its visuals. Though it’s running at high resolutions, the environmental textures, details, and effects are starting to show their age. Yes, there’s a charm to them that feels timeless but don’t expect any significant differences from the PC version. The sprite work and animations are still very fluid, though, and the boss designs hold up exceptionally well.

Overall, Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is an essential action RPG, both for fans of the genre and the series as a whole. It quickly draws you in with its excellent combat and boss fights while the plot and characterization ensure you’re hooked throughout. The gameplay loop may feel overtly rudimentary in this day and age, but that throwback feels essential given the series’ direction as of late. Sometimes, it’s nice to hop into a straightforward yet elegantly crafted hack-and-slash experience such as this.

"It’s not overly long but also doesn’t feel bloated or needlessly extended for the sake of it. And even if the visuals aren’t super amazing on a technical level, I still like the old-school aesthetic and character designs."

Revisiting The Oath in Felghana in this fashion, especially after experiencing so many other action RPGs and dungeon crawlers through the years, it’s impressive just how much the experience (and the fantastic music) holds up. It’s not overly long but also doesn’t feel bloated or needlessly extended for the sake of it. And even if the visuals aren’t super amazing on a technical level, I still like the old-school aesthetic and character designs.

Then again, time marches on, and Falcom will undoubtedly focus on revamping the series once more with its next mainline entry. And that’s all well and good, but making its older experiences available for a new generation is great, extra bells and whistles notwithstanding. If Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana accomplishes anything beyond serving as an enjoyable action RPG, it’s providing that further “Memoires” are necessary, if only to preserve the experience for future generations.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

As a remaster of the 2005 remake of Ys 3: Wanderers from Ys, it sees Adol Christin and Dogi on another adventure but with old-school sprites. In addition to HD visuals, Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana offers new voiceovers for Adol, new character illustrations, and accessibility options. Players can utilize Turbo Mode to get around faster or crank up the difficulty.

Unlike Ys 8 through 10, the gameplay is from an overhead perspective, and Adol fights alone. Nevertheless, it retains the series’ signature fast-paced combat and over-the-top boss fights while offering a different platforming experience. Of course, for fans of the 3D style, Ys 10: Proud Nordics, an enhanced version of Ys 10, is out this year in Japan. Head here for more details.

The title is a remaster of Ys: The Oath in Felghana (which reimagines Ys 3: Wanderers of Ys). It launched in 2005 for PC in Japan before coming to PlayStation Portable in 2010 and eventually released for the same platforms in the West. Ys Memoire maintains the same gameplay but provides new accessibility options, new character illustrations during conversations (with the classics still available), and high-definition visuals.

Protagonist Adol Christin also sports a new voiceover, while combat offers difficulty options and Turbo mode for faster exploration. Those who enjoyed the soundtrack (all three versions, including PC-8801 and X6800) can listen to them with higher-quality audio.

Alongside the digital version of the game, the Refined Edition will be available physically for PS5 and Nintendo Switch at $59.99. Head here for more details.

A remaster of Falcom’s Ys: The Oath in Felghana – itself a remake of Ys 3: Wanderers from Ys, if things weren’t confusing enough – there are several new features to look forward to. There’s Turbo mode for faster exploration, more difficulty options and revamped character illustrations (with the classic versions still available). Protagonist Adol Christin also gets some new voice acting, and players can experience three different versions of the soundtrack (Original, PC-8801 and X68000).

Alongside digital editions, XSEED will publish a limited physical Refined Edition for $59.99 on PS5 and Nintendo Switch. It features the game, a diorama/keychain set, four postcards, a cleaner cloth and a CD with 14 songs from the soundtrack. Stay tuned for more details on the release date in the coming months.

Like previous titles in the series, players venture to a town (in this case, Selphia) that needs help. By taking on requests from various NPCs, farming and slaying monsters in dungeons, it can be improved in a myriad of ways. There are also different companions to party up and a variety of different weapons to utilize in combat.

Along with the Newlywed Mode, which features a unique story with one’s spouse, there’s also the DLC “Another Episode” which includes 13 additional stories with full voice-acting and the new Hell difficulty. For more details, head here. Rune Factory 5 is also coming soon, releasing on March 22nd, 2022 for the West on Nintendo Switch.

First released in 2012 for the Nintendo 3DS as Rune Factory 4 and then on the Nintendo Switch in 2020, Rune Factory 4 Special sees players dropping into Selphia, a quaint town which appoints them as the de facto ruler. Thus one sets out to improve the town by farming, helping out various NPCs with tasks and venturing into dungeons to slay monsters. A number of companions are available who can join the player on their adventures and it’s possible to settle down with one of them.

Rune Factory 4 Special includes new content like Newlywed Mode which offers post-game content with one’s partner and a new Hell difficulty for an added challenge. XSEED is also working on bringing Rune Factory 5 to the West in March 2022 with support for same-sex marriages. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

Despite having no memory, the hero takes up residence in the castle and sets about developing the nearby town. This means farming, ordinances and even venturing to some dungeons to slay monsters (with various companions able to accompany you). Rune Factory 4 Special offers HD visuals and new features like Newlywed Mode which provides additional cutscenes.

Veteran Mode is also included which provides additional content for long-time fans to engage with. Stay tuned for more details and gameplay for the title in the coming months. Marvelous is also publishing Rune Factory 5, which has been delayed to 2022 for Nintendo Switch.

XSEED Games has announced that Nihon Falcom’s The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 2 will arrive for PS4 in North America on June 4th. PS4 players in Europe will get it on June 7th. Check out the announcement trailer below.

Taking place a month after the first game, the Western release includes some dual voice-over options for English and Japanese audio. Those who stick with English voice-overs will hear some additional recorded dialogue. Turbo Mode, which was available in the PC version, is also available to make backtracking and exploration that much quicker.

If you decide to preorder the physical Relentless Edition for $49.99/£44.99, you’ll receive a physical version of the game, a CD track with 23 songs, a Steelbook case with only artwork, and an Ouroboros Emblem Pin. You even get a pack of Sept-Terrion cards. The digital version will be slightly cheaper at $39.99/£34.99.