Ys X: Scandinavia is the most recent installment within the motion RPG sequence, Sure. Prior to now a number of entries, the Sure sequence has transitioned to party-based fight like many different trendy Japanese RPGs Remaining Fantasy VII Remake, Metaphor: ReFantasiaAnd The Legend of Heroes: Paths by means of Dawn. Along with Adol, he can take a couple of teammates alongside to combat enemies.
Scandinaviathen again, harkens again a bit to older Sure video games when Adol was having solo adventures. Throughout that point he was the one playable character. As a substitute of going out alone this time, he lets Karja combat alongside him. Whereas newer followers could really feel alienated, Karja’s inclusion is a welcome and balanced compromise between new and outdated Sure.
Story-wise, they complement one another surprisingly properly. Adol’s cheerful and optimistic angle makes Karja’s cussed and chilly angle soften away. The pair share some very entertaining and humorous moments. In a single case, as a result of they’re mentally linked with a rope of mana round their wrists, they can’t bodily sleep in separate rooms, a lot to Karja’s frustration.
The sport’s real-time fight is enjoyable and straightforward to know. Along with primary assaults, Adol and Karja can use particular strikes that add a variety of aptitude to fight. With Adol’s fire-based mana and Karja’s ice-based mana, the battles are thrilling and enjoyable to observe. That is not the one method they’re synergistic, both.
© Nihon Falcom Company.
Duo Mode is Scandinavia‘ distinctive gameplay function the place Adol and Karja can assault collectively. It is a way more strategic mechanism than I assumed. It is the one method your characters can block incoming assaults. This builds up the Revenge Gauga, which multiplies the injury of the duo’s subsequent particular assault. It is an effective way to be taught to play methodically as an alternative of simply spamming assaults.
© Nihon Falcom Company.
Scandinavia‘aesthetics are fairly comparable Ys VIII: Tears of Dana each of which have a sunny ambiance. The distinction is that Lacrimosa by Dana has a extra coastal and seashore vibe, whereas Scandinavia is extra tropical. Whereas Falcom’s video games will not be recognized for the most effective graphics, they’ve gotten higher with every subsequent entry. The cel-shaded character fashions nonetheless have an enthralling PS2 look and the animations look smoother this time.
Falcom is thought for its nice music, and Scandinavia doesn’t disappoint. I bear in mind listening to it Lacrimosa by Dana“S”Sunny shoreline” for the very first time and was blown away by the fierce guitars and sense of journey. Listening to from Nordics’To be free‘ with its electrical cracks introduced again these recollections and saved me enjoying.
© Nihon Falcom Company.
Exploration works otherwise Scandinavia. Not like Lacrimosa by Danathat left you on one island, Scandinavia permits you to journey to totally different islands on a ship. It is a welcome change and definitely one thing totally different for one Sure recreation. My solely criticism is that the ship steers terribly slowly. Regardless that there’s a increase meter, it would not get better shortly sufficient and may be very irritating.
On these islands you possibly can discover the terrain and dungeons. They’re crammed with treasure chests, aspect missions and lacking Carnac residents. They’re price trying out because the rewards may help you, equivalent to gold and helpful objects. Whereas Scandinavia would not have the identical diploma of verticality as that Ys IX: Monster Nox With its motion expertise equivalent to climbing buildings and gliding, it nonetheless has loads of area exploration instruments. For instance, Adol and Karja can use their mana rope as a hook to leap over giant gaps, they usually additionally get a helpful skateboard that enables them to maneuver sooner.
Scandinavia additionally options ship battles just like Murderer’s Creed IV: Black Flag. You may shoot cannonballs to sink enemy ships and enhance your ship’s parameters, equivalent to protection and injury, with supplies you discover throughout your island explorations. It is comparatively easy. Whereas the mechanics do not have a lot depth, the ship battles are a welcome distraction from the minigames. I am going to undoubtedly choose the ship battles over the annoying tower protection mini-games which are Lacrimosa by Dana And Monster evening had. On the very least, the ship battles really feel thematically acceptable.
The Sure sequence has all the time been an underdog within the Japanese RPG style. Ys X: Scandinavia performs familiarly and stands out with new mechanics such because the Duo system and ship fight. It nonetheless has the enjoyable battles and nice music you’d anticipate from the sequence. It is one other strong entry and I am unable to wait to see the place Falcom takes the sequence subsequent. 2024 is a yr filled with RPGs, however that is one ship you will not need to miss.
