[PlayStation 5] Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana – A Comprehensive Review

Developed by Nihon Falcom and published in the West by XSEED Games and Marvelous, “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana” is the latest addition to this fan-favorite series. It’s a revamped take on the 2010 PSP version of the Ys III remake. If you’re a die-hard fan of the series, you won’t want to miss what this refreshed release has in store!

This game revisits the classic “Ys III: Wanderers From Ys,” reimagining it for modern consoles, specifically the PlayStation 5 and 4. It’s been almost 15 years since its last release, and this time it comes packed with significant upgrades. One of the highlights includes new voiceovers for the iconic hero Adol Christin, alongside enhanced high-definition visuals and renewed audio. If you’re a longtime fan, get ready for an exciting round of updates that make it better than ever.

“Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana,” brought back to life by Nihon Falcom, expanded by new voiceovers, stunning graphics, and now featuring trophy support, lets you step back into the adventurous world alongside Adol Christin and his steadfast companion Dogi. As a long-time enthusiast of the Ys series, diving into this remaster felt like discovering a hidden treasure I’d previously overlooked.

Early games in the Ys timeline lean heavily into action and exploration, getting right into the heat without much setup. However, recent editions like “Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana” and sequels such as “Ys IX: Monstrum Nox” and “Ys X: Nordics” focus more deeply on storytelling and plot development. “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana” aligns more closely with “Ys Origin” in both its gameplay style and overall aesthetic, bringing back that nostalgic vibe.

Here’s where the game really hits the mark: Its engaging, fast-paced, arcade-style combat is pure fun. Combinations of regular and jump attacks keep you engaged, and the magical bracelets—Fire, Wind, and Earth—add strategic depth with their unique abilities. Besides enhancing combat, they help solve puzzles as well, making them a versatile tool in hostile encounters demanding quick elemental swaps.

Navigating the game takes some adjustment. Keeping the default Japanese control setup can feel odd, but thankfully, you can customize it to suit your style better. I found it much smoother to configure for jumping with the X button, launching attacks and talking with Square, and operating accessories with Circle. One minor hiccup is the shared touchpad binding for the no-fall perk and fast-travel, which needs switching often. It would be ideal if both functions had their own dedicated buttons, given the many unused ones on the DualSense controller.

When it comes to design, “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana” embraces classic elements, featuring diversely branched paths without offering an in-game map. Despite its modestly sized world, the dungeons themselves are vast, demanding most of your time. You’ll explore, backtrack, and unlock hidden areas to advance, channeling a true old-school gaming essence—a clear departure from modern titles where directions are often spoon-fed to players.

Challenge-wise, you can’t just breeze through. Even on normal difficulty, enemies are no pushovers, and each boss presents a real hurdle. If you’re finding things tough, it’s worth returning to the town, upgrading equipment, and maybe gaining a level or two, which makes a noticeable impact when tackling bosses anew.

Technologically speaking, the game utilizes a 3D engine akin to Square Enix’s HD-2D titles. While its low-poly environments have a nostalgic charm, the visuals get a noticeable boost from a stable 60 frames per second performance. Though upscaled, textures and models retain a low-res feel, and character portraits in dialogues let you choose between the original PSP art and newly redrawn visuals. Personally, I favor the modern artwork for its updated style, but the more traditional PSP art has its own appeal for retro lovers.

You can toggle between English and Japanese voiceovers, creating the narrative experience of your choice. Patrick Seitz’s return as Dogi is noteworthy, maintaining high-quality performance. Heather Hogan’s portrayal of Elena is equally commendable. The soundtrack offers three versions: Original, PC-8801, and X68000, although not standing out as some of Falcom’s most memorable work. Some pieces shine, yet occasionally, a track like the one for the abandoned mine might not hit the mark.

When it comes to trophies, the list is robust with 59 total trophies for you to aim for—52 Bronze, 6 Silver, and a single Gold—and completing six different playthroughs is on the agenda. Thankfully, after clearing the first run and a Very Easy second one, subsequent playthroughs can be completed quite swiftly. The game supports Cross-Buy between PS4 and PS5 systems, allowing save transfers and separate trophy lists, both with a Platinum trophy to chase.

For fans who might have missed out on the 2010 PSP release, “Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana” delivers an exhilarating action RPG experience that feels fresh yet faithful to its origins. While the level design might challenge newcomers and the difficulty setting offers a steep climb, it’s a rewarding adventure for those aiming for completion and trophies. At a price of $29.99 with Cross-Buy support, it’s a valuable package for both PS4 and PS5 owners.

Please note, this review is based on a PlayStation 5 version provided by XSEED Games.