Ys X Nordics Details Combat Modes, Naval Battles, Heroine Background & Timeline Relative to Other Entries

New Famitsu information for the recently announced Ys X Nordics has been revealed via the Chinese website Weibo. Thankfully, Falcom community member, Hansuke has translated the points we have stated below.

This entry’s new combat system has removed elements of the attack affinities and team mechanics from the prior Ys gameplay styles, with Adol and the new currently unnamed heroine being the only playable characters.

The “density” of action gameplay is higher than in previous Ys games. First, the Solo mode is swift, but the Combo mode is slower at the cost of performing stronger strikes with the two playable characters. Next, the Revenge Meter seen in the official screenshots fills when defending against enemy attacks, resulting in enhanced effects like greater strength.

As for the heroine, she originates from a Northern nation called Norman and is around Adol’s age. Her people are excellent warriors, and the relationship she forms with Adol will be one of the primary focuses in X Nordics. Regarding the timeline, as previously stated, Adol is 17 years old. However, it’s now been clarified that this new title will take place after I and II but prior to Celceta, which is the game that originally occurred right after II. So, as of now, Ys X will be Adol’s third adventure chronologically.

The new naval scenarios comprise roughly 20% of the overall playtime, with a map provided for exploration. Additionally, encountering enemies while maneuvering the ship will initiate a battle. Artillery Cannons from the hull’s side will be used to attack foes, so positioning and cannonball types are paramount to success.

The ship is essentially the hub. Many utilities will be unlocked throughout the game, including member recruitment, prop collection, and more. The recruitment likely just pertains to the ship’s crew since Adol and the heroine are emphasized as the only playable characters.

Lastly, it is noted that a demonstration of Ys X Nordics’ mechanics and gameplay will occur as early as Spring 2023, with the release date reveal aligning with other Falcom games’ reveals.

Once again, immense thanks to Hansuke for translating this significant information. We will update this article with potential clarifications and additions once the Famitsu issue launches tomorrow.

UPDATE 12/21/2022: The Famitsu issue has been released, with new art viewable below. Further, development is confirmed to be 60% complete. The following message from Falcom’s PR staff has been translated by our team’s Ryuji:

“We are now currently in the process of creating a brand-new Ys with reimagined systems. It won’t be long until we can show it in action in a brand-new trailer.”

Additionally, two other “refined” releases akin to Ys: The Oath in Felghana Memoire are in the works, with no details yet shared. Felghana will run at 60 FPS on the Switch.

The Mana Action system enables maneuvers that are used in dungeons and fields for navigation. The girl’s board, for instance, is a Mana Action. Plus, Adol’s string also counts as one.

Kondo: Because [Ys X] is a game that connects two stories in the series, you might be able to imagine who [from I and II] will reappear. Surprisingly, Dr. Flair, who helped cure Lilia, will accompany Adol on his journey…?

The ship will be upgradeable and have Manual and High-Speed modes. The controls were tailored to be realistic but not difficult. Players will not be able to name the ship because of the predefined nameplate.

Ys X’s environments are based on northwestern France.

The first trailer for Ys X Nordics will release by Spring 2023.

UPDATE 12/26/2022: Falcom’s Twitter has shared the full version of the artwork:

The following is the current timeline of games for Adol Christin, hence why Ys Origin is excluded:

If you missed it, check out our announcement coverage of Ys X Nordics and everything we currently know about it.

Ys X Nordics will launch in Japan for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 in 2023.

Ys: The Oath in Felghana Memoire will launch in Japan for Nintendo Switch in Spring 2023.

A native PlayStation 5 version of Ys IX: Monstrum Nox was announced for Spring 2023.