"Ys X: Nordics" Nintendo Switch 2 In-Depth Review: Classic Re-Evolved

Hello Switch players! This is your old friend, a veteran game reviewer. Today, I'm taking you on an in-depth experience of Falcom's latest classic ARPG series installment – "Ys X: Nordics". This game has landed on our long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2, so how does it perform? As a veteran player with over ten years of ARPG experience, I will bring you the most detailed review from all aspects.

1. "Ys X: Nordics" Nintendo Switch 2 Initial Experience: Nostalgia and Innovation

The "Ys" series has always been loved by players for its refreshing combat, beautiful music, and adventure-filled storylines. As the tenth-anniversary commemorative work of the series, "Ys X: Nordics" naturally shoulders the dual mission of innovation and inheritance. On the Nintendo Switch 2, what surprises can this game bring us?

First of all, in terms of graphics, "Ys X: Nordics" has made a qualitative leap compared to its predecessors, thanks to the powerful performance of the Nintendo Switch 2. Character models are more detailed, scene details are richer, and lighting effects are more outstanding. In handheld mode, the picture is still clear and sharp, and the frame rate is stable, even in intense battles. Of course, it would be even more perfect if it could support higher resolutions and frame rates. We are all looking forward to more information on the nintendo switch2 first look being announced soon.

Secondly, in terms of handling, "Ys X: Nordics" continues the series' consistent refreshing sense of impact. The Nintendo Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers are more precise, and whether it's swinging a sword, jumping, or releasing skills, it can be accurately reflected in the game. The new "Dual Operation" system also makes combat more interesting, requiring players to switch between two characters and use various skills in coordination to maximize their power.

2. "Ys X: Nordics" Gameplay: A Perfect Fusion of Exploration and Combat

The story of "Ys X: Nordics" takes place in the northern sea of Obelia Bay, where players will play the series protagonist Adol, and explore unknown islands with the pirate girl Karja, unraveling the secrets hidden behind the ancient civilization.

2.1 Story: A New Chapter for Young Adventurers

The storylines of the "Ys" series have always been dominated by passion, adventure, and friendship. "Ys X: Nordics" is no exception, telling the story of Adol encountering pirates in the northern seas, meeting the mysterious girl Karja, and jointly fighting against the evil forces that threaten the world.

In terms of the storyline, this game doesn't have too many surprises, and it is still a relatively traditional Japanese RPG routine. However, the pacing of the storyline is well controlled, the main storyline is compact, and the side storylines are also rich and colorful, providing players with ample space for exploration.

2.2 Combat System: Dual Operation, Strategy Upgrade

The biggest highlight of "Ys X: Nordics" is its innovative "Dual Operation" system. Players can freely switch between Adol and Karja, and each character has unique skills and attributes. By reasonably matching the skills of the two characters, you can unleash various gorgeous combos and easily defeat enemies.

In addition, this game also adds the "Mana Action" system. Players can collect mana power to use various powerful skills. Mana Actions can be used not only for combat, but also for puzzle solving and exploration.

On the Nintendo Switch 2, due to the improvement in performance, the effects of the combat scenes are more gorgeous, and the sense of impact is also more realistic. However, when there are many enemies on the screen at the same time, there will still be frame drops, and I hope the developers can optimize it in subsequent updates.

2.3 Exploration: Free Sailing, Puzzle Solving and Treasure Hunting

The exploration elements of "Ys X: Nordics" are very rich. Players can freely sail the Obelia Bay in a sailboat, exploring various islands and ruins.

During the exploration process, players will encounter various puzzles. Some puzzles require the use of Adol and Karja's special abilities to solve, while others require players to carefully observe the scene and find hidden clues.

It is worth mentioning that this game also adds a "Sea Battle" system. Players can drive sailboats to fight other pirate ships. The gameplay of sea battles is relatively simple, and players need to control the movement and attack of the sailboat, using various shells and skills to sink enemy ships.

3. "Ys X: Nordics" Graphics and Sound Effects: A Visual and Auditory Feast

3.1 Graphics Performance: The Potential of Nintendo Switch 2 Begins to Show

Thanks to the powerful performance of the Nintendo Switch 2, the graphics performance of "Ys X: Nordics" has been significantly improved. Character models are more detailed, scene details are richer, and lighting effects are more outstanding.

In handheld mode, the picture is still clear and sharp, and the frame rate is stable, even in intense battles. However, in some complex scenes, there will still be frame drops.

3.2 Sound Effects Performance: Classic Soundtrack, Blood Boiling

The music of the "Ys" series has always been praised. The music of "Ys X: Nordics" also continues the series' consistent high standards, whether it is the exciting melody during battle or the melodious tune during exploration, it can make players' blood boil.

The game's voice actor lineup is also very strong, giving the characters a vivid life.

4. "Ys X: Nordics" Pros and Cons Analysis

4.1 Pros:

• Innovative Dual Operation System: Brings more strategy and fun to combat.
• Rich Exploration Elements: Free sailing, puzzle solving and treasure hunting, keeping players hooked.
• Excellent Graphics and Sound Effects: A visual and auditory feast, full of immersion.
• Nintendo Switch 2 Optimization: Runs more smoothly on the new console, with better graphics performance. You can pay attention to nintendo switch2 compatibility to learn more about adaptation information.

4.2 Cons:

• The storyline is slightly clichéd: Lacks innovation, making it difficult to bring surprises to players.
• Frame drops in some scenes: Affects the gaming experience and needs to be optimized.
• Simple sea battle gameplay: Lacks depth and can easily feel repetitive.

5. "Ys X: Nordics" Comparison with Similar Games

Compared with similar ARPG games, the biggest advantage of "Ys X: Nordics" is its innovative dual operation system and rich exploration elements. The dual operation system makes combat more interesting, requiring players to switch between two characters and use various skills in coordination to maximize their power. The rich exploration elements provide players with ample space for exploration, allowing players to enjoy the adventure in the game.

However, the storyline of "Ys X: Nordics" is slightly clichéd and lacks innovation. In addition, frame drops may occur in some scenes of the game, affecting the gaming experience.

6. "Ys X: Nordics" Beginner's Guide

• Familiarize yourself with the controls: Master Adol and Karja's various skills, and learn to reasonably match the skills of the two characters.
• Do more side quests: Side quests can help players level up and obtain equipment and items.
• Explore actively: Explore various islands and ruins, solve hidden puzzles, and look for treasures.
• Make good use of Mana Actions: Mana Actions can be used not only for combat, but also for puzzle solving and exploration.
• Pay attention to enemy attributes: Different enemies have different attribute weaknesses, and choosing the right skills can defeat enemies faster.

7. "Ys X: Nordics" Advanced Tips and Strategies

• Use dual operation to unleash combos: By reasonably matching Adol and Karja's skills, you can unleash various gorgeous combos and easily defeat enemies.
• Make good use of Mana Actions: Mana Actions can be used not only for combat, but also for puzzle solving and exploration.
• Utilize the environment: There are many environmental elements that can be used in the game, such as explosive barrels, traps, etc.
• Pay attention to positioning: Flexible positioning can avoid enemy attacks and increase survivability.
• Allocate attribute points reasonably: Based on your gaming style, allocate Adol and Karja's attribute points reasonably.

8. "Ys X: Nordics" Best Equipment and Skill Combination Recommendations

Since the equipment and skill acquisition methods in the later stages of the game are diverse, and different players have different gaming styles, it is impossible to give an absolute best combination. However, it can be matched according to the characteristics of the characters:

• Adol: Adol is good at melee attacks, and can choose equipment and skills that increase attack power and critical hit rate.
• Karja: Karja is good at ranged attacks and support, and can choose equipment and skills that increase magic attack power and recovery ability.

9. "Ys X: Nordics" Speedrun Tips and Hidden Element Guide

• Quickly complete the game: Skip unnecessary storylines and side quests, and focus on the main storyline.
• Use fast travel: There are many fast travel points in the game, which can save a lot of time.
• Use BUGs: There may be some BUGs in the game, which can be used to quickly complete the game.
• Hidden elements: Explore various islands and ruins to discover hidden treasures and secrets.

10. "Ys X: Nordics" Rating and Summary

Overall, "Ys X: Nordics" performs satisfactorily on the Nintendo Switch 2. It inherits the series' consistent advantages and innovates in the combat system and exploration elements. Although the storyline is slightly clichéd and frame drops may occur in some scenes, it is still a work worth trying for ARPG lovers.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

• IGN: 8.0/10 (Hypothetical score, please refer to IGN Ys X: Nordics Review Link for the actual score)
• Metacritic: 82/100 (Hypothetical score, please refer to Metacritic Ys X: Nordics Rating Link for the actual score)

The reason for giving this score is that "Ys X: Nordics" successfully presents a world full of adventure and fun on the Nintendo Switch 2. The innovative dual operation system brings more strategy and fun to combat, while the rich exploration elements allow players to fully enjoy the fun of adventure. Although this game is not perfect, it is undoubtedly a successful attempt in the "Ys" series and a masterpiece worth playing on the Nintendo Switch 2. And according to previous nintendo switch2 price news, buying a new machine to experience this game is also a good choice.

All in all, if you are a fan of the "Ys" series, or you like ARPG games, then "Ys X: Nordics" is definitely not to be missed. I believe it will bring you an unforgettable adventure. I hope my review can help you better understand this game. Thank you for reading, and see you next time!