There is no shortage of injustices in video games, particularly those that affect a very specific genre, which we will call: “video game series less well known than others of the same genre, but which deserve serious to be better known than the best known” (yes, it’s a bit long). And among them, there is the “Ys” series.
To be convinced of the injustice suffered by this series, it is enough to compare the Japanese and Western release dates of its last episode, “Ys X”, subtitled “Nordics”. September 28, 2023 for Japan, October 25, 2024 for our regions. Almost 13 months apart, while “Visions of Mana”, a fairly comparable game, was released on the same day all over the world. But here it is, the “Ys” series does not have the prestige of a “Mana”, a “Final Fantasy” or a “Xenoblade”and the main characteristic of his fans is unfailing patience.
However, the “Ys” are excellent action-RPGs, this mixture of role-playing and frantic combat still extremely popular todayjust look at the international success of “Genshin Impact”, for example. The first “Ys” was released in 1987, and had around ten canonical episodes and a few derivative episodes. We almost systematically play Adol Christin, a red-haired adventurer who likes nothing more than rushing towards the first distant land mentioned in a myth, a legend, or the story of a gruff old sailor in a bar.
Head to the Viking lands (or rather seas)
In “Ys X Nordics”, he peacefully sails towards a new journey, when his ship is brutally stormed by Balta’s navy, fearsome Nordic warriorsled by the young and impetuous Karja. A few twists and turns later, Adol finds himself stuck in the port of Carnac, and connected to Karja by a mysterious power, mana. The two can now fight in perfect synchronization without even speaking to each other, but are also unable to move more than a few meters apart from each other. And whatever they do, they are unable to break this invisible bond.
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But barely recovered from their emotions, an army of Griegers, murderous creatures, sets the port ablaze. Immortal opponents, except for fighters united by mana. Adol and Karja barely escape, and find themselves face to face with the mistress of these monsters, a disturbing Grieger in human form.
United in spite of themselves, an army of Griegers on their heels, and deprived of their companions, kidnapped during the assault, Adol and Karja will take to the sea to try to save the entire archipelago.
Ideal for newbies who want to give the series a chance
Beyond the fact that each game is independent of the others, “Ys X: Nordics” is a great introduction to the series. The “Vikings with manga sauce” atmosphere works surprisingly well, the characters are endearing, the soundtrack is great, the breath of adventure is there and the story is quickly gripping, despite its somewhat linear side. The gameplay is simple (in a good way) but terribly effective. Especially the combat system which offers very dynamic clashes, even against basic opponentsand which can become downright spectacular against larger bosses.
Personally, as a (somewhat) enlightened amateur, I have a slight preference for the eighth episode (“Ys VIII – Lacrimosa of Dana”, my favorite), but this opus number 10 is as accessible as it is catchy. SO if you are a fan of action-RPG, you too can participate in righting an injusticeand take to the sea with Adol Christin: if the trip appeals to you, it will perhaps help the next episodes to leave the Japanese archipelago a little faster…
???? “YS X: NORDICS” – Available on PC, PlayStation 4 et 5 et Switch
Thanks to Manon Derdevet, Amélie Perrier et Adrien Serrière for voice dubbing
