A little over a decade ago, I dove into Ys: Oath in Felghana on the PSP, and it left quite a lasting impression. While I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a die-hard fan of the Ys series, that experience certainly nudged me to follow the series more closely over the years, enjoying nearly every entry along the way. Yet, I’ve forever held a special fondness for Oath in Felghana. So, when I discovered that Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana was making its way to the Switch in 2025, I was thrilled. Revisiting this gem has truly been a reminder of how much the series has advanced and polished itself over the past two decades since this remake of the third Ys title first appeared in Japan.
In this action RPG, you step into the shoes of recurring hero Adol Christin as you explore the vivid landscape of Felghana, fending off waves of foes with a satisfying mix of swordplay and magical skills. The combat isn’t overwhelmingly complex, but it’s engaging enough to keep you hooked through constant upgrades and diverse boosts. Though the game does present some challenging difficulty spikes, Ys Memoire smartly includes various difficulty levels and an exhilarating “Turbo” mode that helps smooth out the experience.
This revamped edition introduces fresh features like voice acting for Adol, some aesthetic enhancements, and a selection of different character illustrations and music settings. The original soundtrack’s rock influences still resonate with me, and it’s a treat to have access to some nostalgic tunes from the earliest versions of Ys III. Despite being a polished version of a vintage game, this remake doesn’t feel like it’s showing its age.
The secret to its timeless appeal lies largely in the combat’s unmatched smoothness. The action remains consistently rewarding, particularly during boss fights that push your combat skills without feeling unfairly punishing. While I cherished the storyline during my first playthrough, this time around, Adol and his buddy Dogi’s quest felt a bit less gripping. Still, the captivating combat propels the fun, making this 10-15 hour adventure an enjoyable ride that ends just when it should.
Though my enthusiasm may have tempered a little by 2025, I’m delighted that Oath in Felghana has found its way onto modern western consoles. For its time, it stood out as one of the top action RPGs of its kind, and today, it continues to captivate. While I might suggest newer entries in the Ys series if you’re after a more contemporary 3D experience, Oath in Felghana remains a cornerstone of the franchise, perfect for anyone looking to experience the series’ highlights.
