More than ten years ago, I had my first encounter with Ys: Oath in Felghana through the PSP version, and it was quite the revelation. While I wouldn’t label myself as a die-hard Ys fan, this particular game left such a notable impression that I frequently revisited the series over the years, enjoying most of my experiences. Oath in Felghana, however, always held a special place in my gaming memories. So, you can only imagine my excitement upon hearing that Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana was slated for a 2025 release on the Switch. Playing it again was a testament to how much the series has polished itself over the decades since this reimagining of the third Ys title first graced Japanese players.
Taking up the mantle of series hero Adol Christin, this action RPG sweeps you into the vibrant world of Felghana. The combat, though straightforward, is delightfully engaging. You unleash sword combos and wield magic to conquer waves of adversaries, with a satisfying rhythm of level-ups, weapon upgrades, and varied boosts maintaining your engagement. Occasionally, some difficulty spikes do spring up, but Ys Memoire introduces new difficulty settings and a speedy “Turbo” mode, helping you glide over tougher segments.
The updated version doesn’t just rest on its laurels with gameplay tweaks. It brings in voice acting for Adol, giving our silent protagonist a touch more personality. Visual enhancements, revised character sketches, and music choices add to the package. While the game’s original rock soundtrack still resonates strongly, revisiting the classic tunes from the initial Ys III is a nostalgic treat. Despite its roots in an earlier era, this version doesn’t feel like it belongs in the past.
There’s a great deal of fun in the battle mechanics, which shine brightly in boss encounters that stretch your abilities in rewarding ways. My fond recollection of the storyline from the first play was somewhat dimmed this time around, as Adol and his buddy Dogi’s adventure didn’t captivate me as much. Yet, it’s the action that keeps you hooked, and this 10-15 hour journey flies by without dragging on.
Now, in 2025, my enthusiasm might have mellowed a bit, yet I remain thrilled to see Oath in Felghana arrive on a current-gen console for Western audiences. For its time, it was one of the finest action RPGs, and its charm endures. If you’re hunting for more modern 3D Ys experiences, some of the later entries would perhaps take precedence. However, for anyone looking to dive into the highlights of this storied series, Oath in Felghana remains an essential play.
