Ys X: Nordics

Item: Ys X: Nordics
Rating: 81
Author: VaporLens

Last updated: 2025-06-13

Summary

Fluid combat system with rewarding parry mechanic.
Engaging story with well-developed characters.
Improved performance and optimized graphics.
Tedious and repetitive exploration.
Awkward and unconfigurable controls.
Inconsistent PC optimization, wait for patches.

Reviews (sample size): 435
Helpful reviews: 76%
Unhelpful reviews: 20%
Protest reviews: 4%

81%
Helpful reviews with positive sentiment
19%
Helpful reviews with negative sentiment

Positive points: 717
Negative points: 483
Gameplay points: 144
Perf. points: 75
Rec. points: 209
Misc points: 59

Point	Description	Importance
Fluid, satisfying combat system Description The combat system is fluid, fast-paced, and satisfying, with responsive controls and impactful feedback. The game features visually impressive animations, special effects, and a variety of skills and combos. Many reviewers consider it a significant improvement over previous titles. Importance 96%	The combat system is fluid, fast-paced, and satisfying, with responsive controls and impactful feedback. The game features visually impressive animations, special effects, and a variety of skills and combos. Many reviewers consider it a significant improvement over previous titles.	96%
Forgiving, rewarding parry mechanic Description The game features a generous parry/guard system that is easy to learn but rewarding to master. Well-timed blocks and dodges lead to satisfying counterattacks and special animations. This mechanic enhances player engagement and makes combat more strategic. Importance 58%	The game features a generous parry/guard system that is easy to learn but rewarding to master. Well-timed blocks and dodges lead to satisfying counterattacks and special animations. This mechanic enhances player engagement and makes combat more strategic.	58%
Improved performance, optimized graphics Description Recent updates and optimizations have significantly improved the game's performance and visuals. Reviewers note smoother frame rates, better graphics, and fewer bugs compared to the initial release. This has led to a more positive reception of the game. Importance 54%	Recent updates and optimizations have significantly improved the game's performance and visuals. Reviewers note smoother frame rates, better graphics, and fewer bugs compared to the initial release. This has led to a more positive reception of the game.	54%
Engaging adventure, satisfying story Description The game offers a well-paced and engaging adventure with a satisfying story. Reviewers appreciate the clear guidance, manageable difficulty, and complete narrative arc. The game avoids common JRPG pitfalls like excessive grinding or convoluted plots. Importance 51%	The game offers a well-paced and engaging adventure with a satisfying story. Reviewers appreciate the clear guidance, manageable difficulty, and complete narrative arc. The game avoids common JRPG pitfalls like excessive grinding or convoluted plots.	51%
Well-developed, appealing characters Description The game features well-developed characters with detailed backstories and satisfying arcs. Reviewers highlight the appealing character designs and the strong relationships between the main characters. Kaga is a standout character, praised for her strength and personality. Importance 42%	The game features well-developed characters with detailed backstories and satisfying arcs. Reviewers highlight the appealing character designs and the strong relationships between the main characters. Kaga is a standout character, praised for her strength and personality.	42%
Impressive large-scale battles Description The game features impressive large-scale battles, such as those against the White Whale, with dynamic camera work and exciting sequences. These battles are memorable and enhance the overall game experience. Importance 8%	The game features impressive large-scale battles, such as those against the White Whale, with dynamic camera work and exciting sequences. These battles are memorable and enhance the overall game experience.	8%
High-quality, complementary music Description The game features high-quality music that complements the gameplay and creates a memorable experience. The music maintains Falcom's signature style and adds to the overall atmosphere. Importance 7%	The game features high-quality music that complements the gameplay and creates a memorable experience. The music maintains Falcom's signature style and adds to the overall atmosphere.	7%
Engaging sea exploration mechanics Description The game's sea exploration is engaging, with a wind direction mechanic that guides players to new areas. Upgrading the ship and recruiting crew members makes exploration more rewarding. Sea battles provide a welcome change of pace from land-based combat. Importance 7%	The game's sea exploration is engaging, with a wind direction mechanic that guides players to new areas. Upgrading the ship and recruiting crew members makes exploration more rewarding. Sea battles provide a welcome change of pace from land-based combat.	7%
Strong brotherhood theme Description The game emphasizes the bond between brothers, with characters frequently referring to each other as such. This brotherhood aspect enhances the combat and story, creating a sense of camaraderie. Importance 7%	The game emphasizes the bond between brothers, with characters frequently referring to each other as such. This brotherhood aspect enhances the combat and story, creating a sense of camaraderie.	7%
Enjoyable naval combat Description Naval battles are surprisingly enjoyable and more entertaining than expected. They provide a decent change of pace from traditional combat. Importance 6%	Naval battles are surprisingly enjoyable and more entertaining than expected. They provide a decent change of pace from traditional combat.	6%