Ys Memoire: The Oath In Felghana – Brief Review

More than a decade ago, I dived into Ys: Oath in Felghana on the PSP, and it completely took me by surprise. While I wouldn’t label myself a die-hard Ys fan, this particular installment ignited a curiosity that led me to follow the series closely, thoroughly enjoying the journey along the way. Yet, Oath in Felghana always held a special place in my heart. So, when I heard that Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana was making its way to the Switch in 2025, I was over the moon. Playing it again reminded me of how the series has evolved over the past two decades, continually improving since this remake of the third Ys game first surfaced in Japan.

At its core, this action RPG shines with fast-paced combat as you step into the shoes of Adol Christin, the legendary hero of the series. Battling through Felghana, you unleash sword combos and magical attacks against hordes of foes. While the mechanics aren’t overly complex, they are satisfying, with a steady flow of level-ups and weapon enhancements keeping the experience engaging. Though the game has its challenging moments, Ys Memoire alleviates this with difficulty settings and an exhilarating “Turbo” mode, which adds a swift pace to certain segments.

This updated version introduces some delightful additions, like voice acting for Adol, visual touches, and new character illustrations, along with diverse music selections. The original rock-infused soundtrack still delivers a punch, and it’s a treat to hear tracks from Ys III’s earlier versions. The remastered enhancements give a fresh feel, masking the game’s age remarkably well.

The enjoyment mainly stems from the invigorating combat experience. Battles in Oath in Felghana remain thrilling across the board, with boss fights pushing your skills to their limits in a fair but challenging way. My nostalgic memories of the story were not entirely matched during this replay; Adol and his companion Dogi’s quest felt less gripping. However, it’s the action that fuels the excitement, ensuring this 10-15 hour adventure remains captivating without dragging.

Even though my enthusiasm might not reach the same heights in 2025, I’m genuinely thrilled that Oath in Felghana is available on a contemporary platform for Western audiences. It stands out as one of the top action RPGs from its original era, and its appeal remains strong. While suggesting some of the latter Ys titles for those seeking a deeper 3D experience, Oath in Felghana is an essential play for anyone wanting to experience the pinnacle moments of the Ys series.