I first got my hands on Ys: Oath in Felghana on the PSP over ten years ago—and it completely blew me away. I’m not one to label myself as an Ys enthusiast, but after diving into Oath in Felghana, I found myself consistently dipping back into the series over the years. Each title offered something unique, but there’s always been a special spot in my heart for Oath in Felghana. So, you can imagine my excitement when I heard that Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana was making its way to the Switch in 2025. Jumping back into it reminded me just how much the series has evolved and fine-tuned itself over the two decades since this third installment of the Ys series first landed in Japan.
This action RPG captures your attention with its brisk combat mechanics. As the leading character, Adol Christin, you traverse the land of Felghana, slicing through hordes of foes with a mix of swordplay and magical attacks. While the combat system isn’t overly complex, it’s satisfying, and the steady progression through levels, weapon enhancements, and various power-ups keep things interesting. There are moments where the difficulty ramps up unexpectedly, but Ys Memoire offers new difficulty settings and an exhilarating “Turbo” mode, which helps pace the game’s flow.
In this revamped version, they’ve thrown in voice acting for Adol, polished up the visuals, and provided alternate character illustrations and music options. The original soundtrack’s rock vibe still resonates well, and it’s a treat to listen to tracks from Ys III’s earlier versions. Despite being an upgrade of an older game, it doesn’t wear its age too heavily.
A lot of that timelessness comes from the stellar combat experience. The battles in Oath in Felghana consistently deliver enjoyment, especially when facing off against bosses that push the combat system’s limits in a way that’s demanding yet fair. While the narrative left a lasting impression during my first playthrough, revisiting it this time, the story of Adol and his buddy Dogi didn’t grab me as much. The thrilling action remains the highlight, making this 10-15 hour adventure a delightful journey that never feels dragged out.
Even though I’m not as exhilarated as I once was about this game come 2025, it’s a joy to see Oath in Felghana on a contemporary platform in the West. For its time, it stood out as one of the best action RPGs of its kind, and even now, it offers a gratifying experience. While I might suggest some of the more recent Ys games first, especially if a full 3D adventure is what you’re after, Oath in Felghana is a must if you’re looking to explore the peaks of the Ys series legacy.
