Many years ago, I had my first encounter with Ys: Oath in Felghana on the PSP and it absolutely captivated me. While I wouldn’t say I’m a die-hard fan of the Ys series, this particular game left such a lasting impression that it prompted me to explore other entries over the years. I’ve enjoyed what I found, though none quite left a mark like Oath in Felghana. So, you can imagine my excitement when I learned that Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana would be making its way to the Switch in 2025. Playing it again was a delightful reminder of how much the series has evolved and enhanced itself in the two decades since this remake of the third Ys game first came out in Japan.
At its core, this action RPG offers you fast-paced combat, allowing you to step into the shoes of the red-haired adventurer, Adol Christin, as he journeys through Felghana. You’ll be slicing through waves of foes with sword techniques and magical attacks. While the combat system isn’t overly complicated, it feels satisfying, and the steady stream of level-ups, weapon enhancements, and various boosts keeps the experience fresh. And though you’ll still encounter challenging difficulty spikes, Ys Memoire introduces some new difficulty settings and a “Turbo” mode to speed things up when needed.
This updated version doesn’t stop there. It brings voice acting for Adol, tweaks to the visuals, and options for different character illustrations and music. I still get a thrill from the original rock-infused soundtrack, and it’s a treat to revisit some classic tunes from Ys III. Clearly, while this is an enhanced edition of an older title, it doesn’t feel its age at all.
A big part of this timeless feeling is the sheer joy of the combat. The action remains consistently exciting, especially during boss battles that stretch the system’s limits but still feel fair. I have vivid memories of the storyline from my first playthrough, but this time, the narrative involving Adol and his trusty companion Dogi didn’t grip me quite as much. Nonetheless, the engaging combat ensures this 10 to 15-hour adventure remains an enjoyable ride that wraps up just when it should.
In 2025, my enthusiasm might not be quite as sky-high, yet I’m thrilled that Oath in Felghana is finally accessible on modern platforms in the west. It’s one of the standout action RPGs from its original era and still holds up as a rewarding experience today. While I might suggest some of the newer Ys titles for those seeking a more immersive 3D adventure, anyone aiming to appreciate the peak moments of the storied Ys series will find Oath in Felghana an essential play.
