More than a decade ago, I had my first encounter with Ys: Oath in Felghana on the PSP, and it was nothing short of exhilarating. Although I wouldn’t say I’m a die-hard fan of the Ys series, that particular game left a lasting impression. Since then, I’ve kept tabs on the series, diving into various titles along the way. The announcement of Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana launching on the Switch in 2025 filled me with excitement, only to remind me how much this series has evolved and polished itself over the past two decades since the remake of its third installment originally hit Japan.
In this action RPG, you step into the boots of Adol Christin, the protagonist renowned within the series, as you navigate through Felghana battling waves of foes with slick sword combos and magical skills. While it doesn’t dive deep into overly complex mechanics, the combat is satisfying. Thanks to a steady stream of level-ups, weapon upgrades, and more, the experience remains diverse. Though difficulty spikes do surface, Ys Memoire introduces a variety of difficulty settings and a speedy “Turbo” mode to help briskly navigate certain game segments.
The latest version brings voice acting for Adol, fresh visual tweaks, and new character illustrations coupled with music options. The original rock-infused soundtrack still lands perfectly for me, and it’s a nostalgic treat to have the legacy tunes from Ys III available. This is unquestionably a refined take on an older title, yet it manages not to feel as aged as it actually is.
That sense of modernity is largely thanks to the satisfying combat. The action in Oath in Felghana remains consistently entertaining, especially as boss encounters push the combat system’s boundaries—offering a challenge that’s tough but fair. I cherish the memories of the story from my initial playthrough, although this time around, Adol and his trusty sidekick Dogi’s journey felt slightly less gripping. Nonetheless, the action keeps the fun alive, turning this 10-15 hour escapade into an engaging ride that doesn’t overstretch its welcome.
While my enthusiasm for the game isn’t quite at cloud nine in 2025, I’m thrilled to see Oath in Felghana make its way to a modern console in the West. Among the action RPGs of its era, it’s undoubtedly one of the finest of its kind, and even today, it holds up exceptionally well. While some might lean toward the newer Ys titles for a more definitive 3D experience, anyone looking to explore the peaks of the Ys legacy wouldn’t want to skip Oath in Felghana.
