Ys X: Proud Nordics

It may have all the same bones as the original version, but Ys X: Proud Nordics on Switch 2 is undoubtedly the way that this landmark action-adventure title deserves to be experienced on Nintendo hardware. Not only are the visuals improved, but the major performance bump makes everything from striking down enemies to simply navigating menus an absolute joy.The new gameplay additions, ranging from new story scenarios to tough-as-nails dungeon crawling, are nice to have as well, even if they ultimately feel like a small speck awash in the sea of gameplay variety that Ys X already contained. This enhanced version's siren song may be too faint to lure back anyone who forged through the original release, but newcomers and prospective fans owe it to themselves to answer the call and embark on the definitive version of this grand adventure.

Ys X: Proud Nordics is the definitive edition of a stellar action RPG, but those who’ve already experienced Adol and Karja's adventures might not find enough here to justify a return trip.

For us, Proud Nordics is one of the best JRPGs of recent years, and we can finally enjoy it

In any case, back to the review at hand, Ys X Proud Nordics is the true definitive edition of the game from 2024. The additional content expands upon the game quite a lot and while the co-op mode has vanished, if you’re a single player JRPG player, you wouldn’t really mind losing out on this anyway. If you never played the original Ys X Nordics, Ys X Proud Nordics is certainly the best way to play the game.

Ys X: Proud Nordics is the definitive version of an already strong action RPG, expanding the adventure with a memorable new island, enjoyable extra challenges, smart balance tweaks, and the same fast, rewarding combat that makes the series so easy to love. It does not fundamentally rewrite the original experience, so recent players may not need to return at full price, but newcomers should absolutely start here.

Ys X: Proud Nordics is a technically impressive and enjoyable entry that finally brings stable gameplay to a portable platform. While the new combat system simplifies the strategy, the sense of adventure remains top-tier. It is a must-play for fans who value fluidity and exploration.

Ys X: Proud Nordics is the definitive way to experience Adol and Karja's maritime adventure. The massive quality-of-life improvements to ship navigation and the rock-solid performance on current hardware elevate the already excellent Cross Action System to new heights. While a slow opening and a somewhat grind-heavy rune progression system keep it from sheer perfection, the thrilling combat, phenomenal soundtrack, and stellar character dynamics make it a must-play action RPG. A truly epic voyage that respects the legacy of the franchise.

Ys X: Proud Nordics doesn’t revolutionize the original version, but it still manages to enhance the experience. The new narrative content, additional abilities, and various gameplay refinements make this edition more complete and better balanced. For those who have never played Ys X, this is undoubtedly the best version to start with. Adol and Karja’s adventure remains fun, dynamic, and full of spectacular moments, thanks above all to a combat system that continues to be one of the game’s strongest points. Those who have already completed the original might find the new features less essential, but the collection of additions still makes Proud Nordics a successful re-release.

The original Nordics is a great game, and the new stuff is amazing. The complete Proud package is phenomenal and if you haven’t played the original, the $70 complete package is a must buy. But if you already played Nordics, I would avoid this one. That’s a tough ask because fans of the series would have already played Nordics when it first released, but you must trust me on this one. If you played the original, wait for this one to go on sale or for a standalone DLC pack.

Ys X: Proud Nordics, like the original, is a pretty good game. However, with no real way to upgrade – Ys X: Nordics owners on PC get a slight discount – I really cannot recommend picking this up. It doesn’t offer enough to justify releasing so soon after Nordics, even if you’ve not touched either version before.