When I first got my hands on Ys: Oath in Felghana on the PSP over ten years ago, it was nothing short of a revelation. Although I’ve never considered myself a hardcore fan of the Ys series, this game left such an impression on me that I kept coming back to the series, always reflecting fondly on Oath in Felghana. So, when I heard that Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana was making its way to the Switch in 2025, I was thrilled. Playing it again reminded me of how much this series has evolved and sharpened over the past two decades since this third installment originally debuted in Japan.
Diving back into this action RPG, the combat still holds up with its brisk pace. You step into the shoes of Adol Christin, the series’ protagonist, and journey through Felghana slicing through waves of enemies with sword skills and magical attacks. The combat system might not be the most intricate out there, but it’s undeniably satisfying. Plus, the steady progression of leveling up, upgrading weapons, and getting other power-ups keeps things fresh. There are some tough battles along the way, but Ys Memoire comes with new difficulty settings and an exhilarating “Turbo” mode that injects some speed into the gameplay.
This updated version brings in new voice acting for Adol, enhancements in visuals, and a selection of character illustrations and music options. The rock-infused beats of the original soundtrack still resonate with me, and it’s a treat to have tracks from earlier versions of Ys III to switch things up. Despite being a revitalized classic, it doesn’t feel its age.
A big part of this timeless feeling is rooted in the satisfying combat mechanics. The action in Oath in Felghana remains consistently engaging, particularly during boss fights that push the combat system to its limits without feeling overwhelming. My memories of the original story are cherished, yet this time around, the narrative involving Adol and his companion Dogi didn’t captivate me as much. It’s the action that steals the show, morphing this 10 to 15-hour adventure into a delightful experience that knows exactly when to wrap up.
Even though I’m not quite as euphoric about the game in 2025 as I once was, I’m still genuinely glad to see Oath in Felghana on a modern western console. It was, and still is, a standout in its genre from its era. While I might steer players toward some of the newer Ys games for a deeper 3D experience, if you’re chasing the peak moments of the Ys saga, Oath in Felghana is undeniably worth a playthrough.
