Ys X: Proud Nordics Is a Good Game That I Can’t Recommend
Less than two years ago, Ys X: Nordics released in the west. Despite some underdeveloped mechanics and visuals held back by the Nintendo Switch, it was still a decent time. And now there’s Ys X: Proud Nordics, an updated version with some new bells and whistles, along with a questionable pricetag.
Ys X: Proud Nordics Isn’t That Different
While I generally like to do full reviews, the truth is that most of Ys X: Proud Nordics is still the same as the original version. You get a few tweaks here and there, such as ways to speed up sailing earlier on and the ability to power up skills further, but otherwise the base content remains mostly unchanged.
Because of this, I’d recommend checking out my review of Ys X: Nordics first, before moving onto my thoughts on Proud Nordics below.
So, What’s Actually New
If the base game remains the same, then what reason is there to pick up Ys X: Proud Nordics? Well for one, it’s Falcom’s debut Nintendo Switch 2 title. In fact, most of Proud Nordics‘s existence is likely due to Falcom wanting a release for Nintendo’s platform close to release – in Japan, it launched just over a month after the Switch 2.
The Switch 2 version is a big glow-up over the Switch 1 original, featuring a resolution and framerate bump, plus slightly improved visuals (though you’ll still see some pop-in, something common in modern Falcom games.) There’s even an option to play in 120fps, making it the first proper game – no, I don’t count Welcome Tour – to support it on the console.
As for new content, most of this takes the form of Öland Island. Originally an area you couldn’t visit, it’s now home to an expansive set of locations to explore. Compared to the tiny islands of the base game, Öland Island is a breath of fresh air. It doesn’t offer anything on the level of older Ys games, but there is at least more of an attempt at level design.
You’re introduced to the island a few chapters into Ys X: Proud Nordics, with more becoming available as you progress through the regular story. Öland Island’s narrative is mostly self-contained, with Adol and Carja interacting with new pair Canute and Astrid as they uncover more of the island’s secrets.
It’s not a bad story by any means, but as someone that already played through Ys X, it was a little annoying having to replay old content just to get to something new. Due to the unlock requirements, you’re also unable to finish Öland Island until you’ve progress through most of the game already.
Otherwise, the only other content that’s worth mentioning is Muspelheim. Acting as Proud Nordic‘s main endgame, Muspelheim is a timed dungeon with its own currency and set of collectables. Killing enemies and finding loot extends your time in the dungeon, with the currency you gain there letting you buy new upgrades to increase your chances at success.
It’s an alright way to cap off Ys X: Proud Nordics (especially with Muspelheim’s final reward giving some interesting lore titbits for the series), though it comes at the end of a game that is relatively unchanged.
Ys X: Proud Nordics Review – Final Thoughts
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.
A copy of Ys X: Proud Nordics on Switch 2 was provided by the publisher for this review.
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