Ys X: Proud Nordics Sets Sail Westward – Is Falcom's Latest Adventure Worth the Hype?

Okay, let's talk about Ys. Specifically, Ys X: Proud Nordics. If you're anything like me, a long-time fan of Falcom's incredible action RPG series, you've probably been eyeing the Japanese release of Ys X with a mix of excitement and a tiny bit of impatience, right? Well, the good news is, our wait is almost over! NIS America is bringing this highly anticipated adventure to Western shores in February 2026, gracing our PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. But the real question, the one we're all secretly asking, is: is this new take on Adol's adventures truly worth diving into?

Honestly, the biggest talking point, the one that really shakes things up for Ys veterans, has to be the completely revamped "Cross Action" combat system. For years, Ys has been synonymous with fast-paced, almost frantic button-mashing party combat, especially in its more recent iterations like Ys VIII and IX. Here, Falcom is trying something distinctly different. You'll be switching on the fly between Adol, operating in a super-agile solo mode, and a more strategic, powerful combo mode when you're teamed up with your partner, Karja. It’s less about having a full party and more about dynamically leveraging two distinct fighting styles. I mean, it sounds intriguing, doesn't it? It suggests a deeper tactical layer, perhaps moving away from the pure reflexes and toward something a bit more thoughtful. It could be a breath of fresh air, or, you know, it might take some getting used to. Change is always a little bit scary, after all.

Beyond the combat, Ys X casts Adol in a slightly older, more seasoned light, sending him off to the northern seas, a land steeped in Norse mythology and Viking lore. Think icy waters, ancient ruins, and a whole new culture to discover. And here’s where another major shift comes in: ship exploration. While Ys VIII gave us a taste of sailing, Ys X seems to make it a central pillar of the experience. Your ship isn't just a way to get from A to B; it's a base, a means for unique sea-based combat encounters, and a vital tool for exploring the vast archipelago. It feels like a genuine evolution, really expanding the scope of what an Ys game can be. This blend of on-foot exploration and nautical adventure definitely has me excited, imagining sweeping sea battles and uncovering hidden islands.

Visually speaking, Ys X looks fantastic. Falcom has clearly pushed their engine further, and the game shines, especially on modern consoles. The character models are crisp, the environments are lush, and the enemy designs are as imaginative as ever. For newcomers, this could be a perfect jumping-on point. The Nordic theme is compelling, the graphics are appealing, and while the combat is different, it’s still fundamentally an action RPG with that signature Falcom charm. For long-time fans, it’s a question of embracing change. Can we adjust to the new combat? Will the story resonate with this slightly more mature Adol? My gut feeling is that Falcom, known for consistently delivering quality, has something special in store. They rarely miss the mark when it comes to crafting memorable adventures.

So, is Ys X: Proud Nordics worth the wait? From everything we've seen and heard, it absolutely seems to be. It's a bold step forward for a series that isn't afraid to evolve, introducing fresh mechanics while retaining that core sense of adventure and mystery that defines Ys. Whether you're a seasoned Red-Haired Adventurer or just curious about diving into the world of Ys, February 2026 can't come soon enough. Get ready to weigh anchor – this journey looks like one you won't want to miss!