Review Mini: Ys Memoire – The Oath In Felghana

Back when I first got my hands on Ys: Oath in Felghana on the PSP, it left a lasting impression that’s stayed with me over the years. I may not consider myself a die-hard fan of the Ys series, but Oath in Felghana certainly nudged me to keep tabs on each new release. My experiences have been mostly positive, yet this one always held a special place in my heart. Flash forward to now, the announcement of Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana making its way to the Nintendo Switch in 2025 had me thrilled all over again. And as I delved into it, it became clear how the series has evolved and refined itself since this remake of the third game originally debuted in Japan two decades ago.

Diving into this action RPG, you step into the adventurous shoes of Adol Christin, the series hero, as you explore the land of Felghana, chopping through waves of foes with your trusty sword and magical abilities. While the combat system isn’t excessively complex, it feels incredibly satisfying. A steady stream of level-ups and weapon upgrades keeps things fresh. That said, those infamous difficulty spikes are still present, but Ys Memoire introduces new difficulty settings and a “Turbo” mode that ramps up the pace when needed.

This edition has also benefited from various upgrades, including voice acting for Adol, some visual enhancements, and new character illustrations and music choices. The original rock-inspired soundtrack still rocks my world, and it’s a joy to hear some of the tracks from earlier versions of Ys III. Despite being a revamped version of an older title, it manages to feel surprisingly contemporary.

A significant part of its charm lies in how the combat remains consistently rewarding. The action keeps you engaged, particularly during boss fights that push the limits of your skills, striking the right balance between challenging and fair. Although I remember the storyline fondly from my initial playthrough, Adol and his sidekick Dogi’s quest didn’t grip me as much this time around. It’s the vibrant action sequences that steal the show, making this 10-15 hour escapade a delightful ride that doesn’t drag on.

Even though my enthusiasm for the game isn’t quite as strong in 2025 as it once was, I’m genuinely pleased to see Oath in Felghana released on modern consoles for a broader audience in the west. For an action RPG from its era, it still stands out as one of the best in its genre. While newer entries in the Ys series might offer more in terms of a full 3D experience, if you’re keen on experiencing the highlights of the Ys legacy, Oath in Felghana shouldn’t be missed.