Ys X: Proud Nordics – Bigger, Better, but Not Without Issues

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• DEVELOPER: Nihon Falcom, PH3 GmbH
• PUBLISHER: NIS America, Inc.
• PLATFORMS: PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2
• GENRE: JRPG
• RELEASE DATE: February 20, 2026
• STARTING PRICE: 69,99€
• REVIEWED VERSION: PC

Let’s start with the part that really left a bad taste in my mouth, because it’s impossible to ignore. I genuinely cannot believe that Nihon Falcom handled this release the way they did. We have Ys X: Nordics and then, just two years later, we get Ys X: Proud Nordics, a version that is clearly better in almost every way. And that’s exactly the problem. This isn’t some minor upgrade or small expansion. This is the version the game should have been from the very beginning.

If you bought the original, you’re basically stuck in a really awkward position. The improved version was announced shortly after release, the upgrade path wasn’t handled properly, and instead of a clean DLC-style transition, you’re effectively pushed toward buying the full game again. That’s just not a good look. It feels greedy, plain and simple, and it doesn’t respect the players who supported the original release. It’s especially frustrating because the improvements here are not trivial, they’re meaningful enough that the original version now feels like an incomplete experience in hindsight.

An impressive overhaul that stops just short of true ambition

Putting that aside for a moment, because there is a very good game here, Proud Nordics is not just a small revision. It’s a substantial expansion that builds on the original structure in a big way. The core story remains the same, following Adol Christin and Karja Balta, who are magically bound together as they face the Griegr threat across the Obelia Gulf. That central dynamic is still the backbone of the experience, and it works. Their relationship develops naturally, carries emotional weight, and is one of the stronger aspects of the narrative.

At the same time, I can’t help but feel like the game misses an opportunity here. This setup is perfect for a more meaningful romantic angle, and yet it sticks strictly to a partnership dynamic. It’s well written, don’t get me wrong, but it feels like it’s playing it safe in a genre that often does exactly that. There’s a sense that something more could have been explored, something that would elevate the story beyond the usual tone these games tend to follow.

The biggest addition in Proud Nordics is the new Öland Island, and this is where the expansion really shows its value. It’s a large, content-rich area filled with complex dungeons, strong encounter design, and meaningful exploration. New characters like Canute and Astrid help expand the lore, particularly around the Normans, and there are some genuinely interesting dynamics, especially the rivalry between Karja and Canute.

However, the storyline here can feel a bit detached from the main plot, almost like a very elaborate side arc rather than something fully integrated. It’s good content, but it doesn’t always justify replaying the entire game on its own.

Fast combat and a progression system that delivers

At its core, Ys X: Proud Nordics sticks to what the series has always done best: fast, responsive action RPG combat, but it also takes a noticeable step away from tradition in how that combat is structured. This isn’t a party-based adventure in the way longtime fans might expect. Instead, everything revolves around a tight, almost obsessive focus on just two characters: Adol Christin and Karja Balta. Sadly, that party variety is stripped back, and while the Adol–Karja synergy is strong enough to carry the system, there’s an undeniable sense that combat can start to feel repetitive over long stretches.

Don’t get me wrong, the switching animations, the flow of combat, it’s all solid, but it doesn’t evolve as much as I would have liked. That said, additions like rebalanced difficulty, tougher enemy variants, and new mechanics like Mana Hold do add more depth, especially on higher difficulties where timing and mastery actually matter. This mechanic lets you grab objects or redirect attacks, and adds some clever puzzle interactions.

Progression, at least, is where Proud Nordics really doubles down. There’s a lot going on under the hood, from skill trees and gear upgrades to Mana Seeds that let you shape your build in more specific ways. It’s not the deepest system you’ll find in the genre, but it’s layered enough to keep you invested, especially as you start tailoring Adol and Karja toward your preferred playstyle.

Massive post-game, let down by its naval travel

There’s no shortage of content, though. The game can easily take anywhere from 50 to 100 hours to fully complete, especially if you dive into everything it offers. Post-game content is particularly extensive, with modes like Muspelheim introducing a roguelike-style dungeon and Ceaseless Sea focusing on endless naval battles for farming. These systems are clearly designed for players who enjoy grinding, optimizing builds, and chasing completion. They’re well made, but they’re also quite niche, and not everyone is going to find them appealing.

Where the game struggles more is with its naval systems. Sailing across the Obelia Gulf and engaging in ship combat sounds great on paper, and thematically it fits perfectly. But in practice, it’s still one of the weaker parts of the experience. Ship combat is serviceable: firing cannons, maneuvering into position, upgrading your vessel, but it lacks the intensity and depth of the core combat.

Movement across the sea feels slow and tedious, and while Proud Nordics adds improvements and more incentives, it never fully fixes the core issue. It feels like a system that’s been patched rather than truly refined, and it ends up being more of a chore than something you actively look forward to.

The final verdict

Narratively, the game holds up, but it doesn’t break new ground. The main story is engaging enough, carried heavily by the dynamic between Adol and Karja, but the villains are a weak point. The Griegr and their humanoid counterparts lack depth and feel underdeveloped compared to antagonists in other entries. They serve their purpose, but they’re not particularly memorable.

Technically and visually, the game is a bit of a mixed bag. It runs on a newer engine, but the presentation is surprisingly underwhelming. Environments often feel empty, biome variety is limited, and the ocean, despite being such a central part of the game, looks especially weak. There are some improvements here, but not enough to shake the feeling that the game looks dated. Voice acting is also inconsistent, particularly in English. Some performances stand out, especially Karja, but overall it feels uneven, and even switching to Japanese doesn’t completely fix that.

In the end, Ys X: Proud Nordics is absolutely the best version of this game. For newcomers, it’s an easy recommendation. It’s bigger, more refined, and more complete, offering a richer experience from start to finish. But for anyone who already played the original, the decision is much harder. The additions are meaningful, but they often feel like enhancements rather than essential changes that justify a full-price repurchase.

Review copy provided by the publisher