Over a decade ago, I experienced Ys: Oath in Felghana for the first time on the PSP, and it truly amazed me. While I wouldn’t label myself a die-hard Ys fan, this particular title left a significant impression, prompting me to keep up with the series over the years. Although I’ve generally enjoyed the other entries, I always found myself reminiscing fondly about Oath in Felghana. So, when I discovered that Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana was launching on the Switch in 2025, I was thrilled. Playing through it now serves as a testament to how much the series has evolved and been polished over the two decades since this remake of the third Ys game first appeared in Japan.
You’ll find exhilarating combat in this action RPG as you step into the shoes of the series’ protagonist, Adol Christin. As he ventures across the land of Felghana, you’ll unleash sword combos and magical abilities on swarms of enemies. While the battle system isn’t overwhelmingly complex, it’s adequately engaging, thanks to a steady flow of level-ups, weapon enhancements, and other boosts that maintain variety. Although difficulty spikes persist, Ys Memoire introduces several difficulty settings and a high-energy “Turbo” mode to quicken the pace when needed.
This updated version comes packed with new features, including voice acting for Adol, visual improvements, and a selection of character illustrations and music options. For fans of the original game, the rock-infused soundtrack remains a hit, and it’s entertaining to revisit some of the classic tracks from earlier versions of Ys III. Despite being a polished version of a nostalgic game, it manages to avoid feeling dated.
The fun lies heavily in the combat’s consistent thrill. Oath in Felghana delivers enjoyable action throughout, with boss battles that challenge your prowess without crossing into unfair territory. While I cherished the story when I first played it, revisiting Adol and his companion Dogi’s quest felt slightly less gripping. Still, the heart-pounding action makes this 10-15 hour adventure a delightful ride that wraps up before dragging on too long.
By 2025, my zeal for this game may have mellowed slightly, but having Oath in Felghana available on a contemporary console in the west is exciting. For its time, it ranked among the finest action RPGs of its kind and remains a pleasure to play even now. While later Ys titles might offer a richer 3D experience that I’d recommend first, for those interested in witnessing the pinnacle moments of the Ys series, Oath in Felghana is an essential experience.
