Ys X: Proud Nordics Review – The Definitive Voyage on Switch 2

What exactly is Ys X: Proud Nordics?

In 2024, Ys X: Nordics was a bold step for the series, blending naval exploration with a high-speed “Duo” combat system. Proud Nordics arrives as the enhanced, definitive version built specifically for Switch 2, taking the core excellence of the original and polishing it to a modern technical standard. This isn’t just a port; it includes a new storyline, characters, and mechanics that are organically woven into the fifth chapter of the main campaign, creating the most comprehensive Obelia Gulf experience yet.

The primary draw is the new Öland Island, where Adol and Karja meet new allies, the Shield Siblings Canute and Astrid. This addition isn’t a mere throwaway bonus; it offers several hours of gameplay, new dungeons, and deepens the lore surrounding Norman culture. For those seeking a challenge, the Muspelheim dungeon has been added—a time-attack gauntlet with roguelite elements where you use Deep Crystals to customize difficulty and modifiers, providing significant end-game depth.

From a technical standpoint, the Switch 2 version is immediately recognizable. While the original ran at 30 FPS, Proud Nordics offers a Performance Mode hitting up to 120 FPS, which radically changes the feel of the high-speed combat. If you already own the game on the original Switch, the biggest hurdle will be starting from scratch. Due to the deep integration of new content and rebalancing, cross-save is not supported, but that’s the price for a version that feels far more refined in every aspect.

Graphics and Technical State

The visual delta between generations is stark in Ys X’s case. While the original Switch version struggled with aggressive pop-in and a blurry image, the Switch 2 version feels incredibly crisp. Improved anti-aliasing has removed the jagged edges, and dynamic resolution now holds at much higher values. Even using backward compatibility on the old version only nets you a forced 1080p; the native Proud Nordics version adds far more detail, such as denser foliage and superior shading.

Lighting has undergone a major overhaul. The developers added ambient occlusion, which gives the world much-needed depth—corners and cave alcoves no longer look flat but have natural shadows. Particularly impressive is the rim lighting, which now applies to the environment as well as characters, creating a more cohesive visual style. Draw distances have been pushed back so far that buildings and trees no longer swap LODs right in front of your eyes, fixing one of the original’s biggest flaws.

Fluidity is key for Ys, and 120 frames per second makes Adol’s lightning-fast strikes feel like a symphony. Input response is instantaneous, which is vital for perfect parries and dodges in Duo mode. Additionally, this edition includes all previously released costume DLC, allowing you to deck out Adol and Karja from the get-go without spending extra. Technically, it’s a flawless launch that showcases what the Switch 2 can do with mid-budget titles.

Gameplay and New Features

The gameplay remains true to the series’ fast action but Proud Nordics refreshes it with the new Mana Hold ability. This allows you to manipulate blocks in the environment or redirect enemy projectiles, opening up new types of dungeon puzzles. Sailing and ship traversal have also received a boost. By sinking specific enemy ships, you now unlock permanent air currents that drastically speed up travel between islands, removing the occasional tedium of the original’s sea travel.

Another big addition is the Bergen Arena, a colosseum where you can face waves of monsters as Adol, Karja, or both to earn rare rewards. The combat system has been finely rebalanced—skill mastery can now be pushed to 1000%, allowing for truly devastating character builds. If you’re looking for a challenge, Infinity mode from Ys VIII returns for New Game+, offering extreme difficulty where enemies exceed level 100 and resources are much scarcer.

Thanks to these changes, Ys X plays better than ever. While the core plot remains the same, the new side quests and minigames, like the Mana Ride Races (Gullen Board races), make the Obelia Gulf feel more populated. For someone who hasn’t played the game yet, this is the obvious choice. For returning players, it’s a tougher call, but the combination of enhanced performance and new story arcs provides enough reason to dive back into Adol’s tenth adventure.

Final Verdict

Ys X: Proud Nordics is a prime example of a “Final Mix” edition that is truly worth the double dip. Nihon Falcom has successfully leveraged the Switch 2’s power to remove technical limitations that slightly hampered the original release. The game is now visually attractive, incredibly smooth, and offers veterans something fresh with the Öland Island content. Adol and Karja make a fantastic team, and their dynamic shines even brighter in this edition.

The biggest sting remains the lack of cross-save, forcing original owners into a full replay. However, if you are a fan of the series, the 60 to 120 FPS performance and the new Muspelheim end-game challenges are substantial lures. For Switch 2 newcomers, this is an absolute must-play action RPG that offers dozens of hours of high-quality fun without technical compromises.

In short, Proud Nordics is the definitive version of a great game. It’s a tribute to Norse myths in an anime package that finally breathes freely on more powerful hardware. While the price is set at the full retail rate, the volume of content and the technical upgrade justify the cost. Adol Christin returns to the Switch 2 in top form, and we can’t wait to see where his wandering feet take him next.

FAQ

Q: Is there a discount for owners of the original Switch version?
A: Unfortunately, there is currently no discounted upgrade path for console owners; it must be purchased as a new title.

Q: How long is the new Öland Island story?
A: The new content adds roughly 6 to 10 hours of gameplay depending on how much you engage with the arena and side activities.