Overview
Ys X: Proud Nordics represents a comprehensive expansion of the tenth mainline entry in Falcom's legendary action RPG franchise. Set during Adol Christin's younger years before his journey to Celceta, this adventure plunges players into Obelia Bay—a vast northern sea dotted with islands where the seafaring Norman culture clashes with supernatural threats. The game combines traditional Ys fast-paced combat with naval exploration, creating a unique blend that distinguishes it from previous series entries.
The enhanced edition doesn't merely add content—it fundamentally enriches the original experience. Beyond the base game's substantial campaign, players discover expanded exploration zones across Öland Island, encounter new characters whose stories intertwine with the main narrative, and face fresh boss encounters that test combat mastery. The addition of Mana Ride competitions and arena challenges provides compelling reasons to revisit completed areas, while quality-of-life improvements streamline the overall experience.
Technical enhancements make this the definitive way to experience the adventure. The PC version supports ultrawide 21:9 displays and frame rates exceeding 60fps, while DirectX 12 implementation enables compatibility with Intel XeSS, NVIDIA DLSS, and AMD FSR upscaling technologies. These features deliver sharper visuals and smoother performance across various hardware configurations, including optimized presets for Steam Deck portability.
What Makes the Cross Action Combat System Unique?
The dual-character combat framework stands as the game's mechanical centerpiece. Players seamlessly switch between Solo Mode and Combo Mode, each offering distinct tactical advantages. Solo Mode emphasizes speed and precision, allowing individual control of either Adol or Karja with character-specific skill sets:
- Raid Slash and Stellar Array for Adol's aggressive sword techniques
- Shield Bash and Skuld Strike for Karja's defensive Norman combat style
- Mana Shoot and Carmine Blast for ranged elemental attacks
- Flip Axe and Lost Cocytus for crowd control options
- Perfect guard mechanics during active skills
Ys X: Proud Nordics
Combo Mode transforms combat dynamics entirely. Both characters attack simultaneously, building the Revenge Gauge through coordinated offense. Skills like Double Smasher deliver synchronized aerial strikes, while Adamas Saber balances defense and counterattacks. Blazal Cross unleashes devastating V-shaped energy slashes, and Zena Striker hurls your Mana-bound partner as a living projectile. Mastering the rhythm of switching between modes becomes essential for handling the game's toughest encounters.
Exploring Obelia Bay and the Secrets of Öland Island
The expanded narrative centers on Öland Island, the largest landmass in Obelia Bay. Here, Adol and Karja encounter Canute Gamley—the enigmatic "Canute the Bloodshedder"—and his Shield Sister Astrid Zayren. These visitors from the Kingdom of Danmorc arrive under circumstances that challenge the existing non-aggression pact between their nation and the Balta Navy.
Ys X: Proud Nordics
The new story content delves deeper into Norman origins and the mysterious Mana power that binds Shield Siblings together. Through parallel narratives following both pairs of warriors, players uncover secrets about Grimmson's previous investigations on the island and the true nature of the Griegr—immortal undead that plague the region. Ancient ruins scattered across previously unexplored territories hold clues to events that shaped the island's fate.
Naval exploration aboard the Sandras provides a refreshing contrast to dungeon crawling. Players navigate using sea charts, engage enemy vessels in ship-to-ship combat, and discover hidden coves containing valuable resources. The maritime segments never feel like padding—they integrate naturally with the land-based adventure, creating a cohesive world that rewards thorough exploration.
Mana Actions: Tools for Combat and Exploration
Five distinct Mana Actions form the foundation of both combat strategy and environmental puzzle-solving. Mana String functions like a magical grappling hook, allowing pendulum swings to distant platforms while upgraded versions manipulate dungeon mechanisms. Mana Ride transforms traversal with the Grimble Board, a mystical hoverboard that glides across water, races down specialized Mana Roads, and launches from wind currents for extended airtime.
Mana Burst charges elemental attacks—Adol wields fire while Karja commands ice—that destroy environmental obstacles and create new pathways. Burning away blockages or freezing water into crossable platforms becomes second nature as abilities upgrade. Mana Sense reveals hidden elements through the ancient Druid Monocle, detecting concealed enemies, uncovering treasure caches, and even slowing time during critical moments to navigate hazardous areas.
Ys X: Proud Nordics
Mana Hold rounds out the toolkit, letting players telekinetically lift and reposition massive objects. Hurling boulders at enemies proves satisfying in combat, while strategic placement of heavy structures opens routes through complex dungeon layouts. Each Mana Action upgrades throughout the campaign, gradually unlocking advanced capabilities that transform previously inaccessible areas into explorable territory.
Divine Realm: Muspelheim and Ultimate Endgame Challenges
The Divine Realm: Muspelheim represents the game's most punishing content. This extreme-difficulty dungeon imposes strict time limits while populating corridors with deadly trap configurations and elite enemy formations. Success demands mastery of every combat technique, perfect understanding of Mana Action applications, and strategic resource management under pressure.
Deep Crystals offer controlled difficulty modulation. These rare items allow players to adjust specific parameters—extending time limits, modifying enemy stats, or altering trap behavior—creating customizable challenge levels. This system accommodates various skill levels without compromising the core difficulty that defines Muspelheim's reputation.
Arena battles and expanded Mana Ride competitions provide additional endgame pursuits. The arena throws increasingly difficult enemy waves at players, testing combat proficiency in controlled environments. Mana Ride competitions transform Öland's natural terrain into high-speed racing courses where precise board control and environmental awareness determine victory.
Ys X: Proud Nordics
System Requirements
Conclusion
Ys X: Proud Nordics elevates the original release into a comprehensive action RPG experience. The Cross Action combat system delivers satisfying depth through its dual-mode approach, while Mana Actions create meaningful connections between exploration and puzzle-solving. Substantial new story content featuring Canute and Astrid expands the narrative scope, and Muspelheim provides endgame challenges that reward mechanical mastery. Enhanced technical features ensure smooth performance across platforms, making this the definitive version for both series veterans and newcomers exploring Adol's Nordic adventure.