Ys X: Nordics heads west this fall

On track for a western release this autumn.

NIS America has announced that Ys X: Nordics is coming to Nintendo Switch (and other things) this fall. Originally released in Japan in September of 2023, it’ll be just about a year later before Adol Christin and his pirate companion, Karja Balta, will be sailing west.

This latest entry in the legendary Ys series offers exhilarating, fast-paced combat, a moving story of unlikely allies, and naval exploration across a vibrant, high seas setting.

Following their tenuous encounter at sea, the young red-haired adventurer Adol Christin and the proud pirate Karja Balta find themselves bound by fate – and the mysterious power of Mana! As they search for a way to undo the mystical ties that bind them, they soon find themselves caught up in a conflict between two factions: the seafaring warriors known as the Normans and the enigmatic and seemingly immortal Griegr. In order to save the people of Obelia Gulf, Adol and Karja must navigate the depths of their unexpected bond and the power that it grants them.

Ys X: Nordics will feature:

• Two Heroes, One Story: Bound by unexpected circumstances, the young adventurer Adol and the Norman pirate Karja must work together to determine the fate of Obelia Gulf and its people.
• Cross Action System: Swap between controlling Adol and Karja independently or together. Combine their unique strengths to overcome enemies, and build up the Revenge Gauge to unleash devastating attacks.
• The Power of Mana: Harness the unique abilities of Mana to overcome challenges. Grapple and slide through dungeons, demolish obstacles, create new platforms, and uncover hidden treasures and critical points.
• Sailor’s Delight: The sailing ship known as the Sandras takes exploration to new levels. Ocean travel, naval battles, and discovering uncharted islands are all made possible with this seaworthy vessel.

Of concern, the press release states that, “Additionally, the PC version will include language options for Japanese text and audio.” Does that mean the Switch version doesn’t support the game’s original Japanese dialogue? That would be a shame, so we’ll keep an eye on that detail.

While we’re doing that, you can learn more at nisamerica.com/ys-x/.