As Enticing As Ys X: Nordics Looks, Competing With Metaphor ReFantazio Isn’t Wise

Nihon Falcom is a pretty important name for JRPG fans all over the world. Titles like The Legend of Heroes and Ys form the backbone of the genre just as much as something like Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. These series have been going on for years now, and are among some of my all-time favorites in the genre.

The Legend of Heroes is pretty impressive itself, but today’s topic is Ys, Falcom’s action franchise. Pioneering concepts like bump action combat, the series is a landmark in action JRPGs about to make a triumphant return. However, it’s the launch window that concerns me.

Ys X: Nordics — Aiming For Unforeseen Heights

If you’re as much a JRPG fan as I am, I’m sure you’re familiar with the name Ys, particularly Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana. If someone ever asked me for an action JRPG recommendation, the first name that’ll automatically roll on my tongue is undeniably this one.

Very rare I gush about a game but YS VIII is just phenomenal and I think every JRPG fan should play it!
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Featuring swift and engaging combat, an unbelievably impactful storyline, beloved quirky characters, some of the best JRPG music around, and exciting tower defense minigames, the title is certainly the pinnacle of action JRPGs for me. I believe that while Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a fantastic game, it’s still second to Lacrimosa of Dana.

I’ve mentioned these two because they’re the most familiar ones, but the series as a whole is one hell of a ride completely worth your time. In fact, it’s the best time to go through it because the next entry, Ys X: Nordics, is right on the horizon. 

This time around, the game takes a unique dual protagonists approach, each possessing a unique combat style that can be alternated between, and combined to create an unrivaled action gameplay system. Plus, the addition of extra-fluid traversal mechanics and Naval segments signify that Ys X: Nordics just might be the best game in the series.

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Did that hype you up? That’s great. Just a little problem though.

Metaphor ReFantazio Is What It’s Up Against

That problem is nothing other than the extremely competitive launch window Ys X has opted for. It’s releasing in close vicinity to some of the most anticipated games of the year. This includes not only Metaphor but also games like DQ 3 remake and Mario & Luigi.

Do note that Ys X: Nordics is already out in Japan, but not for us English audience. Thanks to the gameplay clips and some spicy little details floating around, we know for sure that Ys X is going for Lacrimosa of Dana’s crown pretty aggressively. And that’s all the more reason to be conflicted.

Ys X: Nordics Debut Gameplay (28/4/2023)
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Ys X is going to be an amazing game, no doubt, but I believe Atlus is a much bigger name than Nihon Falcom. Going up against people responsible for the legendary Persona and SMT feels less than ideal. Even more so if this competitive window ends up hurting Ys X: Nordics’ reception. I’ll be heartbroken if that happens.

An argument can be made that things would’ve been problematic if this was Persona 6, but Metaphor ReFantazio is a new IP. Uncertainty surrounds a new project in contrast to something established like Ys X. However, new IP or not, the Persona association and Atlus name are enough to make it more desirable and inevitably popular.

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Especially since Atlus is going all in to make Metaphor one of the most exciting games for me. Hybrid combat systems, inspirations from both of its giants and creative new mechanics all feel extremely enticing. So much so that I fear for the future of Ys X.

It’s A Tough Situation, My Fellow JRPG Fans

I’m probably one of the biggest Ys fans around, so it’s an especially tough decision for me. It might not be for you, since you may widely prefer one over the other (most likely Metaphor and Atlus), but being a Ys fan and seeing the game face such strong adversities is not a good feeling.

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However, who knows Ys X: Nordics just might perform way better than my fears, and end up overshadowing everything else. After all, Lacrimosa of Dana was one of the biggest releases and most popular games of its time and still is among the best action JRPGs. I know it’s my way of reassuring myself, but I’m counting on this possibility.

I’m excited about both of these games and don’t want either to mask the other. I believe both of these have endless potential, and getting ignored due to competition is the last thing I’d want. Thus, a slight modification of the release date would be the best solution. I hope Nihon Falcom considers it.