Ys The PC version has a a lot of graphical upgrades and keyboard support, but also – unlike predecessor Ys IX: Monstrum Nox which got co-op as a cheeky bonus after launching on PC – Ys X: Nordics has had local co-op from day one.
Ys Yes, that means there is exploration and combat in the form of a ship. If you don’t have a co-op buddy to play with, you can instantly switch between both characters or control them together, building their “Revenge Guage” to perform combined attacks.
The Ys series started all the way back in the ’80s, but has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially on PC. Monstrum Nox was a Steam bestseller in July 2021 and genre expert Nadia Oxford thought it was the perfect entry point for the series.
I have yet to make my own entry into the Ys series, and I must confess that I have never fought a naval battle that I enjoyed. If I want to slowly circle an enemy I don’t understand while taking shots at it, I’ll write news stories about RPG series I’ve never played, thanks. I wish I had time to experience the blue skies and the grappling hooks. Maybe if I ever finish Ni no Kuni.
Ys X: Scandinavia yes available from Steam. It costs £55/€60/$60 and there is a demo where your save data can be carried over to the full game.