Ys X Nordics Introduces Skill Proficiency, Mana Sense & Raven Stones; New Gameplay Screenshots

Famitsu has shared a plethora of new gameplay information for the upcoming Nihon Falcom-developed action JRPG Ys X Nordics, primarily regarding specific battle skills for Adol and Carja.

Several solo and combination mode abilities were detailed, and skill proficiency was introduced. Simply put, the more often you use a skill, the greater its proficiency level will rise, enhancing its power. More advanced skills can be attained via certain conditions, too.

Adequately utilizing heightened skill proficiency with a Revenge Gauge possessing a high multiplier can make combination mode abilities considerably powerful.

A new Mana skill called Mana Sense has also been highlighted, useable via the Druid Monocle item. Taking cues from The Mask of Eyes from Ys Origin and Ys I, as well as Doll’s field ability from Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, the Monocole will let players see enemy locations and hidden items buried underground. Upgrading the Monocle will then allow you to slow down time for an hour, letting you progress past ordinarily unstoppable obstacles.

One last element introduced is Raven Stones, statues in dungeons that, once examined, will sever the tethered connection between Adol and Carja, albeit in a minimal capacity. You must swap and control Adol and Carja separately at specific points. This also heavily restricts combat features since combination mode abilities won’t be useable.

You can view new Ys X Nordics gameplay screenshots via our gallery below:

You can view Famitsu’s coverage or the official Ys X Nordics website for additional information.

Ys X Nordics will occur between Ys II and Memories of Celceta, making it the new third canonical entry in Adol Christin’s adventure logs. The gameplay has undergone a significant shakeup, with there only being two playable characters this time around.

Special maneuvers can be unlocked via story scenes and exploration, allowing for environmental interaction. Further, in solo mode, the character you’re not controlling performs actions judged by their own discretion. Adol will be controlling a ship for combat and island hopping, too.

Unused Ys Seven concepts are being utilized in this outing, too. Ys X Nordics will allow players considerable explorative freedom, enabling naval travel with a recruitable crew and ship combat.

Be sure to check out our extensive coverage of this game for story, gameplay, and character details.

Ys X Nordics will launch in Japan for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on September 28, 2023.

Ys X Nordics will also launch in Traditional Chinese and Korean for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on September 28, 2023, the same day as the Japanese version.