REVIEW: Ys X: Proud Nordics (2026 Video Game) on Playstation 5

Review by Jon Donnis

Ys X: Proud Nordics arrives on PlayStation 5 as the complete and refined edition of this entry in Nihon Falcom's long running action RPG series, bringing back all of the fast paced combat and character driven storytelling of the original while layering in meaningful new content. Rather than feeling like a simple reissue, it plays like a fuller, more confident version of the same adventure, with extra mechanics, a fresh storyline, and several practical improvements that make it easier and smoother to enjoy from start to finish.

The story still sits between Ys II and Memories of Celceta, following a younger Adol Christin during one of his early voyages. He is pulled into conflict between the seafaring Normans and the monstrous Griegr, with the open sea shaping both the tone and the structure of the journey. Proud Nordics folds in a brand new chapter set on Öland Island, where Adol teams up with the Shield Siblings, Canute and Astrid. Their mystery is woven directly into the main plot rather than tacked on at the side, so it feels like a natural extension of the adventure instead of optional filler.

Combat remains the centrepiece. The game keeps its streamlined approach with two playable characters, Adol and Karja, instead of a larger party. Duo Mode allows you to switch between them or fight in tandem, which keeps battles lively and reactive. Encounters move quickly, with plenty of dodging, countering, and ability use, and the Mana based skills continue to add tactical depth. These powers are not just for fighting. They help with traversal too, letting you move through the environment in creative ways.

This edition introduces the new Mana Hold ability, which lets you manipulate the world around you. It adds extra layers to both exploration and puzzles, encouraging you to think about the environment rather than simply running through it. Alongside that comes Muspelheim, a timed dungeon designed to be far more demanding than the main campaign. It is tough and clearly aimed at players who want a real challenge, providing a tense, high difficulty test of everything you have learned.

Naval exploration across the gulf returns as a major feature. Sailing the Sandras between islands creates a welcome sense of scale and discovery, breaking up the on foot action with travel and ship based encounters. The concept still feels ambitious, even if the ship combat can become repetitive at times. Even so, these sections give the adventure breathing space and reinforce the idea that you are on a long sea journey rather than moving through a string of disconnected levels.

On PlayStation 5, the improvements are immediately noticeable. Performance is smoother, the visuals are cleaner, and the general quality of life updates make menus and progression feel more convenient. It is simply a more comfortable way to play. Environments are broad and inviting, though some islands share similar scenery, while character designs remain colourful and expressive. The soundtrack continues to stand out, with energetic battle themes and sweeping melodies that perfectly match the pace of the action.

Narratively, the game balances light hearted adventure with quieter character moments. Adol's growing connection with Karja, along with his exposure to Norman culture, gives the story an emotional core. The added Öland Island storyline strengthens that focus rather than distracting from it. Some twists are predictable, but the journey itself stays engaging and sincere.

Taken as a whole, Ys X Proud Nordics feels like the definitive version of this chapter in the series. It keeps the strong combat, maritime atmosphere, and engaging characters of the original while adding worthwhile extras and technical polish. A few rough edges remain, particularly in the naval sections and repeated island aesthetics, yet the strengths clearly outweigh the flaws. For newcomers and returning players alike, this PlayStation 5 edition is the best way to set sail with Adol, and it remains a very solid 8.5 out of 10.

Released on February 20^th on PS5 - https://amzn.to/4axDt6S

REVIEW: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (2025 Video Game) - Xbox

Review by Jon Donnis

Bethesda and Virtuos have teamed up to deliver a remastered version of one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is not a remake, and it doesn't try to be. Instead, it brings the classic game into the modern era with improved visuals, audio enhancements, and much-needed tweaks to the user interface and controls, all while keeping the original experience mostly intact.

For returning players, this is a direct hit of nostalgia. From the winding paths through the West Weald to the haunting gates of Oblivion, everything looks richer and more immersive. The use of Unreal Engine 5 gives the world of Cyrodiil a whole new level of depth and atmosphere. Lighting effects, ray tracing, updated textures, and improved animations all contribute to a world that feels more alive, though some aspects like character close-ups still feel dated.

Gameplay-wise, most of what defined the original remains. Real-time combat, skill-based levelling, and open-ended faction questlines all return, as do the quirks that longtime fans will either smile at or sigh over. There are some tweaks to the levelling system, but issues with scaling persist. The notorious bugs and exploits are also still here, including the infamous early chest trick that can rocket you to level 100 in minutes.

The redesigned menus and updated controls make the experience far smoother on modern platforms. AI behaviour for non-playable characters has been improved, though the world still occasionally feels artificial in its routines. Audio updates are subtle but meaningful, with re-recorded environmental effects that help sell the sense of place. Some voice work has been refreshed, but many of the original lines remain, including the odd outtake or awkward delivery that fans of the original might actually welcome.

The inclusion of the Knights of the Nine and Shivering Isles expansions adds value, especially as both have received the same graphical and interface improvements. These remain two of the strongest pieces of content Bethesda ever produced, and having them bundled in makes this a definitive edition.

However, this is not a version designed to address every flaw. New players coming to it fresh may be confused by its eccentricities, from awkward facial animations to dated combat mechanics. For them, it may feel like stepping into a time capsule. But for those who were there in 2006, it feels like being welcomed home.

Oblivion Remastered is best seen as a tribute. It preserves the identity of the original game while enhancing it in just enough ways to make it worth revisiting. Despite its lingering flaws, it remains one of the finest role-playing experiences around, now with a fresh coat of paint and a few welcome quality-of-life upgrades.

This remaster stays loyal to the source material. Fans of the original will find plenty to enjoy, while newcomers may need patience to look past the creaks of age. It's a solid example of how to modernise a classic without erasing its personality.

8.5 out of 10

 

Available on Xbox at

https://www.xbox.com/el-GR/games/store/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-remastered/9NQR437K7PQH