Ys: Memories Of Celceta
There are many aspects of Ys- Memories Of Celceta that feel incredibly outdated, hardly surprising when you consider it’s based on the DNA of a 21-year old SNES game. What is surprising however is just how much its developer has done to make it relevant for today’s gamer. And if it has put this much effort into Memories Of Celceta, we only hope that Nihon Falcom continues with its impressive restoration job.
Memories, like so many other Japanese RPGs, starts off with the lead character suffering from amnesia and awakening in a town that has far too many inhabitants for the number of houses found there. It’s an admittedly weak start, but even after an hour of play, you begin to realize that there’s more to Ys than its age-old clichés. For starters, the combat system is genuinely superb, moving away from random battles to give you complete control. Anything lead character Adol encounters can be tackled or avoided; Adol himself is extremely handy with a sword, having a number of useful skills and abilities – from feints to dashes – that slowly build in power as he levels up and retrieves more of his precious memories.
Combat primarily revolves around three weapon types: Slash, Pierce and Strike, and different enemies are less susceptible to certain attacks, meaning you’ll be constantly switching between up to three characters, with the Vita handling the All of the two you’re not using. It’s a highly satisfying system that really comes into its own when you encounter Memories’ huge and varied bosses.
Equally satisfying is the enjoyable, if rather flimsy storyline, and the Monster Hunter-style crafting system that can be used to strengthen existing items and weapons and craft new material. Quests are also varied, ranging from typical ‘defeat all enemies’ to managing shops or milking animals, while the dungeon designs are solid, borrowing ideas and their structure from classic Zelda games.
The biggest incentive of Memories however is its main plot point, the mapping of Celceta itself. During Celceta’s opening you’re requested to map the mainly unexplored forest, reporting back to earn gold and trigger plot points. It’s a great device, spurring you on to uncover Adol’s remaining memories.
The graphics feel a little ropey at times and the lack of a movable camera seems a curious omission, considering the Vita’s spare analogue stick, but Ys: Memories Of Celceta remains an entertaining and refreshing action RPG. Not bad when you consider its venerable age.
Details
FORMAT: PS Vita
ORIGIN: Japan
PUBLISHER: NIS Europe
DEVELOPER: Nihon Falcom Corporation
RELEASE: Japan/US: Out now EU: 21 February
PLAYERS: 1
ONLINE REVIEWED: N/A
