Ys: Memories of Celceta

Ys: Memories of Celceta remains the best that the incredible ARPG series has to offer. Although it hasn't changed much over the years, it's cool that those who missed it on PlayStation Vita can now enjoy it on PS4.

Quotation forthcoming.

Ys: Memories of Celceta does it's best to put the spotlight on the series narrative, but the adventures of amnesiac Adol barely hold a candle to the fast and frenetic combat of the game. What seems like a mindless hack-and-slash on the surface quickly becomes a palm-drenching test of patience through its punishing and satisfying boss battles. Even if you come to Ys: Memories of Celceta looking for a trip through the lore of the franchise, you'll likely end up staying for that classic, addictive Ys combat.

In spite of an ending that leaves much to be desired, Ys: Memories of Celceta is a great action-RPG that re-contextualizes a decades-old franchise for a modern audience. Adol's adventure mapping out the Great Forest of Celceta is an excellent introduction for newcomers, and a competent re-release for series veterans. Complete with dual audio and 60fps gameplay, the PS4 release is the definitive version. On a design level, the opening hours aren't as strong as they should be, but after the halfway point this finds its groove. An emphasis on exploration, layered dungeon design, excellent boss fights, and a generous amount of customisation, keep combat gripping throughout. The title might not be the series best, but Ys: Memories of Celceta is a love letter to one of the RPG genre's premiere franchises.

Memories of Celceta is a perfect onboarding point for anyone looking for something more exotic than the ATB system, but with the look and feel of a classic game of that bygone era. It’s engaging, satisfying, and perhaps most telling of all has me excited to check out other entries in this storied franchise.

A graphically improved title that thanks to its addictive gameplay, intriguing story and excellent soundtrack, becomes an interesting proposal within the JRPG genre.

Ys: Memories of Celceta features fun and challenging gameplay complemented by deeply satisfying exploration that keeps your interest.

Ys: Memories of Celceta can't quite compete with the heavyweights of the genre, mainly because of it's shallow story, but still offers enough entertainment through its gameplay to be considered a decent experience.

Ys: Memories of Celceta doesn’t shine quite as brightly as it did when it was a handheld exclusive, but it’s perfect for fans of the Ys series and anyone looking to speed through a shorter JRPG.

Ys: Memories of Celceta is a game where it’s more about the journey than the destination. Every portion of the map presents a new discovery, and that becomes wildly satisfying across the 20 hours runtime. The story elements and flimsy side-missions don’t always help with the overall engagement, but that doesn’t really matter when the battle system is just so much fun. Still, if you’re looking to play the best version available, I’d point you to the PC release, but either way, this is one adventure that I encourage you to go on.

Eight years later, the product has retained its strengths, but we would have expected something more from the remastering, especially on the artistic side, now more deficient and obsolete than ever.

Although this is probably not the best version of the game (the PC one has better graphics and the original on Vita was portable), Memories of Celceta remains a fast paced action RPG good for all seasons.

Memories of Celceta is like a bite-size RPG for kids or for the millennial with time constraints who still wants to play RPGs, but can’t commit to 100-hour behemoths like Persona 5. It’s fun and doesn’t outstay its welcome.

Ys: Memories of Celceta was and continues to be a highly engaging action RPG that makes a great addition to the franchise. Its best selling point is its combat system, which offers up a compelling and smooth flow of button-mashing fun, highlighted by boss battles that stand out with higher difficulty and require a defter handle on the system’s more intricate aspects. Nice graphics, a tuneful soundtrack, and an interesting supporting cast, each with their own compelling stories, round out the package that should be a no-brainer for those who haven’t yet played it. Those looking for an expanded revisit from previous iterations, however, should know that there isn’t enough new content added to this release to make it worthwhile of a whole new purchase.

A perfectly serviceable if underwhelming remaster that brings the Vita game to the PS4. A fine RPG that will keep you entertained but it’s definitely not the best the Ys series has to offer. A bit of a missed opportunity.

I do need some kind of narrative focus, and with Ys: Memories of Celceta, that's pushed so far to the periphery that I really struggle to connect with it as some others have. The action is great - it's shallow, but that's not a criticism when it's this smooth and enjoyable - but I just can't get past the lack of context.

Ys: Memories of Celceta is a good game. This PS4 port just doesn’t do enough to make it stand out in the current market, however. If you’re new to the Ys series, you’re better off with Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana, which simply looks and plays better yet isn’t a great deal more expensive. Only ardent fans are likely to go wild about this basic port; at least until it goes on sale, anyway.

Ys: Memories of Celceta is a fine port, but there is plenty for room for improvement. Fans of the Ys series should enjoy it; all others should check out some videos beforehand.