Ys: Memories of Celceta

 PlayStation Vita
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 287 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 249 out of 287
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 287
  3. Negative: 23 out of 287
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  1. LeonMagnusC
    Jun 6, 2021
    8
    Decent game for Vita, not the best. Good graphics, good music. must have for ARPG lover.
  2. Anonime
    Jul 10, 2020
    8
    Ys is one of those games that have evolved a lot throughout their lives, and this is a clear example of how to do it well.

    The story is not its culmination, but its characters make it so, that it hooks you, that, and the maps and skills that you discover as you progress. If you like a soundtrack to take off your hat, we have a product that does not disappoint.
  3. Aerrihn
    Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Firstly, I have sunk over 500 hours on the PS Vita version of the game in the year that it had initially been released. I have Platinum Trophy'd the game and the rest of the time was spent grinding for materials that basically make god weapons for each character.

    Ys Memories of Celceta has a special place in my heart as my favourite PS Vita game. It is a remake of Ys IV which had    Firstly, I have sunk over 500 hours on the PS Vita version of the game in the year that it had initially been released. I have Platinum Trophy'd the game and the rest of the time was spent grinding for materials that basically make god weapons for each character.

    Ys Memories of Celceta has a special place in my heart as my favourite PS Vita game. It is a remake of Ys IV which had originally had a 1993 release as two different versions by two different studios which Falcom had licenced out. So technically, this is actually the first time Falcom had made this game. Ys MoC is part of the Ys series, each game is a traveloge that was found in his home after his death. Ys MoC takes us to the Kingdom of Celceta and the Great Forest.

    The basic plot is that Adol had ventured into the Great Forest only to return with amnesia. As luck would have it Adol is then tasked by the Governor General in the town of Casnan to map the Great Forest. The rest of the story follows Adol as he maps the Forest, literally picking up pieces of his memories as he visits places he had been to before and unravelling the secrets of the forest.

    The music is always the best part of any Ys game. Each track can be found on YouTube for free as the game studio makes their music inhouse and allows anyone to use their music provided they are given credit. From calm, soothing pieces to hard rock and hints of metal, the game has it all. Each boss fight, each dungeon and each monster encounter has a heightened experience thanks to the music.

    The combat is a slightly less polished version of the Ys VIII combat system, so I'll borrow that section of the review and place it here. The game is action combat, with a button for a basic attack, a block, a dodge and a button to switch characters on the fly. On top of the fact that there is a skill point wheel where the first basic attack the player deals after a brief moment out of combat gains the player skill points. While holding down the ZR trigger (which can be mapped elsewhere, in fact everything can be remapped and should be, the defaults pretty awkward to use), it turns the face buttons into skills that can be assigned in the menu and leveled up through just using them. Blocking at the exact moment the enemy attack hits the player will grant a "flash guard" where for a short while every attack the player deals is a critical hit, and dodging at the right moment grants a "flash move" where time is slowed for all enemies for a short while and the player is immune to damage.

    There are a total of 6 different playable characters and there are three damage types. Slash, Strike and Pierce with one type for each character. The player can switch between three party members on the fly in order to "break" enemies by attacking enemies with their weakness hence stunning the enemy and removing their resistances altogether.

    The map is open, with instanced sections. The player may revisit any part of the map to look for particular monsters to gain their materials or any plants for their ingredients as well. Each character has a special interaction with the environment that allows for an excuse to stop the player from exploring further than their prepared for.

    At the start of the game, the character models feel very outdated, almost like a PS1 title, however, as soon as you start to play, you realise you never get to see the details of the character models outside of cutscenes anyway. Not to mention in combat the combat effects mask a lot of the bad grpahics that you would've otherwise been exposed to. The in combat animation work is also stellar given the models they would've had to work with.

    Sidequests appear on request boards in each of the different towns. Many of the sidequests are limited time only. Which means if the player missed one, they would have to wait until the next playthrough to be able to 100% the game.

    The endgame is a grind. Outside of some hidden bosses that are never really given an introduction or context outside of their names, the rest of the endgame comes down to grinding materials that are able to max out the player's best weapons and armour. To get all six of the best weapons 2 playthroughs are a necessity. However, since the combat is so fun, the grind is actually quite fun as well. As the last thing I ever did on my PS Vita I had maxed out all six weapons and armours for all six characters.

    Overall, it is a great game to have either on your PS Vita or even the great port for PC courtesy of XSEED games. If you enjoy a classic JRPG that is not turn based combat, this has got to be one of the games at the top of your list.    … Expand
  4. ZeroXR
    Dec 9, 2019
    8
    Great story, gameplay, music, and simple but beautiful graphics. There is no dub in Japanese, but it is not necessarily a problem. For a rpg game, it is small, would be necessary an extra game.
  5. Iskaver
    Apr 29, 2019
    9
    To be honest, I never expected to love this game as much as I do. In fact, for the most part, I hate anime. But the description of this game's story intrigued me and I decided to give it a try. I quickly found myself hooked and spent hours playing the game. It has a fantastic story, fun combat, and a beautiful, large world. This game is without a doubt one of the best handheld games I'veTo be honest, I never expected to love this game as much as I do. In fact, for the most part, I hate anime. But the description of this game's story intrigued me and I decided to give it a try. I quickly found myself hooked and spent hours playing the game. It has a fantastic story, fun combat, and a beautiful, large world. This game is without a doubt one of the best handheld games I've ever played.… Expand
  6. itchipod
    Dec 25, 2017
    8
    Maybe the best Action RPG for PS Vita. Easy controls, likable protagonist and well-crafted world. The story may not be as charming as Ys Seven.
  7. zidfrit
    Nov 3, 2017
    9
    Un juego bastante entretenido con una historia buena, una gran variedad de enemigos, un mapa extenso por explorar, armas, personajes, poderes, estrategias equipo que podrás manejar a tu gusto, simplemente uno de los mejores juegos de esta consola, si te gusta el genero este juego lo debes de probar aunque sea el primero de la serie que juegues.
  8. SincereGamer
    Jan 3, 2017
    9
    As someone who went and got the Platinum Trophy before writing this review, I can say Ys: Memories of Celceta is one of the best action RPG games on the vita. This being my first entry in the series, I was very impressed with how engaging the gameplay is. The game has a few areas that aren't as shiny, but the game as a whole is very enjoyable and well executed.

    The Pros: -The Battles    As someone who went and got the Platinum Trophy before writing this review, I can say Ys: Memories of Celceta is one of the best action RPG games on the vita. This being my first entry in the series, I was very impressed with how engaging the gameplay is. The game has a few areas that aren't as shiny, but the game as a whole is very enjoyable and well executed.

    The Pros:
    -The Battles rock! The fighting in this game is some of the best I've seen on the vita, and arguably among the most satisfying. Timing the perfect dodge or block feels immensely gratifying and causes time to slow down allowing a 5 second window to whale on your enemies. All the bosses are well designed and fun to fight.
    -The game is right length and is nicely condensed! Ys:MoC isn't excessive at all! The game is built in a way that your objectives are always clear and you never feel overburdened by the scope of all the things that need doing. The game is sweet and to the point. Teleporting makes travel a breeze and the side quests are reasonable. Managing your inventory and weapons is also well done.
    -Lots of variety! The landscapes and dungeons are great to explore. Your characters are constantly learning new moves. Enemies and bosses are various and distinct.

    The Cons:
    -The story is the only minor drawback, but I'll be quick to point out that the story isn't bad. It's just that more effort could have gone into making the story more effective. Even the characters, while perfectly sufficient(like the story) could have been made with more oomph. This was my only worthwhile gripe.

    SUMMARY:
    COMBAT: 10
    GRAPHICS: 8.5
    EXECUTION: 9
    STORY: 7.5

    I don't like giving games a hard 10 since there's usually room for growth, especially in sequels. But scoring this game a 9 is my way of recommending it and demonstrating that this game is worth playing. Ys: Memories of Celceta is a great game, that doesn't overthink the medium. It's simplicity and engagement are what make it a fun game.    … Expand
  9. inuzumi
    Dec 17, 2016
    8
    If you're going to start with the Ys series I highly recommend to start whit this one, is the most balanced game in the series for long(in terms of difficulty). The gameplay it's very similar to Ys Seven, too similar I would say, it takes the best of that game gameplay and improves it. The same with the missions, in this one the side quests takes a great part in the game. The story isIf you're going to start with the Ys series I highly recommend to start whit this one, is the most balanced game in the series for long(in terms of difficulty). The gameplay it's very similar to Ys Seven, too similar I would say, it takes the best of that game gameplay and improves it. The same with the missions, in this one the side quests takes a great part in the game. The story is regular and predictable and the characters are less inspired. It has a great replay value with the trophies and with the side quests, there's always something to do in the map of Celceta. If you're looking for a challange, not so difficult but neither so easy, I highly recommend to play it in hard mode, the normal mode it's just too easy(even for me).

    Note: Lord of the jungle, please Nihon Falcom nerf that pendejo needs to be nerf!.    … Expand
  10. Gwyndolin
    Sep 22, 2016
    9
    Definitely one of the best titles on the PS Vita.
    If you like Action RPGs you should definitely check this one out. Fast paced hack and slash gameplay that is fun from beginning to the end. The soundtrack is great, it made exploring the maps more fun than it already is.
    Story is decent. I'm a story-oriented player so I must say its strengths does not lie in the storytelling. It's not    Definitely one of the best titles on the PS Vita.
    If you like Action RPGs you should definitely check this one out. Fast paced hack and slash gameplay that is fun from beginning to the end. The soundtrack is great, it made exploring the maps more fun than it already is.

    Story is decent. I'm a story-oriented player so I must say its strengths does not lie in the storytelling. It's not really bad or anything, it just isn't the main selling point.

    As for graphics, it's fine and there was not any frame rate drops that I can remember. If there was it was probably minor and rare.    … Expand
  11. southtree
    May 1, 2016
    10
    Excellent game and really underrated by reviewers for some reason. Best game for Vita I have played in the last two years. Story is great and it is really easy to get into.
  12. yktan9
    Jun 15, 2015
    10
    It's a gem for the PS Vita platform!

    The gameplay is simple and effective: - Player can switch among the characters in the party real-time, based on the their skills, both in combat as well as exploration. - The levelling up mechanism is not too repetitive. Boss fights requires different strategies. - It's open world but at the same time there is a strong storyline to lead the    It's a gem for the PS Vita platform!

    The gameplay is simple and effective:
    - Player can switch among the characters in the party real-time, based on the their skills, both in combat as well as exploration.
    - The levelling up mechanism is not too repetitive. Boss fights requires different strategies.
    - It's open world but at the same time there is a strong storyline to lead the player.
    - The teleport stones help to reduce the labour of travelling within the areas players have visited.
    - Special moves are easily executed.

    Excellent artwork, character/beast designs, soundtrack.
    Good story-line that blends well with the exploration and leveling up nature of the game.
    The appropriate voice in during text conversations adds on to the characters' personalities.

    Improvement
    - As with all games personal preference comes into play. I would prefer a little bit more depth to the combat (perhaps, possible to turn it on in hard mode?). Some more combo moves to make the combats a bit more engaging. Being an option, it can still be kept simple for a portable pick it up game, and at the same time satisfy hardcore gamers.    … Expand
  13. StaticSpine
    Apr 1, 2015
    9
    A very fun Action RPG with simplistic but catchy gameplay, decent story, several playable characters, lots of side quests and crafting. A must-have for all Vita owners!
  14. Sploolordcam
    Feb 2, 2015
    8
    Memories of Celceta is an extremely solid Ys game, and a great ARPG which provides yet another reason to own a Vita. Despite being a remake of Ys IV, and while the story connects to the other games in the Ys series, the game is able to stand on its own without much lost for newcomers to the series. The gameplay is the same satisfying fast paced hack-and-slash which has existed since YsMemories of Celceta is an extremely solid Ys game, and a great ARPG which provides yet another reason to own a Vita. Despite being a remake of Ys IV, and while the story connects to the other games in the Ys series, the game is able to stand on its own without much lost for newcomers to the series. The gameplay is the same satisfying fast paced hack-and-slash which has existed since Ys abandoned the bump system. The skill attacks allow for mix-up in method of attack and can even be used in some circumstances as a dodge if timed correctly. I found the normal difficulty a bit easier in this game than compared to games such as Oath in Felghana or Origin, but this likely had to do with the bosses in the game straying away from the heavy bullet hell formula. While bosses do spam some attacks that require good dodges, it's nowhere near as screen-filling as previous games. The soundtrack is standard Ys fare and a great accompaniment to the action. The story of the game revolves around Adol trying to regain his memories while he believes he lost in the uncharted forest of Celceta. I found the main plot to be nothing too spectacular as it developed, but the subplots for each character and sense of exploration in the forest keep my attention throughout. Like many Ys games, achieving story completion can be done in around 15-20 hours, and as such Memories of Celceta is a great pick up if you're looking to play an RPG which doesn't require a 60-80 hour investment. Overall Ys: Memories of Celceta is a great Vita exclusive which should be tried by any RPG fans who own the system.… Expand
  15. Yanarchy
    Jan 7, 2015
    10
    I could write a freaking novel on how good this game is. Instead, though, I will only say that if you own a Vita, you owe it to yourself to play this one.
  16. Key_Notes88
    Dec 3, 2014
    8
    Great action RPG. If you're a fan of the Ys series, you won't be dissapointed.

    -Gameplay is one of the stronger reasons to play any Ys game, even moreso Memories. The combat here is engaging in that everything is realtime battle, no turnbased strategizing here, which makes for a more intense and exciting experience. More specifically speaking, you have your standard block, dodge, and    Great action RPG. If you're a fan of the Ys series, you won't be dissapointed.

    -Gameplay is one of the stronger reasons to play any Ys game, even moreso Memories. The combat here is engaging in that everything is realtime battle, no turnbased strategizing here, which makes for a more intense and exciting experience. More specifically speaking, you have your standard block, dodge, and attack, but enhancements are made with each option as you have special moves, super attacks, flash dodges (which slow time if timed just right), and blocks that can knock your enemy off-balance.

    -The Story is your standard save the world with teens running around with oversized weapons. You do meet a cast of memorable characters, all with their own origin and backstory. There's nothing really new here if you're already an avid fan of the JRPG genre. However, there are some legitimate funny parts in the game and some surprising moments.

    -Content is plentiful. If you're looking to get every chest, max out every special move, and complete every side quest, you could easily invest over 40 hours into this game. But even without doing all that, completing the main quest, some sidequest, and maxing only your favorite specials will take you around 25 hours to complete.

    -Areas for improvement include rewards for completing many of the sidequests. Very few sidequest would yield useful rewards. Also the graphics aren't very appealing, the scenery can help make up for it at times however, but for a Vita game, it could use much improvements.

    Overall Ys Memories is a great game to add to your Vita collection. Not one of the most technically demanding games to show off to friends, but the gameplay is one to keep you engaged until the end.    … Expand
  17. xpaultheman
    Aug 25, 2014
    10
    I love the fast paced combat, the story, the special moves, the map progression system, the crafting system and the RPG elements. One of my favorite JRPG! Best $30 well spent in a long time.
  18. Inryoku
    Jul 9, 2014
    9
    This game is a must-buy for every PS Vita owner who likes RPGs. The graphics are meh and the story fulfills its purpose but can be easily ignored. The things that made me play it for 30 hours (and not being even remotely close to put it down) is the vast amount of content and the gameplay which are stellar; the world is humongous and the combat system very tight and rewards utilizingThis game is a must-buy for every PS Vita owner who likes RPGs. The graphics are meh and the story fulfills its purpose but can be easily ignored. The things that made me play it for 30 hours (and not being even remotely close to put it down) is the vast amount of content and the gameplay which are stellar; the world is humongous and the combat system very tight and rewards utilizing effective blocking and evading. So if you have a Vita and like RPGs then it's a easy choice you won't forget.… Expand
  19. simpletaste
    Jul 4, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Falcom brings Ys:MoC to the PSV with a very well done adventure that I could recommend to anyone with the handheld system.

    The story is well paced and told nicely with story beats that tie into one another which keeps things interesting.

    Battle system is fun, where individuals can create their own play styles. You can button mash if you wish, or you can slow it down for a more methodical approach to situations. Either way the action is fast and can get intense at times.

    In game character portraits are great. The world is colorful and varied and doesn't fall into lava dungeon here, ice dungeon there cliches.

    Voiced dialogue is usually used in introducing main characters in the plot and in certain scenes here and there. The voices are okay. The voices themselves match the characters quite well, but the delivery of some of the actors lines can be hit or miss. Their is very little of it through the adventure so It shouldn't bother even the most snobby of critics too much.

    The pay off at the end is so so(pre-credits) but it didn't upset me, just a little underwhelming. The true payoff of the story was in the journey itself which I had a great time.    … Expand
  20. Sikko
    Jun 7, 2014
    10
    Great action RPG, Adol is a little annoying, but that is easily dealt with in the early stages of the game. Fun action based combat, that is better played on the harder difficulty, otherwise the temptation is to be button mashy. Good for at least 2 play throughs.
  21. Huesitos95
    May 15, 2014
    9
    Uno de los mejores juegos de Vita este año, Probablemente, es el mejor RPG que saldra en Vita hasta verano, un indispensable!
    Musica buena, jugabilidad perfecta, innovador, no tienes que estar todo el dia grindeando...
  22. FlipYa4Real
    Apr 4, 2014
    10
    This is an arcadey action RPG. You basically mow down hordes of enemies while upgrading your gear to 'Godly' levels if wanted, or forgo to save your money for later - which I should have done more of.

    In any case, the music is top notch. I'm not sure who created the soundtrack (that's probably elsewhere in these reviews) but rock fans will be pleased. In any case if it is not your    This is an arcadey action RPG. You basically mow down hordes of enemies while upgrading your gear to 'Godly' levels if wanted, or forgo to save your money for later - which I should have done more of.

    In any case, the music is top notch. I'm not sure who created the soundtrack (that's probably elsewhere in these reviews) but rock fans will be pleased. In any case if it is not your cup o' tea you can play your own music over the top of it.

    The gameplay is superb, for what it is. You won't find better on the Vita in the Hack n' Slash sense.

    Kill mobs
    Return quests
    Upgrade
    Fight a boss
    Proceed to next town while mowing down mobs
    Listen to some story
    Get quests
    Repeat

    In general the above will be the formula. There is some extra content if you return to towns, find an interesting spot on the map that maybe wasn't accessible until you got item 'XYZ', or just out of exploration. The world itself is fairly vibrant. Mobs spawn for the most part in 'what is that on the horizon?' mode. You mostly get first attack, however there is dodge and block - both of which can trigger a slow motion mode where all of your attacks are critical. It seems I mostly just mashed buttons while throwing in the occasional Special or Ultra Special combo. This probably can't be done so much at higher difficulties. For what it is - with enemies exploding like pinatas with loot - I loved it. I wished that the game had some level of gore or blood to accompany the violence. It would make combat that much more satisfying.

    Graphics. Graphics. Graphics. Wow! These sure do disappoint. The characters seem to be worthlessly upscaled to the Vita resolution. The same for all of the textures in general, although the characters will be the most annoyingly noticeable. The game world has it's share the same issue but seems to have fared better. In any case this is only just enough of an annoyance to merit a slight knock to the score. If you're playing this game you've come for the gameplay after all, amirite?

    Story is alright. It has some interesting concepts that are enough to keep you reading. The characters are not deep at all. Most of them have quests related to them where you learn about them, then you're back to the main story. I think this game could do with some more mature themes, but I see the direction is more light-hearted so I wouldn't count on being pleased or displeased in this aspect. If you're a fan of the series I'm sure it will be quite a bit more interesting.

    All in all a very quality title. I will rate up slightly due to it slaying any similar competition (or lack thereof) on the Vita. There really is not another game that delivers hack n slash, loot fest, quality action gameplay with a neatly-riffed soundtrack, and a decent story in one package. I really enjoyed the time I spent with it, enough that I purchased YS:Seven to play afterwards. I play this more than Soul Sacrifice which is slightly similar, but with a more mature story and graphics only because I prefer the details I outlined above.

    I will rate down slightly due to poor graphics and what I thought was a mediocre story - but this is my FIRST Ys game, so I think my appreciate of the story can only increase as I believe they all follow the main character Adol in his monster slayings.

    A '8.5' with the nerf from graphics + story. A '10' because there is nothing else on the Vita that compares to it and I'll round up from '9.5' because it's mathematically correct (lol) and because I'd love to see more Ys or similar titles on the Vita.

    Buy it. Support the devs, they give the Vita plenty of love. At a decent file size.    … Expand
  23. SteveGonzola
    Mar 23, 2014
    10
    The game is colourfull , fast paced, long and it has a good story.

    The story is that Adol (you) went into the Great Forest of Celceta and was the only one so far to come back alive. But he has forgotten who he is or what he did.

    The gameplay is great and fast, and the game is overflowing with color.

    Stop reading this review and buy it!
  24. godef
    Feb 8, 2014
    10
    One of the best games for psvita.It's an action RPG wonderful,perfect to play it in a handheld.The soundtrack is brilliant,one of the best I heard.Every psvita user would have to own this game because is awesome.C'mon buy it!
  25. MarcinOS
    Dec 20, 2013
    10
    My first YS game was YS: The Ark of Napishtim. Later I played YS Seven, but this one is amazing. Nice story, combat system and music confirmed me in my opinion that this is the best action RPG ever. I recommend a special edition of the game.
  26. AbelTensor
    Dec 19, 2013
    10
    Ive been a Ys fan for as long as i can remember. A while back i got my hands on Ys 1 and 2 when falcon had released them as a double pack and i just fell in love with the story, lore and characters. Having never been into other big Jrpg titles, Final fantasy for example, I was pretty surprised, Now here we are years later talking about a remake of the 4th Ys game. It wouldn't beIve been a Ys fan for as long as i can remember. A while back i got my hands on Ys 1 and 2 when falcon had released them as a double pack and i just fell in love with the story, lore and characters. Having never been into other big Jrpg titles, Final fantasy for example, I was pretty surprised, Now here we are years later talking about a remake of the 4th Ys game. It wouldn't be correct to call it a remake more of a re-imagining/redubbed game, just keep that in mind.

    Memorie's of Celceta is by far the best RPG on the PSvita. Maybe thats just my subjective opinion but i personally think it certainly is better then most in an objective way and since its one of the few true Arpg's in the vita catalog right now, it is certainly the best Arpg for the vita.

    Story: Ys 4 follows the exploits of Adol Christian, our red haired hero/adventurer and starts out like most Ys games in that he has no memories. Him and his friend decide to go explore the "great forest" at the behest of the commander general of the town they start in for a grand reward that will be claimed by the first people to fully complete a map of the forest. The story seems simple but as with all Ys games it is anything but that. As the story starts to flesh out and the characters become more and more established you really start to pull for adol. The game makes you feel a sense of being on a grand adventure. The story is very strong like all Ys games, it starts out simple and is very easy to follow but still has its twists and turns and keeps you interested the entire game. The characters as well are rich and deep as well as interesting to interact with. You want to know more and you get to know more as the game progresses.

    Graphics: One of the best looking games on the Vita, baring tearaway. At first it doesnt seem that grand but then you see all the little details involve, the day/night cycle, the different skills and sprites as well as the seamless world. The character design is what you would expect from a JRPG but its not overly moe like some other games in the genera.

    Controls: As a note here, when i first heard they were going to use the Ys 7 mechanics over the ys origin etc platforming i was a bit saddened as I felt that the Ys 7 combat was weaker then previous installments. This was all misguided. Ys 4 effectively expands upon the ys 7 combat mechanics and makes them into something far more interesting and grand. You may not be able to jump but you can dodge/block and you have 5 skills at your disposal as well as very fluid controls. You are able to seamlessly swap between party members in the heat of battle each with their own play style and strength. Weapons and Armour can be upgraded via reinforcement with different attributes such as chance to crit and regeneration allowing you to fully customize your party to meet your play style. As you progress you unlock various artifacts that allow you to do things like run up steep cliffs or swim underwater, each of which adds more and more depth to the game.

    Sound: As with any Ys game you have some of the most unbelievable music. The soundtrack for this game really gets you involved emotionally, building great tension in large boss battles and producing emotion in somber moments. Roaring guitar's mixed with violins are a trade mark of Falcom's games and this one is no exception. The voice acting is a little weak as it is an English dubbing and personally i would prefer the Japanese dub over the English one, but there is very little of it in the dialogue and cut scenes that it wasnt enough to detract from the experience. The sound effects provide impact and make the combat feel more visceral and add to the already fluid game play in a great way.

    Overall: This game is a very solid RPG for anyone who likes the genera. There isnt anything overly complicated about the system but it still has enough to keep even the most hardcore gamers involved. The difficulty levels of the game make it very challenging like all Ys titles that came before, which is a breathe of fresh air in a very "casual" game market. With my playthrough i clocked about 25-30 hours of game time on hard difficulty which is in my opinion more then enough, but they've added a new game+ mode as well as boss time trials to extend the replay-ability and while i doubt ill be playing it again so soon after completing it, i will certainly come back to play it not long from now. The last difficulty nightmare is certainly something i need to explore.    … Expand
  27. C3realkillah
    Dec 19, 2013
    9
    This game is one of the reasons im glad i have a vita. well this and the phenomenal persona 4 golden. With that being said, i'm a sucker for jrpgs. this is the first ys game i've played in the series and though i dont know how any other ys games play, this one is fantastic. First off its fun as hell. I love the hack and slash style real time combat. The open world is big and vast withThis game is one of the reasons im glad i have a vita. well this and the phenomenal persona 4 golden. With that being said, i'm a sucker for jrpgs. this is the first ys game i've played in the series and though i dont know how any other ys games play, this one is fantastic. First off its fun as hell. I love the hack and slash style real time combat. The open world is big and vast with chests and memories among other things to find and collect. The characters all use different weapons and have their strengths and weaknesses. Its nothing really new to jrpgs there are still side quests, leveling up, crafting, weapon upgrades, etc. that are in most jrpgs but it still is rewarding and great to have. Most of the sidequests, unlike most jrpgs, have some unique and very fund side objectives beyond the boring fetch quests. without spoiling any they are fun and not at all boring. they are pretty varied too. their are 6 playable characters each with their own skills and their character developement is great. The story, though not stellar, is still pretty well told and the dialouge is smart and funny at times. I really enjoyed this game and im still playing it. Yes it is addictive but also rewarding. If you like jrpgs you need to pick this up and also try persona 4 golden these two games are definitely worth purchasing a vita for.… Expand
  28. MurphyBear
    Dec 13, 2013
    9
    Now THIS is the RPG the Vita has been DYING for! If you're like me and would rather play an action RPG as opposed to spending all your time maxing out your "social links" as a four-teen year old Japanese girl buy this game now and pass on that other crap....
  29. Volken
    Dec 11, 2013
    9
    About 20 hours in this game and I have to admit I love it To be honest, I bought this game just because it's been a long time since I played a JRPG in this kind of atmosphere (mix between medieval, magic and I was surprised very good soundtrack, fights are great, history is classic but good. Maybe my best experience on VITA in 2013. So for me, it is a 9
  30. tattoosteve
    Dec 9, 2013
    10
    For a vita game the map is pretty expansive and you can explore a ton. It's also pretty hard and that's a plus if you want it to last longer (like me). Great combat. Great game overall.
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best PS Vita Game of 2013
4
#4 Most Discussed PS Vita Game of 2013
2
#2 Most Shared PS Vita Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Apr 27, 2014
    60
    Not even the savvy touchscreen controls can gloss over the real problem: the uninspired world you're forced to inhabit - and for a 20+ hour commitment, that's a bit of an issue. [May 2014, p.83]
  2. Hyper Magazine
    Apr 9, 2014
    80
    Utterly generic but brilliant fun nevertheless. Shame about the perfunctory ending, though. [May 2014, p.74]
  3. Eurogamer Spain
    Apr 8, 2014
    80
    Nice characters, a simple but deep combat system and a well written story makes difficult to stop playing while this adventure lasts.
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