Falcom’s Ys 10: Nordics has received new screenshots and details (via Gematsu), providing more information about protagonist Adol Christin and newcomer Carja Varta. Since it’s set after Ys 1 and 2, Adol is 17 years old, and stops at Obelia Bay with Dogi, becoming entangled in a new adventure.
It involves Carja Varta, the other protagonist, who uses a hatchet and round shield. As the daughter of the Varta Navy’s leader Grimmson and a Norman, she carries out different pirate activities with her gang. Adol and Carja become intertwined, introducing a new combat system – Cross Action.
It has two modes – Solo and Combination. Solo Mode lets you fight as either Adol or Carja, and you can switch between them at any time (with the AI controlling the other). It’s a speed-focused style reliant on dashing and dodging blue aura attacks from enemies and unleashing counterattacks which hit surrounding foes. It’s also possible to trigger an attack and switch in the middle with your partner to continue the combo.
Combination Mode emphasizes power, offense and defense, and has you controlling both Adol and Carja simultaneously. You deal more damage but have reduced movement and dash speed. On the plus side, you have the Guard button and the Revenge Gauge, which increases with Combination-exclusive skills for dealing more damage. You can also just guard against red aura attacks, which knock enemies off balance and create an opening.
Ys 10: Nordics releases in 2023 for PS4, PS5 and Nintendo Switch in Japan. It hasn’t been confirmed for a Western release, so stay tuned.