Was kinda excited for this new version with extra content and DLSS. However, that excitement disappeared when I saw that NISA is holding back the discount for this new version for owners of the original Ys X: Nordics until march 6th, i.e. after the launch bonus art book is no longer available.

It's also silly that the discount for the owners of the original Ys X: Nordics is a limited offer until august 2026, like c'mon.

I love this series, but I can't help but feel like NISA is attempting to squeeze money out of fans.

This mishandled launch has made me decide to refund this game for now. Extremely disappointed.

Rant:
- $70 for a bit of extra story and area, some systems expanded upon and polished?
- 34% upgrade discount after 2 weeks to penalize day 1 buyers
- Oh you get free stuff with early purchase? Digital artbook
- No co-op which the old Ys X Nordics had so we actually LOST a feature? Guess thats coming in a $80 DLC in a couple months?

This is just a DLC in disguise with a $70 price tag

Review:

Main things that have changed;
- Levelling up skills has a stream lined system, making it less tedious
- Mana Tools also can be upgraded for extra effects
- New island is decent enough, you do it in sections requiring you to come back multiple times throughout the main story.
- Better info for collectables on map etc.
- A boss in main story got a rework
- Some extra stuff in the sea area (Extra mana currents to unlock)

It is not worth the premium price, nor the upgrade discounted price.
The way they released the original Nordics and announced Proud two months after has left a very bad taste.
I do not recommend.

One thing I don't see mentioned much is that existing owners of Ys X: Nordics can transfer their NG+ data for a new run, instantly re-unlock most of their achievements, and hit the ground running, with fresh balancing through the "infinity mode" (if enabled).

That said, asking your fans to pay an extra $70 (or even $55 with proposed future discount) for what is effectively a QoL patch and a DLC dungeon, just to LOSE access to any previously purchased DLC, is a customer hostile, purely greed-motivated business decision. I loved Ys X, but this re-release really is a stain on the franchise.