Clouded Leopard Entertainment and Nihon Falcom reveals details on new characters, the Recapture Battle, and side quests for the upcoming action RPG Ys X: Nordics, commemorating the 35th anniversary of the acclaimed Ys series.

Characters

Nihon Falcom released a sneak peak into newly introduced important characters Grimmson, Gunnar, Hugill and Flair who will accompany the protagonist in her adventure.

Grimmson Balta (voiced by Kazuhiro Yamaji)

• Age: 40

“We Normans are always walking alongside death… That’s what life is all about, no?”

Leader of the Balta Navy and the father of main heroine Karja, the Pirate Princess. He is said to rival the infamous One-Eyed Ladoc of the Medo Sea. Grimmson also possesses the charisma to rally a band of troublemakers and the political savviness to resist the Romun Empire. Grimmson is an excellent fighter who can channel rage into raw strength and is also a powerful Mana user.

Gunnar (voiced by Shuhei Sakaguchi)

• Age: 29

“I think it’s time you turned your attention to the lives of your constituents, Princess.”

A Norman who serves as the chief warrior of the Balta Navy under Grimmson’s leadership. Gunnar is a skilled fighter who leads the Balta Navy’s second fleet with rational and precise decisions. He is a well-reasoned and organized man though, protagonist Karja can be a bit of a challenge for Gunnar, even still he watches her growth as fellow Norman like he did with Feria.

Hugill (voiced by Kosuke Kobayashi)

• Age: unknown

“Caaaaaaww!”

A well-fed male raven that had taken Balta Island, the base for the Balta Navy is his home for some time. He is a curious individual with tendencies for mischievous acts, but still treated well by the Normans as they believe in the legend of god Harl watching over the world through a raven’s eyes.

Flair Rall (voiced by Keiichi Sonobe)

• Age: 47

“Being alive in this world is nothing short of a miracle to me.”

Rall is a doctor from Lance whom Adol met during his adventures in the ancient kingdom of Ys. Never judge a book by its cover as Dr. Rall is a responsive man who is very willing to venture out of his village to offer medical support regardless of risks. He keeps Adol company in his journey to search for the original Celceta Flower seed, which is said to be able to cure incurable illnesses. He also helps out in Karnack’s clinic during his travels. 

The Recapture Battles

The Recapture Battles is a new gameplay content where players battle at sea and on land. 

In Obelia Bay, where the adventures of Ys X: Nordic take place, there are islands scattered all over the sea and are seized by the immortal Greegers. 

When discovering a Greeger-controlled island with the vessel Sandras, players can approach it to engage in a special battle to recapture the island. 

The Recapture Battle sequence plays out like this: 

1. Approach the Greeger-controller island with the Sandras 
2. Commence a naval battle with the Sandras
3. While battling enemy ships, destroy the “Barrier Pillars” set up around the island 
4. Once the Greegers disappear from the island, you are now able to land 
5. Disembark with Adol and Karja, then commence battle against the enemy base 
6. Defeating the Greegers and conquering the enemy base allows the player to then retake the island\

Naval battle also comes with missions that can be cleared, and each completion will hype up the crew, making it easier to activate each character’s “Recapture Battle Skills”. 

Furthermore, depending on the excitement level gained while at sea, Adol and Karja may be granted advantages at the start of each land battle. 

Each successful recapturing of an island will grant rewards according to the rank earned. 

Additionally, recaptured islands will be converted into quick-travel points and be shown on nautical charts for ease of exploring Obelia Bay.

Hugill’s Message 

While voyaging in the Sandras, Hugill the Raven will at times deliver messages to Adol and his party. 

The content varies and may come from the Balta Navy or other NPCs met around Obelia Bay asking Adol and Karja for help. 

Depending on what’s written, the messages can be accepted during the player’s Obelia Bay adventures as side quests and sub-stories. 

Ys X: Nordics is the tenth installment of the highly acclaimed Ys series, commemorating the 35th anniversary of the franchise. 

The game is due to release on 28 September 2023 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4.