Ys X: Proud Nordics

I would say this is a good game. Though the combat and progression system is not the best but a good foundation. For combat, I dont have problem with the duo system and the overhaul combat design away from Ys 8 and 9. But because chaos of attacks from mob are not as chaotic as ys 8 and 9, the combat flow is a bit slower and not clicking buttons (mashing) that much as compared to ys 8 and 9. The perfect block window is generous and holding it will automatically blocking attack but the revenge meter will gain less. Even with the evade system, you will hold it to avoid the blue color attacks. This design is fun but at the cost of the pacing and not as chaotic as previous ys. Still it is fun. Though this combat design only feel like being pushed/challenged only by a few bosses, first 2 bosses (not familliar with the button scheme yet) and 2 optional bosses (late game) and also the final main boss. Thats the only time I feel challenging and the others are a bit mindless. The thing I dont like is the button scheme during combat. It is not good when you want to block (R2) and immediately follow with solo skill (R1). It cant be smooth because both use the same finger (index finger for me). You can alternate middle finger (R2) and index finger (R1) but Im not used to it. Im okay with the progression of this game which for me has more things to do than ys 8 and ys 9. But then again, this thing depends on individual because ys is known as pure action game which usually has simple progression system and this ys 10, wants to have some deep progression system but its kinda shallow I would say but still Im okay with it and hoping they will deepen it in the next installment. For the story, I would say out of ys 8 and ys 9, this is much smaller in scale and not fight a god level character at the end. It still enjoyable and Im good with it. Not the best but still good. For the main party characters, I really enjoy with this cast. Rose is fun and her arc is great. Grenn is goofy but his moment is good especially when he sort of the main focus when the issue is about adult vs teen. Other characters have moment too in the issue of adult vs teenagers but Grenn is more of the forefront. Rafe has a good story too and I like his personality but the pacing of his last event is a bit fast that I cant immersed in his last event story. Lastly for Karja, the main heroine, Im okay with it and I can see she is developing into a better person. The most developed character in the game. From a bit harsh and brute character to soft and strict but unforceful person. She's quite soften after many chapters which is good. I would say she is cool and I mean cooler than Dana, ys 8 and Aprillis, ys 9. Another thing Im kinda lukewarm about is the exploration. The ship gameplay is good but the exploration is a bit tedious despite Im 100% explored both ys 8 and ys 9. Idk maybe because Im fatigue because I played back to back from ys 8 to ys 10. Im only 90% something for the exploration in ys 10 but complete all side quests and events. This feel tiring but not in the same too tiring as other open world games. All in all, good game. Out of ys 8, 9 and 10, I would say this is in the same vein as ys 9 because ys 8 is still the best for me because of Dana