Ys: The Oath in Felghana

Sometimes it's enough to take an old gem, polish it to a dazzling shine, and the world finally notices just how brilliant it always was. That's exactly what Ys: The Oath in Felghana is — a complete overhaul of a classic that turned it into one of the best action RPGs on the PSP.

The Oath in Felghana is a remake of Ys III by studio Falcom, masters of the action RPG genre. It takes the original adventure of the red-haired hero Adol Christin and dresses him in a modern coat — with beautiful 2D graphics, reworked level design, and a combat system that matches the fast, dynamic style of the series' later entries.

The gameplay is the pure essence of Ys: fast, fluid, and hard. You run, jump, slash with your sword, and unleash elemental spells at a hectic pace, with hordes of enemies bearing down on you. Boss fights are among the highlights — they're demanding, requiring you to learn patterns and hone precise reflexes, and the sense of victory is all the sweeter for it. The game isn't among the easiest, but its fairness and instantly responsive controls make every battle a joy.

And then there's the music. Falcom soundtracks are legendary and Felghana ranks among the best — thrilling rock and metal compositions that send adrenaline coursing through your blood and turn every fight into a concert. Many fans rank it among the finest game music ever.

Thanks to its compact length, polished gameplay, and gripping pace, Felghana is an ideal entry point into the Ys series as well as a showcase of what a well-crafted action RPG on a handheld console should look like. For lovers of brisk action, it's all but mandatory.

Why play: A polished remake of Ys III with brisk, hard action and a superb rock soundtrack — one of the best entry points into the Ys series.