The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails is an motion RPG with platforming components that began life on the PSP all the way in which again in 2012. And as is the case with so a lot of Falcom’s lesser-known titles, it was by no means launched outdoors of Japan. This new PS4 model, then, is a remaster of what some would contemplate to be a little bit of a traditional, and whereas we might hesitate to place it on the identical podium as, say, one of the best video games in Falcom’s Ys collection, there is not any doubt that The Legend of Nayuta is a blast to play.
Broadly talking, Nayuta is like if Ys and Trails — Falcom’s in style JRPG saga — merged with each other. The gameplay has loads in widespread with the adventures of Adol Christin, whereas the narrative aspect of issues takes cues from the aforementioned Trails titles — at the very least when it comes to pacing and characterisation. However the place Nayuta units itself aside is in its construction, which sees our plucky protagonist (additionally named Nayuta) leap between his hub-like hometown and designated motion phases.
The principle thrust of the sport’s 20-ish hour story reveals itself fairly early, as Nayuta and his adventurous buddy Cygna uncover the secrets and techniques of the ruins that pepper their beloved Remnant Isle. Being so eager in his pursuit of scholarly data, Nayuta dives headfirst into the thriller, and it isn’t lengthy earlier than he is exploring one other world, filled with unusual landscapes, perspective-shattering secrets and techniques, and, in fact, monsters.
To be blunt, the narrative by no means actually had us hooked. Nayuta’s an enjoyably energetic lead, and Remnant Isle instantly charms as a setting, however the overarching plot stumbles as a result of a reliance on drained and largely predictable style tropes. All of it simply falls considerably flat, regardless of plenty of properly written dialogue and a few story twists that attempt to maintain issues attention-grabbing. Overly severe dangerous guys, a squeaky mascot companion, and the arrival of an amnesia-riddled thriller woman is a mix that’ll drag any RPG down.
Fortunately, the sport’s mix of hack-and-slash fight and fast-paced platforming must be sufficient to carry your consideration. With tight controls and a strong gameplay loop, dashing, leaping, and brawling your manner via every pretty quick stage is satisfying — and rewarding, must you go trying to find hidden treasure chests and collectibles. What’s extra, finishing further goals — like beating a stage inside a set time restrict — nets you stamps that can be utilized to unlock new battle methods. There’s all the time a aim to pursue.
Now then, the motion. Basically, Nayuta is a simplistic slasher. You will have a fast and simple sword combo, a dodge roll, and a double leap. You smack an enemy, and in case your combo is not sufficient to kill, you progress away from its imminent retaliation. Simple at first, however the recreation shortly introduces foes that require some tactical considering, be it due to ranged assaults or resistances to every part however particular methods. And whenever you begin encountering enemy teams that blend a number of of those components collectively, issues change into surprisingly difficult — in a great way.
Boss battles are a spotlight as properly. These climactic fights boast their very own gimmicks, and whereas it’d take a few makes an attempt to determine a sound technique, there’s a formidable diploma of creativity on present — particularly whenever you do not forget that this was initially a PSP title. The truth is, it may very well be argued that from a gameplay standpoint, Nayuta is one in every of Falcom’s most experimental outings, and that usually works to the sport’s benefit as every new stage presents some type of contemporary intrigue.
Having mentioned all of that, there are occasions when the title feels only a contact unfair. Unseeable enemy assaults from offscreen is usually a downside — particularly once they subsequently knock you off a platform and reset your progress — and appropriately judging the space of some jumps may be unnecessarily tough relying on the stage’s digital camera angle. Minor grievances for probably the most half, however the frustration can add up whenever you’re attempting to blitz a stage for the sake of sure rewards.
But when there’s one space the place Nayuta would not falter, it is presentation. It is a nice trying remaster of what was already a stunning trying PSP launch. Fashions and textures have been upgraded, and the artwork model — topped off with its wide selection of vibrant colors and extremely fairly lightning results — actually pops at the next decision, whereas operating at a flawless 60 frames-per-second.
Conclusion
The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails is an effortlessly charming motion RPG. Though the story struggles to interact, there’s a lot to love concerning the recreation’s hectic mixture of hack-and-slash fight and responsive platforming. A simple advice for followers of Ys, or fast-paced, skill-based motion titles usually.
