The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails is an motion RPG with platforming parts that began life on the PSP all the best way again in 2012. And as is the case with so lots 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 basic, and whereas we might hesitate to place it on the identical podium as, say, the most effective video games in Falcom’s Ys collection, there is no doubt that The Legend of Nayuta is a blast to play.
Broadly talking, Nayuta is like if Ys and Trails — Falcom’s standard JRPG saga — merged with each other. The gameplay has lots in widespread with the adventures of Adol Christin, whereas the narrative aspect of issues takes cues from the aforementioned Trails titles — no less than 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) bounce 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 pal Cygna uncover the secrets and techniques of the ruins that pepper their beloved Remnant Isle. Being so eager in his pursuit of scholarly information, 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 because of a reliance on drained and largely predictable style tropes. All of it simply falls considerably flat, regardless of a lot of properly written dialogue and a few story twists that attempt to hold issues fascinating. Overly critical dangerous guys, a squeaky mascot companion, and the arrival of an amnesia-riddled thriller lady is a mixture 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 brief stage is satisfying — and rewarding, do you have to go looking for hidden treasure chests and collectibles. What’s extra, finishing extra goals — like beating a stage inside a set time restrict — nets you stamps that can be utilized to unlock new battle strategies. There’s at all times a purpose 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 bounce. You smack an enemy, and in case your combo is not sufficient to kill, you progress away from its imminent retaliation. Straightforward at first, however the recreation shortly introduces foes that require some tactical considering, be it due to ranged assaults or resistances to all the things however particular strategies. And if you begin encountering enemy teams that blend a number of of those parts collectively, issues turn into surprisingly tough — 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 if you keep in mind that this was initially a PSP title. Actually, it may very well be argued that from a gameplay perspective, Nayuta is one in all Falcom’s most experimental outings, and that usually works to the sport’s benefit as every new degree presents some type of recent intrigue.
Having stated all of that, there are occasions when the title feels only a contact unfair. Unseeable enemy assaults from offscreen generally is a drawback — particularly once they subsequently knock you off a platform and reset your progress — and appropriately judging the gap of some jumps may be unnecessarily troublesome relying on the stage’s digicam angle. Minor grievances for probably the most half, however the frustration can add up if you’re attempting to blitz a degree for the sake of sure rewards.
But when there’s one space the place Nayuta would not falter, it is presentation. This can be a nice wanting remaster of what was already a stunning wanting PSP launch. Fashions and textures have been upgraded, and the artwork model — topped off with its big selection of vibrant colors and extremely fairly lightning results — actually pops at a better decision, whereas working at a flawless 60 frames-per-second.
Conclusion
The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails is an effortlessly charming motion RPG. Although the story struggles to interact, there’s a lot to love in regards to the recreation’s hectic mixture of hack-and-slash fight and responsive platforming. A straightforward suggestion for followers of Ys, or fast-paced, skill-based motion titles generally.