The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails Overview (PS4)

The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails is an motion RPG with platforming parts 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 exterior of Japan. This new PS4 model, then, is a remaster of what some would think about 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 sequence, 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 well-liked JRPG saga — merged with each other. The gameplay has so much in widespread with the adventures of Adol Christin, whereas the narrative facet 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 levels.

The primary 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, stuffed with unusual landscapes, perspective-shattering secrets and techniques, and, after all, 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 on account 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 maintain issues attention-grabbing. Overly severe unhealthy guys, a squeaky mascot companion, and the arrival of an amnesia-riddled thriller lady 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 approach by every pretty brief stage is satisfying — and rewarding, must you go looking for hidden treasure chests and collectibles. What’s extra, finishing extra targets — 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. Essentially, 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. Simple at first, however the sport rapidly introduces foes that require some tactical considering, be it due to ranged assaults or resistances to all the pieces however particular methods. And while you begin encountering enemy teams that blend a number of of those parts collectively, issues grow to be surprisingly tough — in a great way.

Boss battles are a spotlight as properly. These climactic fights boast their very own gimmicks, and whereas it would take a few makes an attempt to determine a sound technique, there’s a powerful diploma of creativity on present — particularly while you do not forget that this was initially a PSP title. The truth is, it might be argued that from a gameplay perspective, Nayuta is certainly one of Falcom’s most experimental outings, and that always works to the sport’s benefit as every new stage gives some type of contemporary intrigue.

Having stated all of that, there are occasions when the title feels only a contact unfair. Unseeable enemy assaults from offscreen could be a drawback — particularly once they subsequently knock you off a platform and reset your progress — and accurately judging the gap of some jumps will be unnecessarily tough relying on the stage’s digicam angle. Minor grievances for essentially the most half, however the frustration can add up while you’re making an attempt 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. This can be a nice trying remaster of what was already a beautiful 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 working 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 sport’s hectic mixture of hack-and-slash fight and responsive platforming. A simple suggestion for followers of Ys, or fast-paced, skill-based motion titles normally.