The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails, an action RPG infused with platforming elements, initially made its debut on the PSP back in 2012, but regrettably remained confined to Japan like many of Falcom’s lesser-known titles. This newly remastered PS4 version now offers a revitalized take on what some might consider a classic. While it may not quite reach the pinnacle of Falcom’s Ys series, The Legend of Nayuta undeniably delivers an exhilarating gaming experience. In essence, Nayuta draws inspiration from both Ys and Trails, two renowned JRPG franchises by Falcom. The gameplay shares similarities with Adol Christin’s adventures, while the storytelling aspects take cues from the Trails series, primarily in terms of pacing and character development. What sets Nayuta apart, however, is its unique structure, where our spirited protagonist, Nayuta himself, shuttles between his hometown, resembling a hub, and various action-packed stages.
The core of the game’s roughly 20-hour narrative unfolds early on, as Nayuta and his adventurous companion Cygna embark on a quest to uncover the secrets hidden within the ruins scattered across their beloved Remnant Isle. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Nayuta immerses himself in this mystery, swiftly transporting players to another world teeming with bizarre landscapes, mind-bending mysteries, and, naturally, menacing creatures. To be frank, the narrative fails to captivate. Nayuta proves to be a charismatic lead, and Remnant Isle instantly charms as a backdrop, but the overarching plot falters due to its reliance on tired and predictable genre tropes. It all feels somewhat lackluster despite well-crafted dialogue and a couple of plot twists attempting to inject intrigue. Overly serious villains, a chirpy mascot sidekick, and the introduction of an amnesiac mystery girl form a combination that hampers the RPG’s narrative.
Fortunately, the game’s fusion of hack-and-slash combat and brisk platforming is more than sufficient to maintain your interest. With responsive controls and a satisfying gameplay loop, dashing, leaping, and battling through each relatively short stage is a gratifying experience. Moreover, completing extra objectives, such as beating a stage within a specified time limit, rewards you with stamps that can be utilized to unlock new combat techniques, ensuring a constant sense of purpose.
Now, let’s delve into the action. At its core, Nayuta offers straightforward slashing gameplay, featuring a quick and uncomplicated sword combo, a dodge roll, and a double jump. You engage an enemy, and if your combo doesn’t finish the job, you skillfully evade its impending counterattack. It starts out easy, but the game introduces adversaries that demand strategic thinking, whether due to ranged attacks or specific technique resistances. As you face enemy groups that blend multiple elements, the challenge intensifies, and it’s a welcome development. Boss battles are a standout feature as well, featuring their own unique gimmicks. While it may take a few tries to devise a winning strategy, the level of creativity displayed is impressive, especially considering the game’s origins as a PSP title. From a gameplay perspective, Nayuta stands as one of Falcom’s most experimental endeavors, frequently delivering fresh intrigue with each new level.
That being said, there are moments when the game feels somewhat unfair. Unseen enemy attacks originating offscreen can be frustrating, particularly when they send you plummeting from a platform, forcing you to restart your progress. Additionally, accurately gauging the distance of certain jumps can prove unnecessarily challenging based on the camera angle of the stage. These issues are minor but can accumulate and lead to frustration when racing through a level for specific rewards. Nonetheless, if there’s one area where Nayuta excels, it’s in its presentation. This remaster elevates what was already a visually appealing PSP release to new heights. Models and textures have received upgrades, and the art style, adorned with a vibrant color palette and stunning lighting effects, truly shines at higher resolutions, all while maintaining a flawless 60 frames-per-second. This is a definite recommendation for fans of the Ys series or anyone seeking fast-paced, skill-based action titles.
