The Ys series has had a niche yet staunch audience over the many years the series has been active, mainly because of strong storytelling and engaging gameplay. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana marks the latest entry in the series that follows tradition, and adds some significant improvements, which makes it the easily among the best entry in the franchise, both for fans and newcomers.
Long time hero in the series, Adol Christin makes a return. However, unlike previous Ys games, he’s isn’t instantly entrusted with saving the world, or ordained a legend by prophecy, or a familiar JRPG tropes. Instead, the game has strongly rooted narrative, well as rooted as it gets in fantasy JRPGs, that is surprisingly compelling and absorbing. You start the game aboard a ship, headed for Eresia. On the way, you are attacked by a sea-monster, and you and the surviving crew are washed ashore on Seiren Island. You are then tasked with making sure that everyone bands together and focus on survival.
You build a settlement called Castaway Island, and begin growing a community that relies on each other for day to day needs. This comes together in a wonderful way, that makes it feel like a society filled with real people, instead of unnamed NPC merchants that are there to sell you things. On your explorations you come across new characters, that you then bring to the settlement, and they play a relevant role. Some can be doctors, others can armor, and so on. They also have unique personalities and you can interact with them to get to know their stories, and even do quests for them.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana also looks great, which makes exploring and adventuring even more enjoyable. It’s not the best looking game in terms of graphical fidelity, but the elegant art style and flashy combat more than make up for it. The scenic vistas, and vibrant outdoors really make for some stunning sights, and there’s enough variety here to keep the exploration feeling fresh.
You quickly get into the routine of setting out in search of items and survivors on the island, and the task of building the community feels really enjoyable and compelling. Soon enough though, bigger events come into play, and Dana is introduced. While her introduction, initially through Adol’s dreams, is a bit weak, she really comes into her own over time. In the meantime, there are tons of activities to take part in, and hours fly by without you ever realizing it. The combat is obviously the highlight, and Ys VIII has it in loads. There are tons of creatures and big monsters to defeat, and almost every encounter is a fun experience. You can easily switch between party members during combat, which is essential in order to make use of their different abilities against enemies that have specific weaknesses.
Ys VIII has given me many hours of fun, a I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon (except to play destiny 2 that is). There are some issues with the story slowing down at times, but the combat and exploration always feels rewarding, and the music makes it really to get lost in the gameplay loop. If you’re hungry for a new adventure, and even a great entry into the Ys series, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana will absolutely deliver on that.
Register with us for the best in gaming, and join us for video game discussions on our forums.
