Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA Reviews
The storytelling is lacking but otherwise this is one of the most interesting Japanese role-players of recent years, and one that isn't afraid to take inspiration from other genres.
Between building up your base, making new discoveries, and fighting intense boss battles, Ys VIII is a hard adventure to put down
The latest entry in the Ys series delivers a fast-paced and very satisfying action-RPG experience.
Story has never been the pull of the Ys franchise for me, though, and if you're not yet familiar with the series, it's not why you should give this game a chance. And make no mistake: You should give Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana a chance. Developer Nihon Falcom has always been talented, but this project represents a new high for the studio, a game where each piece comes together and interlocks in a way that feels damn near perfect. Don't let the obscure name fool you; forgettable story aside, this is one of the best action-RPGs of this generation.
I've got everything I look for in an action RPG right here.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA has its share of flaws but its very satisfying combat more than makes up for it while the fun exploration and good story kept me going through all of it. Ys fans will love this one, and those new to the series are sure to get some enjoyment with the solid fast paced action that might turn them into fans as well. This is definitely a game I would like to have with me to play if I ever get shipwrecked on a deserted island.
Ys VIII is, without a doubt, a huge step for the franchise. In stripping away a lot of the usual narrative tropes the series is usually known for, Nihon Falcom have put a fresh spin on the franchise that puts characters and small moments over grand adventures and vast mysteries. Tied together by a fast-paced combat system and great music, the negatives of Lacrimosa of Dana are far outweighed by the positives, and this is a game that any JRPG fan would be a fool to sleep on.
A must-buy game for the JRPG genre fans that only needs improvements in its story to be almost perfect. The best gameplay mechanics of this saga and one of the big japanese titles of 2017.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
There is no doubt that Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is one of the best deliveries of the saga. Despite its small flaws and shortcomings as not being translated into Spanish, it's an ARPG with a scent of Kingdom Hearts and one of the best games of the genre to date.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana was a great game in 2016 and still is in 2022 (although in some aspects the passage of time is noticeable), but the almost total absence of additions or improvements makes this version for PS5 somewhat questionable.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Featuring an undeniable retro charm, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana certainly doesn't stand out for the graphics. On the other hand, the gamplay is fun, frenetic and framed by a pleasing and multifaceted narrative. A title strongly recommended to old-school RPG action estimates.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Ys VIII is a fantastic new action RPG from Falcom that is great for getting into the excellent Ys franchise and one that has a ton of quality content and sublime combat.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is a wonderful game, but this PS5 upgrade doesn't do much to justify its existence. You get the DLC and an obtuse 120 fps mode, sure, but you're basically still getting the exact same experience as if you played the PS4 version on a PS5 or Pro. The game itself is highly recommended, but console upgrades should have more features and this feels like less than the bare minimum.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is an exhilarating adventure with plenty of secrets to uncover and a wonderous island for you to explore. If you're a fan of the series or are even just a fan of RPGs in general, then Lacrimosa of Dana is an easy title to recommend. Its fast paced combat system and intriguing storyline will keep you hooked throughout.
It took years for Falcom to develop the perfect entry in the series, and with Ys VIII: Lacrimosa Of Dana, they finally managed to do so by refining the renewed story focus and gameplay mechanics introduced in Ys Seven without taking away what makes the series so enjoyable. With a well-executed, albeit not really original story, charming cast, fast paced battle system, engaging boss battles, tight challenge level and plenty of side-content, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa Of Dana is without a doubt the best entry in the series and one of the best action role-playing games released this year.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is easily the most ambitious entry in series to date, with an expansive world map and a greater emphasis on storytelling.
VIII Lacrimosa of Dana is an addicting action JRPG that features great combat and a narrative worth exploring.
Ys VIII Lacrimosa of Dana is THE Japanese RPG of this end of summer on the PS4. It brings some new features to the series, two unique adventures, a big playground without denying what makes what Ys is. We'd like having a better general achievement and french translation to get an almost-perfect game. But those who like the genre have no reason to stay away from the game, which is a nice present for the 30th anniversary of the series.
Review in French | Read full review
…this game is about the journey and it's a trip worth taking.