Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA Reviews
Simply put, everything in Ys VIII feels real good.
Ys VIII is a great action RPG with a really fun narrative premise. It’s welcoming to newcomers so don’t worry if you haven’t played the prior games in the series. While it does have some performance issues and does take a few hours to really get going I found it hard to put down once it’s core gameplay loop digs it’s claws in. It’s a very welcome addition to my Nintendo Switch and has made the Ys series something I’ll be keeping an eye on in future.
So, should you buy Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana? Absolutely and unequivocally yes. With a reduction on the fluff, an easy-to-learn combat system and a plot that (unlike many JRPGs) doesn't border on the incomprehensible, Ys VIII stands as a fantastic example as to how these games should be made and one I'll now hold as a benchmark to mark any future JRPGs against. An essential Switch purchase.
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.
Despite some small annoyances, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is a blast on the Switch. The simply, yet fun, combat is a winner whether you’re on the go or playing at home. Add in a thrilling story and it makes for one of the better offerings for the platform. Sure, it could perform a little better and do a better job with direction, but these things are quickly forgotten when you’re defending your settlement or finding new residents.
As a lover of RPGs, this game is extremely lacking, and it caters only to previous fans of the series.
Ys VIII is a marvelous game that truly deserves more attention.
Ys VIII's smooth combat, amazing music, and fun-to-explore environments make for a memorable and rewarding experience. Unfortunately, you may want to steer clear of a Switch port that mars that experience with technical and localization issues.
Ys VIII combines fun combat with an intriguing story to create an unforgettable adventure. Exploring the island is made even more entertaining by constantly finding new people to expand your camp and make your characters even stronger. Don’t miss out this excellent action/RPG.
Ys VIII on Switch manages to offer the best handheld version of the game, but it comes with its own fair share of problems that hold it back.
Ys has a long and respected history. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is only carrying the torch of what came before. There's so much to love about this game from its characters, the environments, the enemy designs and the juicy combat system. You can expect the usual JRPG goodness such as typical anime tropes, silly dialogue, humorous moments and dramatic events. The soundtrack is no slouch, either. It's great. There is performance issues and the localization is far from perfect, but Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA at its core and every unique thing it offers makes for a jolly time. If this is your only way of playing the game, then you need this JRPG in your library immediately.
YS VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana was certainly a great playing experience.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is a fantastic game for a host of reasons. The characters are charming, the gameplay is entertaining and there is a solid gameplay loop that kept me exploring just a little further each time. Fans of the Ys series owe it to themselves to explore what this latest chapter in Adol's adventures has to offer, but the gentle learning curve and various options provided make this an approachable title for those new to the series or the action RPG genre as well.
I always found myself constantly moving and exploring everything that Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana had to offer, and whenever I needed to take a quick break from all the tight action, I found myself appreciating the company of my fellow castaways and the natural wonders of Seiren Island. With its streamlined combat system and compelling narrative, the latest entry in the Ys series is another solid addition to the Switch's growing library and should definitely be on every JRPG lover's list..
With fun, fast-paced combat, likable characters, and an enjoyable story that takes full advantage of its beautiful shipwrecked setting, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is a top-shelf action RPG. Exploring the Isle of Seiren is as rewarding as mastering the character-swapping, hack-and-slash battle system, and both fit into an addictive feedback loop of adventuring that keeps everything moving at a quick clip. Editing issues and inconsistent image quality in handheld mode are small blemishes on an otherwise polished production, but don't let them deter you; Ys VIII is a true gem.
In addition to an interesting story, setting, and a truly wonderful score, I can't help but walk away singing its praises. That's not to say it isn't without fault, as a slow start will be enough to scare some off and the map can cause some confusion, but these are things worth toughing out to see all the good.
Still, this port isn’t flawless, and there are still dips and even resolution downgrades from time to time, but overall, this port is an excellent second-place to the PS4 version of the game, and Switch owners are in for the best action RPG experience out of the entire Nintendo Switch library to date.
In my opinion, Ys VIII falls just short of being a masterpiece, but is still an amazing game despite its shortcomings. I found the island of Seiren to be an absolute blast to explore, as it is chocked full of action, adventures, wonders to explore and mysteries to uncover. Ys VIII is my favorite Switch RPG to date, and has made me a fan of the series to boot. While it may not have the same performance quality as its PS4 counterpart, it is still an excellent version all around. Be right back while I install Ys Seven on Steam.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana might not be the most gorgeous game there is, but it's an excellent JRPG adventure that will keep you busy with a hefty amount of playing time.