Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA Reviews
While Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA doesn't reinvent the wheel, it most certainly improves absolutely everything it can over its already excellent predecessors. It hits the nail on the head with just about everything it does, from the stellar combat to the almost Metroidvania world structure to the actual feeling of exploring a mysterious island inhabited by feral creatures. This is one of the few rare cases where the game's narrative is closely tied to its gameplay, making for something truly refreshing. If you have never played a Ys game before this is the perfect place to start, while longtime fans are sure to be more than thrilled with this latest adventure.
Final Thoughts Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is one of our favorite releases this year, along with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch), and Persona 5. We highly recommend this game for players looking for a good-sized 50+ hours of adventure. You'll also dig the soundtrack as Falcom outdid themselves with this release.
Ys 8 is a polishment on the format debuted in Ys 7 which was also further refined in Ys Memories of Celceta and it is one of Falcom most ambitious titles to date. This ambition payed off because Ys 8 is one of the best games in the series, one of the best ARPGs of the year and an absolute must for PS4 and Vita owners.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
If you've never played a previous Ys game, like me, this is a great game to experience despite the long history and number in its title. Lasting just over 40 hours for me, this is a relatively easy recommendation for even none JRPG fans who prefer more mechanically driven games.
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.
Ys VIII is a lovely and harmonic mixture of Hack 'n' Slash and Role Playing games and has successfully accelerated the pace of gameplay without sacrificing the originality of this series.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Some minor technical limitations aside, gamers are in the presence of what is one of the most compelling JRPG stories the Nintendo Switch has seen, easily on par with Xenoblade Chronicles 2's and, admittedly for lack of competition at this level of polish, at time of writing anyway, the absolute and unquestionably best Action JRPG on the system.
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.
If you've never had the chance to play any game from the Ys series, it's time to give yourself a chance to do this. With many hours of duration, fun gameplay and dynamism thanks to its excellent performance, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana easily becomes one of the best action RPGs on the console.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana provides more than enough thrilling action RPG gameplay to satisfy fans' appetites.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is definitely going to set the bar for future installments of the Ys series. Hopefully it continues to go up from here, because I had an absolute blast experiencing this story and playing through the game. There were a few hiccups along the way, such as slight frame rate drops during more intense combat moments when there was a lot going on, minor voice acting issues, and rare AI issues. But these moments are easily counterbalanced by an incredible soundtrack, amazing story, addictive gameplay, and one of the best battle systems for any Action RPG around. Ys fans, you’re going to love this game. Action RPG fans, pick this one up. Everyone else… you might just be surprised with how good this game really is. Well done, Falcom.
The story of survival at the heart of the game is pulled off well thanks to an endearing cast of characters who all have a unique perspective and purpose. Ys VIII is hardly thematically rich, but it's so satisfying to play, tapping into that primal desire to pull off flashy combos at high speeds and watch that map percentage slowly creep up. Rather than one of shambling prehistoric beasts that populate Seiran, Ys VIII is no dinosaur and this is the freshest and most fun the series has been for a while.
Ys 8 Lacrimosa of Dana is without a doubt a great JRPG and one of the best entries in the main series. Keeping every element that made the series so great. Besides its gorgeous Soundtrack and great combat, it also features one of the best plots ever, being nearly as good as Origins, full of likeable characters and mature storytelling. Yet, its giant open world and playtime are it´s biggest problems at the same time, letting the first third seem more like aimless padding than a captivating element. However, this is basically the only complain I have, I enjoyed the latest entry in the Ys series way too much to not recommend it, Ys 8 Lacrimosa of Dana is truly an amazing JRPG.
If you’re a long term Ys fan, sure the story content may not be to your liking, but as it’s own thing, once the game lets you go out and explore, it’s one of the best in terms of gameplay.
When all is said and done, Ys VIII is an utterly engrossing and nostalgic adventure that no fan of the action-RPG genre should miss.
In short this game will surprise you as it makes RPG nay sayers a fan.
Despite the complaints, I can easily see Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana going down as a modern classic of the genre. The sense of wonder the game offers during exploration, the beautiful artistic presentation, and the just plain solid and fun gameplay make this a title that you absolutely should not pass up.
Right now is a great time to be a fan of the Ys series. With just about a simultaneous release of the upgraded Ys Seven for the PC which came out back in 2009, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana takes the concepts that were designed almost a decade ago and takes it all a step further.
It’s another win for Falcom as they continue to churn out quality games and be the envy of every developer in the genre, and we wish them the best as far as this great series gaining more noticeable mainstream attention.
This was my first Ys game and I can truly say that I would love to play the other ones to see if they offer the same kind of caliber when it comes to features and gameplay. And I’m hoping to find out what other adventures Adol has gone on to. If you’re a person who loves action RPG and likes the survival island life simulation, then this game is definitely for you.