Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA Reviews

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is ranked in the 91st percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Rice Digital
Kitsumeda
Top Critic
Sep 10, 2017

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.

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5 / 5.0
Aug 30, 2017

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.

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10 / 10
Oct 2, 2017

Personally I would have to say that for me the game didn’t disappoint and I will defiantly be looking into past games in the series and looking forward to future ones.

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9.5 / 10.0
Sep 26, 2017

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.

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9.5 / 10.0
Aug 29, 2017

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.

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9.5 / 10.0
Aug 30, 2017

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana has introduced a new type of adventure to the Ys series and does it incredibly well. The game takes the action-RPG genre to a new level with its excellent story pacing and gameplay. The game offers many hours of exploring and fast-paced action along with plenty more for those who'd like to dive deeper into the mysteries of the island. The truth is after picking up Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana I simply couldn't put it down until I finished the story. In the end, I found myself attached to many of the characters that I met along the way and part of me wished that this Ys adventure never had to end. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana will also release on PS Vita and PC.

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10 / 10
Aug 30, 2017

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is a massive game for PlayStation 4 and Vita with so much to do. It's a very fun and gorgeous game with a solid story, making this a game that you have to play on PlayStation 4 today. It's definitely now in the running for Game of the Year (at least in my book), and hopefully you will feel the same once you get started with your adventure!

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95 / 100
Sep 11, 2017

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.

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9.5 / 10.0
Aug 29, 2017

All I have to say now is, well done Falcom. Well done. You've got a new Ys fan, and made a certified masterpiece. I haven't played a game that's captivated me this much since Rogue Galaxy, back in 2007, so keep it up. Not just for us, but for the betterment of the JRPG genre.

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9.5 / 10.0
May 7, 2018

Technical issues aside, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is Nihon Falcom’s magnum opus, a masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come as the developer’s lasting legacy.

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Fextralife
DeadPixel
Top Critic
9 / 10
Oct 11, 2017

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is by far, the best entry in the series.

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91 / 100
Aug 30, 2017

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.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 1, 2017

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.

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9 / 10.0
Aug 29, 2017

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.

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ZTGD
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Sep 5, 2017

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.

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Ken McKown
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Jun 28, 2018

Ys VIII is a marvelous game that truly deserves more attention.

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Sep 1, 2017

Despite the rough visuals and occasional storytelling misstep, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana delivers some of the best music and combat of any RPG out there.

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9 / 10
Jun 19, 2018

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.

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9 / 10.0
Jan 25, 2023

Nearly seven years after first releasing on Vita, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana holds up incredibly well even today. Despite its old-school aesthetics, the game looks nice and runs especially well on the PS5, thanks to its high and consistent frame rate. Granted, the old-school gameplay might not float the boat of folks who want something more modern. For fans of classic JRPGs, however, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana’s interesting characters combined with its fun action combat and base-building and crafting mechanics make it one of the best games I’ve ever played in the genre.

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Aug 30, 2017

Nihon Falcom & Nippon Ichi Software has crafted yet another fantastic entry in the Ys series. The same great gameplay and storytelling elements that have become synonymous with the series, along with exceptional graphics. Sure, the top-down view has been replaced but the new 3D graphics help brings the world to life and I enjoyed the voice lines. Combine that with some enjoyable character development and a game that spans over 40+ hour and you got a game that you won't want to put down for a while.

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