Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA Reviews
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana disappointed me when I couldn't launch it to play after I picked it up. However, once it started working I was amazed by the rich visuals and the storyline. I was even pleased by the action aspect of the combat, and I am all about the traditional turn-based RPG. If you pick this game up you will love it or you won't. But it's definitely one I plan on playing for a long time still.
As a newcomer to the Ys series, I couldn't recommend Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana enough. Touted as being twice as long as previous instalments, the fast pace of the combat system and bountiful questlines available makes for a consistently entertaining experience with little in the way of grinding.
Lost in Blue meets Xenoblade is not a matchup I would have ever thought of, but it's a solid one with a great foundation of fun combat, great premise, amazing music and nice story. The few problems it has are pervasive and distracting, but never enough to really turn you off. While it doesn't have a volleyball character, I'd still recommend it to most any RPG fan.
Ys is a series that has never been a triple A level spectacle, but has consistently put out memorable games for close to three decades.
Ys VIII is nearly perfect when you're simply exploring the island and defeating monsters, but the story sometimes interrupts the action too much.
The Ys series is back and its newest installment is simply remarkable.
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..
Ys VIII proves once again that 2016 is the year of J-RPG. Not only does it offer solid RPG elements and dynamic combat sessions, it also does a very good job at making us discover the Siren Island and care for our heroes. And with its excellent graphics (especially for the Vita version) and this very good soundtrack, all that makes it one of the best game of this summer 2016. A great J-RPG to play on the go !
Review in French | Read full review
Ys VIII isn't Adol's typical adventure, but it's so well-crafted (aside from chatty characters) from its combat down to its methods of exploration and side mission variety. It may take a bit longer for newcomers than long-time fans to take the bait, but once you're reeled in, you will be hooked. You'll need to be hooked, because even with a crit-path strategy for completion, it will easily take over 40 hours to get through the mystery of the Isle of Seiren. Fortunately, any action-RPG fan, even those who disliked the Ys series in the past, will find plenty to lure them in and keep them on the line.
Having said that, if you're totally new to the game and you're a fan of action RPGs, Ys VIII remains a fantastic island-trekking, monster-mashing experience. One of Falcom's finest.
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
VIII Lacrimosa of Dana is an addicting action JRPG that features great combat and a narrative worth exploring.
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.
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: 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
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.
The latest entry in the Ys series delivers a fast-paced and very satisfying action-RPG experience.
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.
Ys VIII is a smooth and speedy action RPG that is weakened by a curious proclivity to pander to trends instead of carving out its own niche in the space this series helped to define decades ago.