Ys IX: Monstrum Nox Reviews

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is ranked in the 79th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8 / 10
Feb 2, 2020

Its linearity and lack of freedom will disappoint, but almost every other aspect is stellar.

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9 / 10.0
Feb 11, 2021

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox might just be the best Ys game yet. More emphasis on storytelling and a wider range of gameplay elements makes for a game that’s a little more absorbing, and one that also gives you some time to breathe between all the fast-paced action. It takes a little time to get going, but once the narrative is in its stride you’ll want to know more about the Monstrums that battle by your side, and what secrets the Prison at the heart of Balduq holds. Add on top lashings of entertaining combat and a soundtrack that’s a pleasure to your ears from beginning to end, and you have a game that’s simply a joy to throw yourself into.

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Jan 29, 2021

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is an outstanding RPG and a big step forward for Ys, with superb story, combat, and characters - plus one of the best settings in the series.

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8 / 10.0
May 19, 2023

Great game with a straight PS4 to PS5 port without any extra bells and whistles

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80 / 100
May 10, 2023

Although its PS5 version is redundant, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is still a fantastic game. Following on the footsteps of Lacrimosa of Dana is a daunting challenge on it's own, but Nihon Falcom manages to keep the legacy of the legendary RPG series intact through a memorable cast and a story full of twists, being highly recommended for fans of the series and the genre.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jan 17, 2022

Good new game in Ys series with six amusing characters and gameplay.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jul 5, 2021

The Switch certainly isn't the best place to experience Adol's latest exploits, though, so unless portability is a must, I'd advise looking into other versions, if that's an option. Darker in tone, Monstrum Nox is largely a strong step forward, and Ys fans aren't likely to walk away disappointed. I, for one, am excited to see where Adol the Red's next book takes him.

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Renan Fontes
Top Critic
8 / 10
Apr 13, 2021

Newcomers risk drowning in a sea of references, while franchise veterans are bound to be put off by more cut-scenes than the series is known for, but Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is an astonishingly addictive action-RPG that just gets better as it goes on. A rough opening and choppy plotting undersell a genuinely gripping mystery that reflects on Adol's history as an adventure, culminating in an incredible last act. Falcom's dungeon design is the best it's been in years and the numerous gameplay additions made to combat bring the Seven Engine close to capturing the same highs that defined the Napishtim era. Monstrum Nox may not live up to its narrative potential, but Ys IX's gameplay only leaves one thing to be desired: more.

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8 / 10
Mar 20, 2021

A more serious and engaging story combined with the always entertaining gameplay we see in Ys series, made Ys IX: Monstrum Nox one of the best games in the series and one of the best JRPGs of the year.

Review in Persian | Read full review

Mahdi Maleki
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Feb 8, 2021

We can admire Ys IX: Monstrum Nox for its fun gameplay and good use of role-playing elements such as fascinating side quests and of course, interesting features of each character. On the other hand, it does not have an acceptable story and characterization and it does not reach an acceptable level in terms of technical graphics of a new game. In the end, If you are a fan of the RPG games or YS series, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a nice game to play.

Review in Persian | Read full review

Feb 3, 2021

Where Ys VIII took the series so close to becoming something that I could love, Ys IX gets it there. It tells a strong story with vibrant characters, has a great setting, gorgeous aesthetics, and slick combat, and most importantly, it balances all of that out in a way that is nuanced and engaging. I have reviewed three top-flight JRPGs in just the last week alone, and with a pile more to come in the coming weeks, 2021 is off to an incredible start for the best genre of them all.

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85 / 100
Jan 29, 2021

With a very fun and enjoyable story, even if its not without its issues, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox evolves the series' combat system to new heights, being another great title that lives up to the beautiful legacy of its name.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

10 / 10.0
Aug 24, 2021

Overall, YS IX: Monstrum Nox is an enjoyable game that captures the heart of the JRPG genre. I highly recommend this game if you’re a fan of the series. And even if this is your first foray into the game, I am fairly certain you will enjoy it and would want to play the other games in the series.

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8.4 / 10.0
Jan 29, 2021

For all that Ys IX: Monstrum Nox does that's new, there's no denying that it's still a tried-and-true Ys game at its core. Although I wish it took more risks with its setting and gameplay, it's still a great action RPG that fans like me will love.

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8 / 10.0
Feb 10, 2021

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a great action-RPG with fun, likable characters, a beautiful world to explore, and addictive combat everyone should try out.

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8.5 / 10.0
Aug 3, 2021

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is another solid entry in the often underrated Ys franchise. It’s fantastic cast of characters will get you incredibly attached to the townspeople and their goals and motivations and the flashy, fast paced real-time combat keeps encounters engaging and chaotic. If you’re happy with a slight performance trade-off for portability, it’s a great addition to your Nintendo Switch library.

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8 / 10.0
May 12, 2023

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox was just as fun as I remembered, only this time more polished and stable. The developers have ported over the PC version along with a number of minor visual tweaks and adjustments, yet they’ve omitted a number of useful features such as an unlocked framerate, cooperative multiplayer, and increasing visual settings such as draw distance. Overall I enjoyed playing through the game again but it’s hard to recommend to those that have played the original PS4 version on a PS5 console or those with a PS Plus subscription (as it’s currently on there), yet it’s easy to recommend to new players and those that wish to replay the experience.

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Recommended
Jul 21, 2021

Optimization woes aside, the latest entry in the Ys series is an action-packed and freely-explorable delight.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jul 15, 2021

Another excellent addition to the Ys series with better combat, exploration, and new traversal mechanics.

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INVEN
Top Critic
8.3 / 10.0
Jan 14, 2022

Ys Ⅸ: Monstrum NOX is the result of a bravely new attempt by the production team inspired by Ys Ⅷ: Lacrimosa of DANA. Although some fans may feel it ambiguous, they can meet Falcom's small but elaborate semi-open world and enjoy excellent actions through this work.

Review in Korean | Read full review