Ys IX: Monstrum Nox Reviews
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is another well crafted game of the Ys series and this latest reincarnation brings forth a great combat as well as exploration that keeps the player interested. Alas, not all is well with this version, and the game's poor performance on any screen creates an unnecessarily frustrating experience when we find ourselves dealing with more than two enemies at a time. Because of how almost ubiquitous this is, it makes it difficult to recommend Ys IX on the Nintendo Switch.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Despite at times significant performance issues, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox works well enough when it matters on the Switch. Players able to spend their time on Balduq on another platform will want to consider doing so, but if your only option is to play on the Switch or you really want to play on the go, Monstrum Nox is still at its core one of the best action-RPGs I’ve played in years.
"Unpolished blood diamond."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
While the majority of the formula isn't shaken up, the city of Balduq and its citizens have many sides to it. With an interesting story and a well laid out large city to explore Ys IX Monstrum Nox is another great adventure.
Despite non-trivial performance issues that significantly detract from the experience, a simple game design in virtually all respects, and few innovations, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox still has the virtue of its predecessor in having a solid, accessible battle system, diverse and relatively balanced action-RPG, yet with some enhancements, plus a reasonably well-written story, well-designed characters and, above all, considerable refinement in vertical level design and exploration in and out of dungeons.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ys IX Monstrum Nox is a very good Action RPG that will dazzle the regulars of the genre and the lovers of this saga
Review in Spanish | Read full review
At the end of the day, the game is still immensely fun, and a great action RPG, though it’s still best played on the PS5 (and PC, depending on how that port turns out), of course. Still, for a downgraded version, this is one of the better weaker Switch ports I have seen lately, even if a lot more work should be done for improving the exterior areas (which seems to have been already done, thankfully!), and I say for those who enjoyed the VIII port on Switch, you’ll enjoy this port just as much, if not a bit more.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a fabulous title, filled with all the beats and quirks expected from a great JRPG. The story is fabulous and the characters, both new and returning, are interesting. The customization options of the combat mean anyone can enjoy the game. From the newest of newbies all the way to combat-hardened JRPG vets that want a massive challenge. Overall, I would recommend Ys IX: Monstrum Nox to anyone who loves JRPGs or adventure anime, along with all of the other Ys titles as well.
In many ways Ys IX: Monstrum Nox feels like a game that confidently builds on its immediate predecessor while addressing its key weaknesses, namely traversal. As a result you have a game that feels like a concept shined to near-perfection, and I can’t wait to see what Falcom does next.
Although I do appreciate what Falcom tried to do with a huge change of pace and ambience in Ys IX, the city of Balduq is far too uninteresting in comparison to previous Ys entries and the narrative takes itself way too seriously. Thankfully, the combat is still amazing and what makes Ys IX: Monstrum Nox a must play for die hard Ys fans.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
High quality, high speed action. Moderate storyline but senstational soundtrack. There were concerns of a scare factor if the title implemented something totally new, but thankfully, it delivered 'what Ys is known for'. The only complaint - if we were to be picky - would be the standard looking graphics.
Review in Korean | Read full review
Ys IX Monstrum Nox is one of the most ambitious games in the series. It is laser-focused on crafting a better narrative but also innovates the gameplay with new concepts.
Ys fans have another quality release in their hands, action / adventure RPG fans a title that deserves their attention and Nihon Falcom another notable chapter in the popular series.
Review in Greek | Read full review
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a JRPG Essential in 2021. An incredible narrative that will no doubt inspire the series going forward. An expeditious escapade the hopes to insight some momentum in its long-running franchise.
I am simply delighted with Ys IX Monstrum Nox. I have enjoyed the title from beginning to end, a level that I do not rule out replaying it shortly to try to complete the list of trophies. A great installment within the Adol Christin saga that continues to add stories and places to his particular travel diary.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Ys has always had some of the most entertaining combat married with some of the best soundtracks in the RPG genre. However, Monstrum Nox manages to improve upon that already solid base with the titular Monstrum powers that elevate the exploration and boss battles thereby making both the moment-to-moment gameplay as well as the crowning encounters all the more entertaining.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox has also raised the bar for future entries, making it so that one could only wonder where the story is now and where it could go in the future. Will traversal be much the same or if there are more evolutions in the pipeline in the works for future titles? We can only hope.
With Ys IX: Monstrum NOX, Nihon Falcom continues its streak of creating fascinating worlds. Adol’s newest adventure, revolving around a mysterious prison in a single city, may sound like it’s small, but it offers layers of gameplay. With its various battle types, character abilities, collecting, and a rockin’ soundtrack, RPG fans will want to slash, fly, and scamper their way through Balduq, uncovering all its secrets. Whether you’re a veteran to the Ys series or a newcomer, the Crimson King awaits.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is an A-RPG in which we will return to embody Adol for a new adventure. A title with a well-chosen and well-executed story, an agile and frenetic combat system and excellent character design. On the other hand, at the level of scenarios and graphic polish it is deficient, which partially worsens the experience. Finally, its soundtrack is one of the best we have heard until the date in the saga and unfortunately the title is entirely in English.
Review in Spanish | Read full review