Ys IX: Monstrum Nox Reviews
Good new game in Ys series with six amusing characters and gameplay.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Adol Christin's most agile adventure excels but its PS5 port can only be recommended to first-time players
Optimization woes aside, the latest entry in the Ys series is an action-packed and freely-explorable delight.
Another excellent addition to the Ys series with better combat, exploration, and new traversal mechanics.
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
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