Ys IX: Monstrum Nox Reviews

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is ranked in the 79th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10.0
Jan 29, 2021

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is an epic tale with a vibrant world within its walls. With its tried and true gameplay, this latest entry nimbly balances familiarity with the rush of innovation.

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8.5 / 10.0
Mar 14, 2021

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.

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8 / 10.0
Mar 18, 2021

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

9 / 10.0
Mar 11, 2021

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.

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90 / 100
Mar 4, 2021

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

4 / 5.0
Feb 24, 2021

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.

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9 / 10.0
Feb 19, 2021

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.

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4.5 / 5.0
Feb 18, 2021

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.

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Unscored
Feb 12, 2021

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

8 / 10.0
Feb 9, 2021

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a step in the right direction for Nihon Falcom with some intense combats and a well-thought-out story. The characters are fun and they bring a lot of possibilities to the gameplaly making it almost impossible for the players to get bored. If it wasn't for the very average visuals and the monotonous colors of the game, the experience could've gone from good to great. Guess we'll have to wait for Ys X...

Review in French | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Feb 8, 2021

Agile action makes Ys IX: Monstrum Nox an engaging experience. Elaborate scenarios and great navigation skills that invite us to explore every corner are the main highlights. The combat remains frantic and full of energy, with mechanics that offer a mix of trivial action and strategic moments. Besides, the world has a lot of content and the plot has captivating characters. However, there are some issues: uninteresting visual themes, dated visuals and performance problems. In the end, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a great action RPG whose qualities surpass the few problems.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

80 / 100
Feb 8, 2021

Despite having pretty big shoes to fill, Ys IX is a standout action RPG title with a decent plot and features top-tier gameplay that's challenging and addictive. Sometimes, that's more than enough when you're an RPG maker who has to be creative with a budget.

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Jan 29, 2021

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is an excellent RPG is the long running Ys series that takes the story in a darker direction. It retains the character traits that fans know and love of Adol, Dogi and other companions. The combat system is further refined with some new features to keep the series fresh for long time fans. However, the game's PS5 crashing issues might plague one's experience so keep that in mind. Overall, the game is definitely worth the time for new and old fans alike.

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Recommended
Feb 5, 2021

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a great follow up and yet another satisfying chapter of Adol Christin's life. Playing as Adol and the supporting Monstrum proves that there is still a ton of life left for the Ys series. The darker take and the Prison City of Balduq are full of secrets and treasure and the sidequests are some of the best the series has offered.

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Unscored
Feb 1, 2021

Monstrum Nox might play close to the vest in just about every aspect, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a quality JRPG. Sometimes a comfort game like this is just what’s needed, and Ys IX certainly fits the bill checking all the boxes that you can expect out of a game of its kind. It’s a very fun and straight to the point adventure that’s well worth your time even if it doesn’t break the norm in any sort of way whatsoever.

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8 / 10.0
Feb 5, 2021

Ys IX Monstrum Nox is a role-playing pearl that I wouldn't want to miss. The ninth part also convinced me with its battle system and story. Especially the plot is, in my opinion, the best story of the series. Unexpected twists combined with exciting character relationships have me under their spell. The graphics are, as in the other sequels, unfortunately outdated and could use a beauty treatment. With 20 to 30 hours and six different difficulty levels, you can spend quite some time in Balduq. The New Game Plus mode also invites you to collect forgotten items and explore all the secrets of the prison city. All in all, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a solid JRPG title that you won't regret buying.

Review in German | Read full review

7 / 10
Feb 3, 2021

The problem is the game feels like a major step back from the previous entry in the series. The stilted storytelling, boring setting, and just decent soundtrack all feed into my feelings of disappointment. Lacrimosa of Dana was one of the best games I played in 2017, and the fact that Ys IX doesn’t reach that high is frustrating. If you’re in the mood for more Ys, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is still worth a play. This isn’t a bad game in the slightest…just a disappointing one compared to the highs of recent series entries.

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8.5 / 10.0
Feb 1, 2021

Overall, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox sets up for some rather interesting possibilities to the eventual Ys X that I’m already stupidly excited for. The change of direction from the rest of the series and having Adol explore one city and its surroundings instead of unknown and untamed wildlands with loads of ancient runes and various villages and towns isn’t a bad one but I do hope for more of a mix of the two in the next adventure.

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9 / 10.0
Feb 1, 2021

In the case of Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, this joy originates from the complete freedom of exploring the beautiful and fascinating city of Balduq, and from the never ending optimism and sense of wonderment from the main protagonist, Adol Christin. Mix in a well paced story filled with twists and turns and a combat system that perfectly straddles the line between precision and chaos, and you have an experience as carefully crafted as the seemingly endless prison that is the focal point of the story.

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Feb 1, 2021

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a real shot in the arm as far as livening up the formula, and while Falcom accomplished the mission of making Ys’ non-combat gameplay more exciting, the setting of Balduq left much to be desired–maybe it’s just me being tired of having to quarantine after doing it virtually all of 2020, but it can’t really feel good for Adol either.

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