Ys IX: Monstrum Nox Reviews

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is ranked in the 79th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
7.6 / 10.0
Feb 1, 2021

A new chapter in the long-lasting Nihon Falcom series, that delivers exactly what you expect: classic JRPG experience with outdated tech and gameplay that is still fresh and entertaining.

Review in Italian | Read full review

7.8 / 10.0
Aug 1, 2021

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

7.8 / 10.0
Jan 29, 2021

The night of the monsters may therefore not be the shocking event that we all expected, especially after the achievements achieved by Lacrimosa of Dana, but a good story and the rugged gameplay of the series, here embellished with a handful of new mechanics and above all by the Gifts of mostrum, which among other things lighten the exploratory phases , however, make it a enjoyable action RPG.

Review in Italian | Read full review

7.9 / 10.0
Jan 29, 2021

Ys IX is probably a step back if directly compared to Lacrimosa of Dana, due to the uneven balance between action and story, but it's still a very solid JRPG, graced by a fast paced combat system.

Review in Italian | Read full review

7.9 / 10.0
Jan 29, 2021

While not innovating or distorting the original formula, Ys IX Monstrum Nox still proves to be an eventful and extremely rewarding action-JRPG.

Review in Italian | Read full review

7.9 / 10.0
Feb 15, 2021

‎With Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, Falcom has re-created a really fun JRPG. In this installment of the saga, many novelties are added to make the playable experience even better than the previous one, and despite being weighed down by its graphics, this aspect does not become a barrier that prevents us from enjoying everything that the game has to offer.‎

Review in Spanish | Read full review

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 / 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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4 / 5.0
Jul 7, 2021

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.

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8 / 10.0
Aug 23, 2021
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox (ACTUAL Review) [PC] video thumbnail
8 / 10.0
Aug 11, 2021

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

8 / 10.0
Jul 12, 2021

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.

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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

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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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

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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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

8 / 10.0
Jan 29, 2021

Adol’s awkward goth phase may have started on his 34th birthday, but thankfully, it ended up being the good kind of goth. The one that listens to Nightwish and reads 19th century literature, not the phoney one that hangs out at Hot Topic and thinks that Keanu Reeves’ role in 1992’s Dracula was competent.

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8 / 10
Feb 2, 2020

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

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