Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a great action RPG that takes everything the previous game did and kicked it up a notch. The fun and fast-paced combat is delivered alongside a great story, full of touching moments. The combat feels as smooth as ever, but the new traversal mechanics can take some time to get used to. This is also the best-looking version of the game so far, making great use of the PS5’s power to deliver a smooth experience.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
Nihon Falcom Corporation · May 9, 2023
About
While imprisoned in Balduq, Adol is cursed and becomes a Monstrum. With his newfound powers, he must stop the Grimwald Nox from consuming the city.
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Critic reviews
- 7.0You’ve got smooth, fast-paced combat, corny dialogue, and a narrative crammed with anime nonsense. These games are utterly shameless and it rules. On top of that, the DLC makes an excellent cherry on top, a wacky garnish if you will. But if you’ve played any other version of the game, I wouldn’t bother with this one. The graphics are the same, the content is 95% identical, and your PS5 can play PS4 games. Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a great game, but it’s not quite worth a double dip.
- 8.0Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a fantastic starting point for newcomers to the series, as it effortlessly immerses you into the secrets behind the prison city of Balduq. The frantic and fast paced combat combined with slick traversal mechanics allow for a highly addictive gameplay loop. It is, however, a bit questionable the level of effort put into this native PS5 port considering there’s very little improvements made and no upgrade path from PS4.
- 8.0Overall, I quite enjoyed my time with Ys IX. It is a generally fun and entertaining game, with action elements that are wonderfully honed. It is a shame that the graphics in the Switch port diminish the experience as much as they do, because otherwise the title fits rather nicely on a handheld system thanks to its polished control scheme and wealth of content.
- 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.
- As such, the game is a showcase of wasted potential. We really hope that the promised patches fix the frame rate issues, because right now, Monstrum Nox is difficult to recommend, especially when you also consider the premium price tag. We really wanted to love this game, but as it stands, Monstrum Nox could’ve used some more time in the oven. We won’t dismiss Monstrum Nox just yet, so we’re recommending a wait-and-see approach in the hope that the game’s biggest issues are fixed in a month or two.
Gamer reviews
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
Another fantastic game. The first hours and the setting were a little too edgy for my taste, but the story deepens each chapter. I didn't liked that much the fact everything happens in a single location (a city, way smaller than the island of Ys 8) but it mixes really good with the setting. The characters are even better than in the previous game and the stories are great. I cried a couple times because all the things some of them had to experience. My only complain is that some things are exactly as Ys 8 (both in mechanics and in content), but overall I think this game is a masterpiece.
A Step-Down From Ys VIII
After playing Ys VIII, I was anticipating and looking forward to play the next Ys installment. **Graphics:** They were almost the same as the previous game. Decent graphics, with nothing visually stunning. **Gameplay:** The combat was great and fluid, and enough variance with other party members to maintain combat fresh. Exploration was good, but not as good as the previous game. **Music:** Sound and music were pretty good, but nothing memorable for me. The voices blended well with the characters, but nothing too crazy. **Characters:** I did like most of the characters, but I did not find them as interesting as Ys VIII. The characters in VII is what made fall in love with Ys. Actually, the most interesting characters was an appearance (sort of) by a previous one. **Enjoyment:** It was a fun game, and I am glad that I played it. However, the game felt like a step-down from Ys VIII. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I wish I could have enjoy this game more. The prison map also ruined the immersion for me. It became repetitive and only a few times were you allowed to skip the gameplay during the prison map. I really did not care much for that map and the character, regardless of the backstory. So, regardless if you are an Ys fan, I will still recommend this game. Maybe not at full price, though.
Good in a Vacuum, So forgettable when compared to Better Games Today
Im keeping this one short: core gameplay is good but the whole game is hideous. The setting is all browns and grays and the game just doesn’t run the best even on ps5. The enemies all look the same and it’s super lame. The story is so very boring to me. I just started skipping everything and I couldn’t get into any of the characters. The music may be good but never wowed me like the previous game. I thought falcom was a good developer but I’m starting to see that they are very derivative when it comes to ideas. The ratio of actual gameplay to reading in this game is also kind of wack. I would say it’s a 60:40 of limitless gameplay to reading text boxes if you run straight through. Of course the ratio will balance if you explore a whole bunch, which is encouraged, but just feels like I’m filling out a map for no reason. It is just a very boring experience. Sorry Ys, only 7,8, and Celceta have treated me well. I won’t be returning to series unless there’s massive changes.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
On this new adventure Adol is in Balduq, the next city aimed after YS VIII. All the paranormal adventures Adol had on previous game gets him on trouble and so his new adventure. The it feels more dark and gotic as than its previous game. It is an action RPG with excellent music, fun battle action as YS VIII, and an interesting story. This game doesn't have different ending as Lacrimosa of Dana, it is a little more straight forward with some plot twist on story. For veterans will found many references of previous Adol's adventures.
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