Thought of by many to be certainly one of, if not one of the best recreation in Falcom’s long-running motion RPG franchise, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana remains to be a pleasure to play six entire years after its PS Vita debut. Collection protagonist and lifelong adventurer Adol Christin will get shipwrecked on an uncharted island, and has little selection however to assemble his fellow passengers, set up a base of operations, and search for a means again house.
Exploration is on the coronary heart of Ys VIII. The island is not an open world, however it strings collectively massive zones which are simply begging to be mapped out. Piece by piece, you construct up an image of the island, as zones loop again into each other, creating shortcuts and opening up secret places. In brief, it is a splendidly realised setting, and the urge to discover it solely grows stronger because the story goes on.
Talking of the story, it is exhausting to not get caught up in its intrigue. A profound thriller rests within the island’s deepest reaches, and Adol, being the insatiable hero that he’s, can not help however keep away. The plot’s powered by an endearing forged of characters, a few of whom will be part of your adventuring social gathering.
Which leads us neatly into the sport’s fight; silky clean and full of enjoyable mechanics. As is typical of Ys, battles are fast-paced, demanding fast reflexes and a data of the enemy’s weaknesses. Switching between characters is the important thing to success, as these weaknesses could be exploited by various kinds of assaults. Regardless of being pretty easy on a floor stage, fight could be tough, however mastering completely timed blocks and spot-on dodges provides every battle an excellent ebb and movement — particularly while you’re up towards bosses.
Ys VIII remains to be nice, then, and though it isn’t price shouting about, the expertise is enhanced on PS5. A slight decision increase, higher shadows, and a a lot improved draw distance provides the sport’s considerably aged visuals an edge. Load occasions are principally non-existent as properly.
Nonetheless, with no improve path for individuals who already personal Ys VIII on PS4, it is a exhausting promote. Exterior of this model throwing beforehand launched beauty DLC into the deal, it is the very same recreation, barring the aforementioned technical enhancements, which make a minor distinction at greatest.
Having mentioned that, should you’re completely new to the sport and you are a fan of motion RPGs, Ys VIII stays a incredible island-trekking, monster-mashing expertise. One among Falcom’s best.