Thought of by many to be one in all, if not one of the best sport in Falcom’s long-running motion RPG franchise, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana continues to be a pleasure to play six complete years after its PS Vita debut. Sequence protagonist and lifelong adventurer Adol Christin will get shipwrecked on an uncharted island, and has little alternative however to collect his fellow passengers, set up a base of operations, and search for a method again residence.
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 a part of your adventuring occasion.
Which leads us neatly into the sport’s fight, which is silky clean and full of enjoyable mechanics. As is typical of Ys, battles are fast-paced, demanding fast reflexes and a information of the enemy’s weaknesses. Switching between characters is the important thing to success, as these weaknesses will be exploited by several types of assaults. Regardless of being pretty easy on a floor stage, fight will be tough, however mastering completely timed blocks and spot-on dodges offers every struggle a superb ebb and move — particularly whenever you’re up in opposition to bosses.
Ys VIII continues to be nice, then, and though it isn’t price shouting about, the expertise is enhanced on PS5. A slight decision enhance, higher shadows, and a a lot improved draw distance offers the sport’s considerably aged visuals an edge. Load instances are principally non-existent as effectively.
Nonetheless, with no improve path for individuals who already personal Ys VIII on PS4, it is a exhausting promote. Outdoors of this model throwing beforehand launched beauty DLC into the deal, it is the very same sport, barring the aforementioned technical enhancements, which make a minor distinction at finest.
Having stated that, should you’re completely new to the sport and you are a fan of motion RPGs, Ys VIII stays a unbelievable island-trekking, monster-mashing expertise. Certainly one of Falcom’s best.