Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA

89%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,934 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA Game Cover
Ys VIII is a fantastic new action RPG from Falcom that is great for getting into the excellent Ys franchise and one that has a ton of quality content and sublime combat.
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In "Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana," players control Adol Christin, a shipwrecked adventurer who must survive on a cursed island and rescue his fellow passengers. The game features real-time combat and exploration, with the addition of a mysterious blue-haired girl named Dana who appears in Adol's dreams. As Adol learns more about Dana and the island, he uncovers a deeper mystery that threatens their world.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station Vita
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

89%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,934 reviews
story614 positive mentions
grinding71 negative mentions
  • Emotionally investing story with well-developed characters and engaging side quests.
  • Fast-paced and fluid combat system that rewards skillful dodging and parrying.
  • Fantastic soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
  • The game starts slowly, with a tedious introduction that may deter some players.
  • Some characters feel like typical anime tropes and lack depth.
  • Certain gameplay mechanics, like the raid system, can feel repetitive and detract from the overall experience.
  • story1,418 mentions

    The story of "Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana" is generally praised for its emotional depth and character development, particularly through side quests that enrich the narrative and world-building. While the pacing starts slow, many players find that it picks up significantly, especially in the latter chapters, leading to a compelling and engaging experience. However, some critiques mention that the story can become convoluted or cliché, particularly towards the end, and that certain gameplay elements may detract from the overall narrative flow.

    • “This is the best Ys story of them all so far, with well-developed characters, constantly changing circumstances and new directions it'll take you, surprises and twists, and by the end you will probably really feel for the characters and feel like you were actually a part of the adventure that happened here.”
    • “The story, despite having some holes, is very interesting overall and quite unique compared to most JRPGs.”
    • “The story is amazing, the whole cast is brilliantly designed, the gameplay and music are both god-tier, and if you've read this review long enough to hit this point, do yourself a favor and pick up the game.”
    • “I honestly feel like the story of this game kinda ruins the entire Ys franchise for me... it's so trash at the end.”
    • “The more I thought about it, the more I hated the direction the story played out.”
    • “The story has a very disappointing turn into generic territory in the last few hours, with many poorly explained terms thrown at the player all at once.”
  • gameplay574 mentions

    The gameplay in Ys VIII is widely praised for its fast-paced, fluid combat mechanics and engaging exploration elements, offering a satisfying blend of action RPG features. Players appreciate the variety of skills, character-switching mechanics, and the integration of side quests and crafting, which enhance the overall experience. While some critiques mention repetitive elements and pacing issues, the core gameplay loop remains addictive and enjoyable, making it a standout entry in the series.

    • “The gameplay is fluid and fast-paced, full of variety with skills.”
    • “Kickass hack 'n slash gameplay that rewards skillful guarding and dodging.”
    • “The core Ys experience, which is satisfying action gameplay with god-tier soundtracks, is in full force in this game.”
    • “I kept playing it hoping to find some complexity in game mechanics; there's none to be found.”
    • “The gameplay is you just running around on linear maps and hitting monsters.”
    • “The game is way too long for what its gameplay offers, and after a while, it becomes hideously bland and repetitive.”
  • music540 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised as one of its standout features, with many reviewers highlighting its exceptional quality and emotional impact. The soundtrack is described as diverse, energetic, and fitting for various game moments, enhancing the overall experience and often leaving players humming the tunes long after playing. Overall, the music is considered a defining element of the game, solidifying its place among the best soundtracks in the JRPG genre.

    • “The music is one of the best in a JRPG, doesn't get repetitive and has a really beautiful and unique feel to it.”
    • “The core Ys experience, which is satisfying action gameplay with god-tier soundtracks, is in full force in this game.”
    • “The music elevates the experience to a whole other level.”
    • “The music wasn't particularly standout besides the Lacrimosa of Dana and battle music, in my opinion.”
    • “However, the game seems to be using PS Vita sound files for the OST, making the music quality quite poor.”
    • “And the music tends to be somewhat bland, and repeats far too often, undermining some of the dramatic moments, which for a series famous for its amazing soundtracks, was a disappointment.”
  • graphics311 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally considered to be dated, often compared to those of older consoles like the PS3 or even the PS Vita, with some users noting technical issues such as lag and glitches. However, many reviewers appreciate the game's artistic style and vibrant environments, which contribute to its overall charm despite the lower graphical fidelity. While not a standout feature, the visuals are deemed acceptable for the game's genre, with some players emphasizing that the engaging story and gameplay more than compensate for any graphical shortcomings.

    • “The visuals and aesthetic are honestly gorgeous; I don't know how this was originally a Vita game.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful; they are obviously not at the level of an AAA title, but they beat any AAA title when it comes to artistic design.”
    • “The graphics, while never mind-blowing, always look good and still transport you to another world.”
    • “The graphics look like something from a PS3 game, if I'm being generous.”
    • “The graphics are a little outdated, but the rest of the game is good enough to let you overlook it.”
    • “The graphics are far from 'modern' but the art style is cohesive and not unpleasant.”
  • optimization85 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players noting significant improvements since its initial release, including smoother performance and fewer crashes. However, some users still report issues such as frame drops, stuttering in specific areas, and screen tearing, particularly on multi-monitor setups. Overall, while many players now experience stable performance, there are lingering concerns about optimization, especially for those with lower-end hardware.

    • “The performance is fantastic: I was able to play at 4K with a full 60fps on a 3GB GeForce 1060 with only a few minor tweaks.”
    • “The PC version is absolutely solid, no crashes and great performance throughout.”
    • “Since 16/01/20, the game is now completely optimized with the new patch, have better graphics and lots of options more to choose from in the menu!”
    • “There are also some peculiar performance issues with this port, like random frame time spikes and a stupid bug that causes screen tearing on multi-monitor setups.”
    • “Poor performance with a 3080ti, especially for how simple the graphics are.”
    • “Sadly it's horribly optimized; about 7 hours into playing the frame rate took a huge chug and the game looked like a PowerPoint.”
  • grinding79 mentions

    The reviews highlight a mixed reception regarding grinding in the game. While some players find the grinding tedious and a significant pace breaker, particularly in the latter stages, others appreciate the balance of exploration and combat, noting that grinding is often optional and can be enjoyable due to engaging gameplay mechanics. Overall, the game is seen as less grind-heavy compared to previous entries in the series, but it still requires some grinding for completionists and achievement hunters.

    • “There is no grinding for levels necessary, and you will naturally achieve the required levels by playing the game normally, at least on normal difficulty.”
    • “Beautifully balanced, no grinding, no real farming needed.”
    • “Fun to play, almost no grinding, lots of interesting twists, and a surprising amount of attention to small details.”
    • “In the second half, the game really starts to drag on with some tedious stuff and a lot of backtracking.”
    • “There is so much about this game that is just unnecessary bloat: constantly interrupting cutscenes, raids, spongy enemies, and the least enjoyable grinding in the entire series thus far.”
    • “It is a shame that I stopped playing somewhere close to the end and never managed to pick it up again, because the grinding kind of made it stale pretty quickly.”
  • emotional63 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with many players noting its deeply engaging story, memorable characters, and impactful music that enhance the overall experience. While some felt the pacing of the narrative could be uneven, the emotional journey and character development resonate strongly, leading to heartfelt moments that leave a lasting impression. Overall, players describe it as a touching and immersive adventure that evokes a wide range of emotions, making it a standout in its genre.

    • “The story was a bit slow-paced at first but eventually unfolds into a more epic and emotional journey.”
    • “I would like to call this an emotional journey rather than a single-player campaign, considering how well you get to know the characters, how deeply you bond with them, how you witness their growth over time and how you come to appreciate their assets/strengths.”
    • “Ys VIII excellently combines a well-written, emotional story, a fast and fluid combat system with plenty of options to make your characters even more effective, a great progression system that allows the player to explore a semi-open world and discover new areas without much handholding, and the hardest soundtrack you've ever heard; all into an unforgettable 40-hour experience that is well worth full price.”
    • “I dropped the game many times before chapter 3 because of the boring story and how ugly the 3D models are, but honestly, don't let this dissuade you.”
  • character development43 mentions

    Character development in this game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its depth and the emotional connections formed through the narrative. Players appreciate the well-crafted stories of both main and side characters, although some feel that secondary characters lack depth. Overall, the game successfully combines engaging character arcs with a compelling plot, making it a standout experience in the RPG genre.

    • “The character development was amazing and really made me want to play until the end.”
    • “This game had everything, a compelling story, great character development, even better than other Ys games, the setting on the island and the fact that you are in a small community makes you feel closer to even the secondary characters. It was such a bliss to read everyone's stories and see how the main plot affected not just Adol or the main cast, but everyone in Castaway Village; it was such a beautiful experience.”
    • “Everyone gets at least a bit of character development, and there's a lot of people.”
    • “He's the protagonist of the entire series and rarely talks, so his character development is somewhere between limited and non-existent.”
    • “- side character developments are very weak and generic; outside of two main characters portrayed, you really don't care about them.”
    • “Granted my knowledge of the franchise is limited; I had never come to expect much from individual character development out of the Ys franchise, and while such characterization isn't terribly abundant in this game, what is there is quite remarkable.”
  • stability42 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting a smooth experience with minimal issues, while others have encountered various bugs, crashes, and graphical glitches. Many users noted significant improvements since the initial release, but a portion still experiences stability problems, particularly on lower-end PCs. Overall, while the game runs well for many, there are enough reports of instability to warrant caution for potential buyers.

    • “Fantastic game and runs great on Steam Deck!”
    • “Runs great now, never had a problem in almost 80 hours.”
    • “30+ hours in and still no glitches.”
    • “Another minor bug is if you change your application during any loading screen, the whole game freezes and you need to reopen it again to get it working.”
    • “Numerous graphical glitches, stutters, G-Sync issues, and crashes were enough for me to refund this game.”
    • “It utterly frustrates me that it has been over a year now and NIS left the port issues unfixed as I know for a fact things were much more horrible in the beginning and people still face crashes and freezes.”
  • humor18 mentions

    The humor in the game is highlighted by excellent writing, witty dialogue, and strong vocal performances, creating a blend of funny and heartwarming moments. While some players appreciate the character interactions and comedic elements reminiscent of classic RPGs, others find certain aspects, like lengthy cutscenes and toilet humor, less appealing. Overall, the game successfully balances humor with engaging storytelling, making it enjoyable for fans of character-driven narratives.

    • “The story is saved by excellent writing, funny dialogue, strong vocal performances, and engaging pacing.”
    • “Creatures are varied and stories are genuinely funny and heartwarming.”
    • “Character design and interaction is engaging and funny.”
    • “Laxia: not funny...”
  • replayability9 mentions

    The game offers strong replayability due to its engaging combat mechanics, multiple endings, and various difficulty levels, allowing players to experience different aspects of the story and gameplay. Co-op mode enhances the fun factor, making it enjoyable to replay with friends. Overall, players appreciate the potential for revisiting the game to explore missed quests and unlocks, contributing to its lasting appeal.

    • “The game gives everything about combat at the start; flash move and flash guard alone provide great replay value while raising levels and unlocking new skills without a skill tree.”
    • “Great storyline, enjoyable characters, multiple endings, different difficulties, and achievements for replayability—what's not to like?”
    • “There is potential for replayability, so even when the game is completed, you can go back and play what you have unlocked.”
    • “There is potential for replayability, so even when the game is completed, you can go back to this game and play what you have unlocked.”
    • “It has replay value, especially if you missed some quests.”
    • “Great storyline, enjoyable characters, multiple endings, different difficulties, and achievements for replayability; what's not to like?”
  • atmosphere7 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is characterized by a unique blend of Hawaiian influences and a sense of mystery that deepens with gameplay, enhancing its charm. Players appreciate the vibrant world and peaceful ambiance, which contrasts with the intense combat, while the focus on adventure over mundane elements adds to the overall experience. Engaging with the story and characters further enriches the atmospheric experience, making it a standout in the Ys series.

    • “Best of all Ys series, unique and beautiful atmosphere.”
    • “Vibrant world, peaceful atmosphere, interesting characters, finally playable on keyboard.”
    • “There is a feeling of mystery that is uncovered the more you play, and it adds a lot to the atmosphere and charm of the game.”
    • “More emphasis is put towards creating an atmosphere of adventure than some lame slice-of-life drama, and I do appreciate that.”
    • “Combat is intense and each skill excels in some way (break, stun, damage). The story is interesting, although sometimes bland, but it's a comfortable atmosphere with intriguing characters.”
  • monetization3 mentions

    The game's monetization model is well-received, as players appreciate that it avoids cash grab tactics and does not pressure them into purchasing DLC or microtransactions for progression. Users can access all items, weapons, and levels through regular gameplay, enhancing the overall enjoyment without financial barriers.

    • “No worries about having to buy DLC or microtransactions for an easy grind; you can obtain all items, weapons, and levels normally and become overpowered in the game.”
    • “The monetization system feels exploitative, pushing players to spend money to keep up with the game's progression.”
    • “It's frustrating that the game offers so many paywalls, making it hard to enjoy without spending extra cash.”
    • “While the game is enjoyable, the constant prompts for in-game purchases detract from the overall experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

Buy Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA

Play time

45hMedian play time
42hAverage play time
37hMain story
70hCompletionist
35-60hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 28 analyzed playthroughs

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