Ys IX: Monstrum Nox

95%
Game Brain Score Based on 907 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox Game Cover
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In "Ys IX: Monstrum Nox" , play as one of six Monstrum to protect the city of Balduq from shadowy creatures, using your unique Gifts to explore and defend. Fight enemies with familiar and new mechanics, and delve into the story of renowned adventurer Adol Christin as he arrives in Balduq and gets detained. The game explores themes of identity and reality as you uncover the mysteries within the city's walls.

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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

95%
Audience ScoreBased on 907 reviews
story233 positive mentions
grinding36 negative mentions
  • Fun gameplay with fast-paced combat and enjoyable traversal mechanics.
  • Engaging story with interesting character development and plot twists.
  • Great character designs and a solid soundtrack, typical of the Ys series.
  • Graphics are outdated and the environments can feel dull and repetitive.
  • The pacing of the story can be slow, especially in the early chapters.
  • Some characters and side quests feel underdeveloped or clichéd.
  • story727 mentions

    The story of "Ys IX: Monstrum Nox" has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its intriguing mystery and character development, while others criticize its pacing and predictability. Many noted that the narrative starts slowly but picks up later, culminating in engaging twists, though some felt it lacked the emotional depth and cohesion found in its predecessor, "Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana." Overall, while the story is considered solid and enjoyable, it may not reach the heights of previous entries in the series.

    • “The story is great, with really nice twists at the end for veterans of the series, which was a nice and sometimes touching detail I loved.”
    • “The characters are the best in the series, and eventually the story is really well written and ties things together very well, exploring everything was a lot of fun so for that alone I recommend buying the game.”
    • “The story quickly picks up the pace and tasks you with solving a mystery behind the Balduq prison.”
    • “The story is just atrocious - the amount of plot holes in it is just overwhelming...”
    • “The plot for a large portion feels kind of aimless and dull, it makes sense that there isn't an awful lot going on considering that you're wanted by everyone, still the first 40-50% of the narrative wasn't very compelling and that is a huge bummer as that was my complaint with ys 8 as well though there I'd say only about 30% of the start wasn't very interesting.”
    • “The main story is thin and supplied to you at a drip.”
  • gameplay363 mentions

    The gameplay in "Ys IX: Monstrum Nox" is widely praised for its fast-paced, hack-and-slash combat and engaging exploration mechanics, building upon the foundation established in "Ys VIII." Players appreciate the introduction of new traversal abilities, such as wall-running and gliding, which enhance the sense of verticality and exploration within the game world. However, some critics note that the combat can feel repetitive and lacks significant innovation compared to previous entries, leading to mixed feelings about the overall gameplay experience.

    • “The gameplay is outstanding, the characters are endearing, the English dubs and localization are fantastic, the story is serviceable, there's tons of stuff to do and collect, the movement/exploration is a blast, and this is an excellent PC port.”
    • “The gameplay feels very fluid and the skill animations are just so fun to watch with so much better graphics.”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced and enjoyable.”
    • “The repetition of the game's biggest mechanic, a wave defense mini-game similar to the town defense of Lacrimosa of Dana, serves only to buffer the game's playtime instead of adding anything fun.”
    • “The town you spend most of the time in is pretty bland and it feels like they forced a lot of the mechanics from XIII in, and it's done poorly, like the raids which are just an annoyance here.”
    • “The gameplay feels very copy-pasted from Lacrimosa of Dana and in some ways that is a strength.”
  • music224 mentions

    The music in the Ys series continues to receive high praise, with many reviewers highlighting its energetic and engaging nature, characteristic of Falcom's soundtracks. While some fans feel that the latest entries, particularly Ys IX, do not quite reach the heights of previous titles like Ys VIII, the overall consensus is that the music remains a standout feature, enhancing the gameplay experience. However, there are mixed opinions regarding the consistency and memorability of certain tracks, with some noting a decline in quality compared to earlier installments.

    • “The music is consistently fun throughout and infuses the whole game with such lively energy it's hard not to smile.”
    • “Fantastic action RPG with excellent music and just the right amount of anime elements.”
    • “The soundtrack is a joy to listen to and fits the atmosphere well, showcasing Falcom's signature quality.”
    • “The plot was weak, the soundtrack was weak, the characters were weak and generic, and the main heroine was a disappointment.”
    • “The music, which most people are praising, I found to be cheaply made.”
    • “Last but not least, the soundtrack... oh boy, Falcom has lost their spark with the music department; the bangers are still there, but there are fewer, way fewer, even Celceta had better music.”
  • graphics134 mentions

    The graphics in the Ys series, particularly in the latest titles, have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they feel outdated and reminiscent of earlier console generations, such as the PS3 or even PSP. While some appreciate the art style and find it serviceable, others criticize the lack of color and detail, describing the visuals as bland and dreary. Overall, while the gameplay and story elements are often praised, the graphics are frequently cited as a significant drawback, especially given the game's price point.

    • “This is the best looking game in the Ys series so far with stunning graphics.”
    • “Gameplay feels very fluid and the skill animations are just so fun to watch with so much better graphics.”
    • “The graphics of the JRPG style are appealing to the eye (I have a lot of screenshots, so you can check them out).”
    • “Falcom really needs to move past the PS3 graphics and put some effort in.”
    • “The aesthetic is atrocious; most of the time everything's just grey, grey, grey.”
    • “Not only are the graphics atrocious but also the art style; it's the most dull and amateur thing I've seen in quite a few years, and that alone speaks volumes of how much (or should I say little?) they cared about this game.”
  • optimization44 mentions

    The optimization of Monstrum Nox has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance on high-end PCs and customizable settings, while others report significant frame drops, particularly in populated areas or during intense action. Despite the involvement of a skilled optimization team, many users feel the game struggles to maintain performance relative to its graphical demands, leading to stuttering and low frame rates in certain scenarios. Overall, while some players enjoy a seamless experience, others encounter notable performance issues that detract from the gameplay.

    • “Very well optimized, I ran it at 144Hz on a 1660 Super.”
    • “But I would give this version a 9/10 for performance - it's buttery smooth on my 2016-era hardware.”
    • “The port itself is great, with a wealth of options and solid optimization such that you'll only have trouble running it if you blatantly ignore the settings menu telling you which options will have a significant performance impact.”
    • “Plus, the optimization is absolutely dog-shit. I can run pretty much every modern AAA game with decent graphics and 60 fps, but this?”
    • “Character models and environments simply are not detailed enough to justify the performance difficulties many people will have with this game.”
    • “⚠️ Stuttering in the cities even with an RTX 3090 & 5950x.”
  • grinding37 mentions

    Overall, the grinding aspect of the game receives mixed feedback. While some players appreciate the balance and find that grinding is not overly tedious or mandatory, others feel that it can become repetitive and time-consuming, especially when aiming for full completion or specific achievements. The open world design offers exploration opportunities, but many note that it often leads to grinding for resources or experience, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “Little to no grinding, though you definitely can if you want to; fighting higher-level enemies will exponentially increase the XP you receive, and leveling skills is absolutely not necessary. It's just there as a bonus for those who want to.”
    • “It is still very enjoyable and displays all the great qualities of the series, but my interest plummeted sharply during the last hours of grinding and narrative twists.”
    • “The open world is fun to explore, but it is a little light on activities besides grinding for the nox gauge and the handful of side quests.”
    • “The gameplay feels more like a Trails game rather than an Ys game, where most of the time is spent on dialogue and doing errands rather than the gameplay itself.”
  • character development30 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising the depth and arcs of the six party members, while others feel that character growth is rushed or overshadowed by gameplay mechanics. Many appreciate the character designs, but some criticize the writing and pacing, suggesting that character development could have been better integrated throughout the story rather than concentrated at the end. Overall, while there are notable strengths in character design and some development, the execution varies significantly across different aspects of the game.

    • “You'll see a lot of character development from the entire roster throughout your adventure in Balduq.”
    • “Being a Falcom game, I expected good character development, and yeah we got it, for sure.”
    • “The characters are somewhat stereotypical, but there's sufficient character development to make them appealing.”
    • “I was surprised at how early I felt overpowered in the game, and exploration really isn't rewarded in any spectacular way, save for a couple of side quests that explore some of the side characters, but again, the game feels like it rushes this character development right at the end.”
    • “I think they should've spread the story and character development points across the chapters instead of putting everything into the end, and because of this some of the characters felt undeveloped or completely forgotten after they reveal their true identities/backgrounds.”
    • “I personally felt, with the exception of Anemona and Credo, that the character development took a steep backseat in this one compared to Ys VIII, where almost everyone was focused on quite well.”
  • emotional26 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its touching narrative and character development, with many players expressing a strong attachment to the characters and their stories, particularly in comparison to previous titles like Ys VIII. While some found the emotional impact less profound than in earlier games, key moments, such as heartfelt goodbyes and themes of family, resonated deeply with players. The voice acting and soundtrack further enhance the emotional experience, although some critiques mention that gameplay interruptions detract from immersion.

    • “Overall a touching game with a memorable setting and layout.”
    • “The finale was emotionally significant, and moved me.”
    • “The strongest theme in the story is family, which is a throughline across all of the party members' personal stories, and some of the moments with these characters are genuinely touching.”
    • “The lackluster areas and boring story couldn't be saved by good combat.”
    • “The emotional moments felt forced and unconvincing, leaving me disconnected from the characters.”
    • “Despite the game's attempts at depth, the emotional impact was minimal and forgettable.”
  • atmosphere14 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating its unique settings and soundtracks that enhance the experience, while others criticize it for being formulaic and reminiscent of older titles. The game's attempt to blend upbeat music with a spooky ambiance has been met with skepticism, though many still find enjoyment in exploring its environments. Overall, it evokes a gothic atmosphere that resonates well with fans of the series, despite some inconsistencies in execution.

    • “Definitely recommended if you like Ys VIII, same quality but different story and atmosphere (deserted island vs walled city).”
    • “At the last quarter of the game, I felt that it's good old Ys with its unique atmosphere.”
    • “I find myself running around scaling stuff and just enjoying the atmosphere of the game.”
    • “Both figuratively when it comes to how formulaic the overall structure and progression of the entire game are, and literally when it comes to the actual atmosphere and environment of the extremely gray prison city of Balduq.”
    • “I pray that the next Ys game will be good as I still have high hopes for the Ys series and Falcom; please bring back the good old gameplay that we genuinely love, not just some lore-shoving game with unrealistic and pointlessly depressing atmosphere.”
    • “The game tries to express dread and a spooky atmosphere with upbeat music, and that doesn't work at all.”
  • replayability9 mentions

    Overall, players appreciate the replayability of certain titles, particularly those with features like New Game Plus and expansive worlds, such as "Ghost of Tsushima." However, some games, like "Monstrum Nox," are criticized for their limited replay value due to repetitive gameplay and a lack of multiple endings or bonus content. The presence of optional modifiers and diverse gameplay options significantly enhances replayability in other titles, making them more appealing for repeated playthroughs.

    • “Yeah, I love the series; great replayability (new game plus) and evolution. I prefer the location of Dana; hope for Nordics, meanwhile get it on sale.”
    • “Replay value: hell yeah.”
    • “Ghost of Tsushima had a very high replay value, and that's where most of those hours of playtime come from.”
    • “With the lack of bonus dungeons or optional NG+ modifiers like infinity mode, changing party size that enables solo play, Ys IX’s replayability is also a lot less too.”
    • “Monstrum Nox has about 40 hours of playtime to full completion including collectibles and all side quests with repetitive gameplay and really no replay value aside from a couple of years down the road if you ever get the urge to fire it up again.”
    • “This one only has one ending too, so that's another step down from previous installments, deleting any replay value.”
  • humor8 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, featuring both charming and cringe-worthy elements. While some characters, like Hawk, provide sharp and self-aware comedic moments, others fall flat with overly simplistic or cutesy humor. Overall, the game offers a blend of genuine laughs and awkward attempts at comedy, appealing to fans of JRPGs who appreciate quirky character interactions.

    • “I initially hated Hawk (the hyper-aggressive, hyper-cringe, edgelord party member), but he quickly grew on me with his amazingly blunt, sarcastic, and hilarious callouts and general self-awareness.”
    • “Plus, this game has some solid humor, and I found myself genuinely liking the characters' personalities (especially Hawk).”
    • “It was hilarious watching her literally slap things to death with Felicity's tail, lol.”
  • stability2 mentions

    Overall, users report high stability for the port, noting that it runs smoothly without crashes, FPS drops, or technical glitches. Additionally, the active presence of support in troubleshooting forums further enhances the user experience by assisting those who encounter issues.

    • “+port runs great, with no crashing, FPS drops, or any technical glitches!”
    • “The game maintains a steady frame rate, ensuring a smooth experience throughout.”
    • “I've experienced zero crashes since I started playing, which is a huge plus for stability.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

38hMedian play time
39hAverage play time
7-53hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 6 analyzed playthroughs

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