Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA
" Fast-paced action RPG with immersive exploration and epic bosses but occasional targeting issues "
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA Review
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is widely praised as a standout JRPG with a unique setting and engaging gameplay. Players appreciate the shipwreck survival narrative, where exploration and building a survivor camp create a compelling backdrop. The game features fast-paced, hack-and-slash combat that is both accessible and exciting, with memorable boss battles that add to the thrill. Multiple playable characters and an experience system that rewards all party members enhance gameplay flexibility. While the story is bittersweet and emotionally resonant, some players feel character development outside of Dana could be deeper. The map design is well-received for its interlinked, dense world, avoiding the need for an open-world format. However, some aspects like timed side quests and equipment management for climbing and double jumping received mixed feelings. Overall, the game is recommended for those seeking a solid JRPG experience with action-packed combat and a rich adventure.
Highlights
Players especially praise the fast and flashy combat system that delivers satisfying hack-and-slash action. The exploration mechanics and interlinked world design are considered innovative and immersive. The storyline's emotional depth, particularly the bittersweet narrative around survival and parting ways, resonates strongly. The game’s graphics and music receive positive mentions for enhancing the atmosphere. Multiple playable characters and a balanced experience distribution system add to the gameplay variety. Boss fights are frequently highlighted as epic and visually impressive. The game also serves as a great entry point into the Ys series for newcomers.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the silent protagonist trope, which some players find disengaging. The timed side quests are seen as restrictive, forcing players to rush rather than explore at their own pace. The need to equip specific items for basic actions like climbing or double jumping is viewed as an unnecessary inconvenience. Some players report minor targeting and hitbox issues, and rare bugs such as boss behavior affected by high FPS. Additionally, some feel the game could have developed secondary characters more to deepen the story. Despite these issues, none significantly detract from the overall enjoyment.
Pros
- • Fast-paced, exciting hack-and-slash combat keeps players engaged throughout.
- • Unique shipwreck survival setting offers a fresh JRPG experience.
- • Interlinked world design creates a dense, immersive exploration environment.
- • Multiple playable characters with shared experience system adds gameplay flexibility.
- • Epic and visually impressive boss battles enhance excitement.
- • Emotional and bittersweet storyline resonates with players.
- • Good balance between story and exploration without excessive cutscenes.
Cons
- • Silent protagonist limits character connection for some players.
- • Timed side quests force players to rush, reducing exploration freedom.
- • Equippable items for basic actions can disrupt gameplay flow.
- • Minor targeting and hitbox issues occasionally affect combat.
- • Rare game-breaking bugs reported at high FPS settings.
- • Secondary characters could be better developed for story depth.
- • Some players find dialogue-heavy sections slow down pacing.
Rating Criteria
Ys returns with a brand new adventure for the first time in 8 years! Adol awakens shipwrecked and stranded on a cursed island. There, he and the other shipwrecked passengers he rescues form a village to challenge fearsome beasts and mysterious ruins on the isolated island.
