Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana Overview (PS5)

Thought of by many to be one among, 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 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 collect his fellow passengers, set up a base of operations, and search for a approach again residence.

Exploration is on the coronary heart of Ys VIII. The island is not an open world, nevertheless it strings collectively giant 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 areas. 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 arduous 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 solid of characters, a few of whom will be part of your adventuring occasion.

Which leads us neatly into the sport’s fight; silky easy 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 provides every battle an excellent ebb and movement — particularly if you’re up towards bosses.

Ys VIII continues to be nice, then, and though it is not value shouting about, the expertise is enhanced on PS5. A slight decision enhance, higher shadows, and a a lot improved draw distance provides the sport’s considerably aged visuals an edge. Load instances are principally non-existent as nicely.

Nonetheless, with no improve path for individuals who already personal Ys VIII on PS4, it is a arduous promote. Exterior 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 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 most interesting.