Tested Version: PS4
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox was long in coming, in fact, fans of the series had to wait more than a year compared to the Japanese release date, but fortunately since last February 5 it is available for PlayStation 4. Instead, the PC and Switch versions will arrive. this summer.
But let's take a step back, the Ys series is a video game saga born in 1987 from the minds of the boys of Nihon Falcom and which over the years has given us a series of conversions, sequels, anime adaptations and remakes. This saga, over the years, thanks to the high quality demonstrated over the years, has garnered the affection of fans, offering them an evidently classic RPG, between dungeon crawling and boss-battle at gunpoint.
In this last chapter, after the excellent results of Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana, the development team has decided to combine some elements deriving from Tokyo Xanadu and The Legend of Heroes. Will they have brought improvements? Let's find out together in this review.
The story of an adventurer...
The title is positioned after the events narrated in Lacrimosa of Dana, and will bring us back to take on the role of the brave Adol, a heroic adventurer who, together with his inseparable companion Dogi, arrives at the fortified city of Balduq.
This city, however, hides a particular secret, in fact, it is a gigantic prison, inside which the worst criminals of all regions are kept. Our hero, confident of being on the side of the law, reveals himself to Romun's guards asking for access, but apparently the man they are looking for is him, so much so that he ends up in handcuffs in a few seconds. All this due to a series of suspicious activities attributed (unfairly) to him.
Fortunately, the good Adol, is a guy who does not get discouraged and tries to be cooperative, but the director of the prison does not want to let him go, so she strives to escape from this captivity. During his escape for freedom, the adventurer will meet a decidedly bizarre woman named Aprilis, who with a magical bullet will transform Adol into a Monstrum: a creature with great special powers.
It won't take long for the boy to realize that this new condition is more of a curse than a gift. In the meantime, however, he discovers that the mysterious Aprilis needs him and the other monsters transformed before him in order to fight the monsters of the Grimwald Nox, a particular dark dimension that teems with monsters ready to invade the outside world. So, in order to save goat and cabbage, you'll have to try to forge a bond with your fellow sufferers and discover the dark connection between the prison and the Grimwald Nox.
gameplay
Fans of the series will immediately notice that Ys IX: Monstrum Nox makes history its strong point. In fact, each mission of the main storyline is dedicated to rediscovering the background of each character. Obviously, the plot is interesting and compelling and equipped with some particular twists, even if we believe that the pace of the narrative could have been managed in a better way.
That said, let's get into the heart of the title, the heart of the gameplay of the new title largely incorporates the mechanics of the previous episode, despite some interesting additions. We are in fact talking about a decidedly action JRPG, equipped with real-time combat.
Surely the fights are the essence of this title, but if you want to fully understand the work done by the boys of Nihon Falcom you will have to start exploring the city and face the secondary missions that serve as a prelude to the game plot. In the first case, to fully enjoy the exploratory aspect you will have to use the various "powers" of each character from the sarcastic Hawk, able to glide after jumping, to the young White Cat, who thanks to his ability will allow you to walk on the walls.
So, by properly exploiting the abilities of your companions you can discover treasures and secrets, inside and outside the dungeons. The latter, despite being less elaborate, are equipped with a very good level design that develops its essence thanks to an interesting use of verticality. Furthermore, leaving aside the main missions, the guys of the Japanese development team have thought of creating a series of interesting secondary missions, which will offer you the opportunity to play the role of a character (we will not reveal his identity here) and take on a series of survival / stealth-style adventures, leading you to cunningly overcome traps and enemies.
Combat System
The combat system has always been one of the greatest strengths of the videogame saga, and Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is an example of how much this part of gameplay has evolved for the better over the years. Those who have already lived the adventures of Adol Christin will review all the various features, from the Special Abilities, which can be activated by pressing a certain combination of keys, the much requested Boost Mode (directly from Ys Origin) which offers an increase in attack and defense of the character providing the ability to unleash a powerful final attack.
As usual, standard enemies aren't going to get you in trouble, unless you want to try and defeat higher-ranking monsters. The boss battles instead will be real test benches, in fact, they will require good reflexes, a fair knowledge of the special techniques of the Monstrum and a certain preparation on the various playing fields (environmental damage will in fact be present).
Technical Department
Unfortunately, there are a number of technical flaws within the title, including freezes and software crashes. These latter elements, however, will be fixed by trying the title on PS5, in fact, framerate and loading times improve drastically.
The Japanese team's Phyre Engine continues to show a certain "old age", as it is impossible not to notice the poverty of some graphic assets, despite the fact that a good finishing work has been carried out. In addition, we seemed to see an interesting character design, but not very "inspired", depriving it in part of the character that characterized the previous episode.
Of course, all of this does not irreparably compromise the gaming experience, but it could somehow sadden fans of the series, who at this point in the generation expect a visually appealing product.
As for the sound sector, we can not find any defects, in fact, the four Japanese composers (Hayato Sonoda, Yukihiro Jindo, Misuo Singa and Takahiro Unisuga) have managed to accompany the adventure in an excellent way in its entirety, enriching fights and explorations with frenetic rhythms and rock tones.
Final Comment
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is the new and glaring proof that Nihon Falcom's guys have talent to spare, even working with tight budgets. So, despite some shortcomings in terms of graphics and localization (the title is still all in English), we would like to recommend this title to fans and newbies to the series. In fact, it will be the solidity of the gameplay, the interesting narration and the charm of the soundtrack to convince the player, so much so that it will be considered a magnificent starting point for those who want to approach this historical saga and a title to have in the collection if you are a fan long-term.
