PGC NEWS

The Ys series, a long-running action RPG franchise, has captivated players since its debut in 1987 with Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished. Now, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox continues the saga of adventurer Adol Christin, offering a compelling narrative, engaging combat, and a captivating world to explore. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, highlighting its unique gameplay mechanics and intriguing storyline.

alt text describing image of Balduq Cityscape and Adol running with crimson line behind him

A City Shrouded in Mystery: Balduq and the Monstrum Curse

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox begins with Adol’s imprisonment in the sprawling city of Balduq. No prior knowledge of the Ys series is required to enjoy the narrative, although a few minor connections to previous entries might enhance the experience. During his escape attempt, Adol encounters the enigmatic Aprilis, who bestows upon him a curse that grants him supernatural abilities but confines him within Balduq’s walls. Adol becomes a Monstrum, one of several cursed individuals tasked with protecting the city from monstrous creatures known as Lemures that emerge from the Grimwald Nox.

Balduq itself becomes a central character in the game. While limited in geographical size, its verticality and hidden passages offer a wealth of exploration opportunities. Each Monstrum possesses unique traversal abilities, such as Adol’s Crimson Line that allows him to teleport short distances, or the White Cat’s Heaven’s Run for scaling walls. These abilities add layers to exploration, encouraging players to discover Balduq’s secrets and uncover hidden treasures.

alt text describing image of Adol using crimson line power in combat against Lemure

The main story unfolds in chapters, each with a primary objective hindered by a barrier. Players must gather 100 Nox points to initiate a Grimwald Nox battle and break the barrier. While defeating Lemures grants Nox, completing side quests provides a more rewarding experience, revealing more about the world and its inhabitants. The narrative, initially lighthearted, gradually takes on a darker tone as the mysteries surrounding Balduq, the Monstrum, and the curse unravel. This shift in tone is a welcome change, showcasing a deeper narrative approach reminiscent of Nihon Falcom’s other acclaimed RPG series, Trails. Furthermore, the single ending eliminates the need for multiple playthroughs, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the story without worrying about missing the true conclusion.

Fast-Paced and Fluid Combat

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox retains the series’ signature real-time action combat, refined and enhanced with new mechanics. The core combat loop is straightforward: attack, dodge, and utilize special skills. As characters level up, they learn new abilities that can be assigned to buttons, and a Boost meter fills with each skill used. Activating Boost grants temporary health regeneration, increased attack power, and access to ultimate skills.

The Monstrum abilities also play a significant role in combat, adding a dynamic layer of strategy. For instance, Adol’s Crimson Line allows for quick repositioning after dodging an attack, enabling swift counterattacks. Returning mechanics like Flash Guard and Flash Move, similar to Bayonetta’s Witch Time, slow down time and enhance attacks after perfectly timed dodges.

alt text describing image of Adol mid-air in combat with sword striking at Lemures

The Grimwald Nox battles offer a tower defense-style gameplay diversion, tasking players with protecting a monolith from waves of Lemures. These battles provide a satisfyingly cathartic experience, allowing for strategic placement of defenses and unleashing powerful attacks on hordes of enemies. However, the AI can occasionally falter, requiring players to remain vigilant and adjust their strategies to prevent the monolith from being overwhelmed.

Dated Visuals Hold Back the Experience

Despite its engaging gameplay and narrative, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox suffers from dated visuals. While the art style has its charm, the character models and environments lack detail, especially in comparison to modern RPGs. The stiff animations also detract from the otherwise fluid combat. This visual shortcoming is a recurring issue with Nihon Falcom titles, and it’s a noticeable drawback in a fast-paced action RPG like Ys IX: Monstrum Nox.

alt text describing Adol and his party exploring dungeon and fighting boss creature

Conclusion

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox delivers a compelling adventure with its engaging narrative, fast-paced combat, and intriguing city exploration. While the dated graphics are a noticeable flaw, the game’s strengths lie in its captivating story and satisfying gameplay loop. Players seeking a thrilling action RPG with a unique setting and captivating characters will find much to enjoy in Ys IX: Monstrum Nox.

alt text describing image of Adol fighting large group of Lemures with sword in grimwald nox