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Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana, a celebrated action RPG in the Ys series, invites players to delve into another captivating world crafted by Nihon Falcom. This installment, however, doesn’t propel the narrative forward from Ys Seven. Instead, it serves as a crucial piece of the puzzle, filling the gap between Ys V: Kefin, The Lost City of Sand and Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim, enriching the adventurous life of Adol Christin. Join us as we explore the highlights and shortcomings of this enchanting yet flawed experience.

A World of Wonder and Intrigue

Following his adventures in Ys V, Adol and his companion Dogi embark on a sea voyage, eager to discover new horizons. Little do they know, the vast ocean holds its own set of trials. A colossal sea creature attacks their ship, leaving Adol, Dogi, and a handful of survivors shipwrecked on the mysterious Seiren Island. Here, their true journey begins.

The narrative of Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana unfolds like the ocean’s undercurrents, pulling players into unexpected territories. What initially seems like a simple survival story on a remote island gradually transforms into something far more profound. Dreams bridging the past and present, a fallen civilization, and a powerful goddess shaping the world all intertwine to create a captivating tapestry of mythical proportions. Let the narrative current carry you through a tide of emotional highs and lows.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA – Exploring the Island

Enhancing this fantastical narrative are the game’s visuals and music. While the graphics may not immediately impress, the environments are rendered with attention to detail, especially the lush flora. However, certain areas, such as mountains and caves, appear less refined. The game’s visual strength lies in its depiction of the world’s overall grandeur: vast grasslands, shadowy forests, towering mountains, and sun-kissed beaches. The diversity of Seiren Island is truly captivating.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA – Lush Environments

The soundtrack, while not exceptionally striking, effectively immerses players in the island’s natural beauty. The melodies seamlessly blend with the exploration, further enhancing the sense of wonder and discovery. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana presents a magnificent world brimming with magic, captivating players with its unexpected twists and turns.

Simple Yet Refined Combat

The combat system in Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is refreshingly straightforward. Attacking, defending, dodging, and utilizing skills—these familiar actions form the core of the gameplay experience. However, the game maintains player engagement through the sheer variety of enemies and their unique attack patterns. Weak and strong foes intermingle, occasionally punctuated by formidable adversaries that pose a significant challenge. This dynamic keeps the battles engaging without becoming overwhelmingly difficult.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA – Island Scenery

Every sword swing, skill activation, and enemy attack is meticulously crafted, resulting in visually satisfying combat sequences. Successfully dodging an attack at the last moment triggers a “flash move,” briefly slowing down time, allowing for strategic counterattacks. Fast-paced yet engaging battles, diverse and challenging bosses, seamless character switching, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the environments combine to create a truly compelling combat experience. Nihon Falcom has masterfully delivered a combat system that is both elegant and refined.

A Beautifully Interwoven World

Adol’s journey unfolds entirely on Seiren Island. Despite this seemingly limited scope, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana maximizes its world, weaving together seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive and rewarding experience. Survival is paramount for the shipwrecked castaways, and cooperation is key. Scattered throughout the island are breathtaking landscapes, lurking dangers, and fellow survivors in need of rescue. Each rescued individual returns to the village and contributes meaningfully to Adol’s quest.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA – Combat Action

Currency is absent, as it holds little value on a deserted island. Survival hinges on resourcefulness and bartering. Rescued villagers offer valuable services, crafting essential equipment, trading unique items, and even unlocking access to new areas. Side quests, while common in RPGs, are deeply intertwined with the villagers’ stories and struggles. These quests are initiated through personal interactions rather than impersonal bulletin boards. Even defense missions and hunts for prehistoric creatures revolve around the village and its inhabitants.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA – Facing a Boss

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana achieves a remarkable level of interconnectedness. Every detail, no matter how small, holds significance and contributes to the overall experience. This attention to detail creates a sense of realism and motivates players to explore and immerse themselves in the survival narrative.

A Disappointing PC Port

As the first Ys title from Nihon Falcom to be ported and published globally by NIS America, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana represents a significant partnership. Unfortunately, this debut has been marred by a deeply flawed PC port. Initially slated for a simultaneous release with the PlayStation 4 version, the PC version suffered two delays, promising “quality improvements.” Despite the delays, the PC release was plagued with issues, ranging from minor graphical glitches to game-breaking crashes.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA – Exploring the Wilderness

Following community outcry, NIS America has been working to address these problems. While the long-term outcome remains to be seen, the current state of the PC port leaves a negative impression.

Conclusion

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is a fantastic JRPG with a captivating narrative, engaging combat, and a beautifully interwoven world. While aspects like graphical detail and camera control could be improved, the overall experience is exceptional – provided the technical issues of the PC port don’t hinder your enjoyment. The game’s strengths shine through, offering a memorable adventure for those willing to overlook its technical flaws.