It's always tough to follow up to a game considered to be the peak of the series. So, after Ys 8, how does the ninth (not really ninth!) entry fare?
Amazingly well, I must say! While Ys 8 was a classic Ys through and through, with the setting and the story beats reminiscing of previous Ys games, Ys 9 is a breath of fresh air for those familiar with the series. And, in fact, it's probably the entry that enjoys the most having played other games in the series, although mostly due to references here and there.
This is, after all, the latest point as of now in the timeline of the series. And our protagonist has made quite a name for himself after so many adventures, for better and for worse. The story takes an unique approach, binding the player to a single city due to the events that transpire there. "Unique" really is a word that describes this game in many aspects.
Continuing with the story, it is really different than 8, and many other games for that matter. Firstly, it is unavoidable to talk about the "Trails-lization" of Ys (Another series by the same company). This was a process that started all the way back in Ys Seven I would say, but it's very easy to see here how they are kind of unifying the systems across their main games, with a great emphasis on story, side quests, and bonding with characters. It honestly feels a bit weird when you compare to older games, like Ys Napishtim or Felghana, but honestly I don't mind this change in the series, as it was rather gradual for someone who has been playing each game as they came, and in the end, I like how they executed it here for the most part.
On another aspect of the story, this is a really different approach than Ys VIII. 8 had a very tightly-knitted, focused story. While 9 feels more like a bunch of different stories and you keep jumping from one to another. This is mostly because side quests are almost mandatory, as they are the most efficient way to get the progression you need for the main story. I can definitely understand why people like 8 much more due to that. But, I like what they did here too, maybe even more than 8!
And that's because the consequence of this approach is that all party members get their own share of the focus. Ys 8 was all about Dana, really. You got to know more about the other characters on side quests, but that was it. I feel like your party members matter more in 9, because they all get their own time to shine. And it helps that I like the cast more here, too! Everyone is very unique! It feels like a band of misfits put together and somehow everyone gets along... kinda...
That goes for the characters outside your party too! It really feels like a weird and awkward family, where it makes no sense why these people are all together, but... it just works? And everyone helps out! As you can expect, the pacing does get weird with all the jumping back and forth between different characters and plot points, but despite that, I appreciate getting to know more about the many different lives in the game's location, Balduq.
In the end, what I like the most about this approach is the attachment it created in me to that city. Ys is a game about going from place to place, never stopping in one, always seeking a new adventure. All you keep are the memories you made in each place you've been. And while every game so far has left a mark in me, this one left the strongest in regards to its characters. It was painful to say goodbye to everyone at the end, and to know we'll never see some of them ever again...
I think this new approach has great potential for the series, and I'd love to see more amazing characters in future games, which creates even further potential for great moments with recurring ones! Ys is a series that you grow attached to more and more with each game, expanding the world, the lore, the characters... So I'm looking forward to it. Mind you, while I liked this format, I think it can be executed much better still, with a tighter pacing of the overall story, and more interesting characters. Let's see what they will bring in the future.
While I talked a lot about the characters, I want to make one last point in regards to the story, which is the main arc itself. It honestly had all kinds of crazy aspects and interesting twists I'd expect from an Ys game! It was less of an emotional story like 8, and more of a wild ride like usual Ys, which I personally enjoy more in the franchise. As I said earlier, it really pays off being an Ys fan here, with LOTS of nods to previous games, and some beautiful surprises!
This game really starts differently from other Ys games, with a lot of restrictions of where you can go instead of the usual "go out and adventure!". Yet, while this is very true in the story aspect, in the gameplay side of things... It's really not that simple! Despite being limited on locations, the movement aspect here it's superb, and the best in the series by far! Balduq may seem restrictive at first, but then you realize you're more free than ever, being able to run up walls, glide across the sky, uncover hidden passages... It's really a weird irony.
And even so, you'll get eventually to the point where the usual Ys stuff is there, so it's all good! I'll say though, that I wish the game had a few more areas or dungeons to explore. Because the amount of text in the game increased a lot, and the gameplay part didn't increase very proportionally, although it's not a bad balance. It just could be better.
The progression of the game is awesome! While in the previous one I feel it got a bit dull over time, here, the monstrum abilities really flesh out the experience. You keep getting new powers to play with, and the level design goes above and beyond with them. This really felt like the step up needed for the series, gameplay-wise. Dungeons are REALLY fun this time around, and the final one... Oh boy... After a kinda mid one in Ys 8, I'm satisfied to sink my teeth into a large and epic final dungeon by Falcom again.
A side-note: the prison dungeons with Adol are a neat idea and a fun side-content for the game, although I wish they developed it a tad further with a few more gameplay ideas.
The game looks more beautiful than ever too, finally free from the shackles of portable consoles! This game really has a great sensation of scale overall, too. I absolutely love the designs of the monstrums, and I won't lie that I like the edgyness of it all a lot. Aprilis is a beautiful and cool-looking heroine. My precious chuuni wife... (No I'm not Zola) The attack effects and particles are awesome, and overall, this is a game with a lot of unique charm and style.
The music is pretty good, though unfortunately not as good as previous entries. It's not that big of a step down though, there's a lot of enjoyable tracks that go perfectly well with the moments they play in. "Glessing Way!" is a beautiful, beautiful track! And some of my other favorites are "Strategic Zone", "Aprilis", and "In Profile, on Belfry". There's a great deal of sublime and relaxing tracks, and blood-pumping get-shit-done ones, so it's a good treat!
Whew, this is definitely the biggest review I've done so far... Perhaps it's only fair since it's the Ys game with the most text. In the end, I think Ys IX is a great game, and a weird game, and... definitely a video game. It stands out a lot in the franchise, though one could argue it's for the better or for the worse. I think it's for the better, and I think this format holds a lot of potential for future entries, where many new memories of companions and adventures await. I love this series a lot, so whatever may be in place ahead, I'm looking forward to it, and I can't wait!
Smashing through everything with an overpowered Raging Bull (All my status up potions went on her!) through Lunatic difficulty was a lot of fun! Weapon types what? Raging Bull very cute and strong! "Shadow... something!" "Something line!" She's so silly just like me fr.
Amazingly well, I must say! While Ys 8 was a classic Ys through and through, with the setting and the story beats reminiscing of previous Ys games, Ys 9 is a breath of fresh air for those familiar with the series. And, in fact, it's probably the entry that enjoys the most having played other games in the series, although mostly due to references here and there.
This is, after all, the latest point as of now in the timeline of the series. And our protagonist has made quite a name for himself after so many adventures, for better and for worse. The story takes an unique approach, binding the player to a single city due to the events that transpire there. "Unique" really is a word that describes this game in many aspects.
Continuing with the story, it is really different than 8, and many other games for that matter. Firstly, it is unavoidable to talk about the "Trails-lization" of Ys (Another series by the same company). This was a process that started all the way back in Ys Seven I would say, but it's very easy to see here how they are kind of unifying the systems across their main games, with a great emphasis on story, side quests, and bonding with characters. It honestly feels a bit weird when you compare to older games, like Ys Napishtim or Felghana, but honestly I don't mind this change in the series, as it was rather gradual for someone who has been playing each game as they came, and in the end, I like how they executed it here for the most part.
On another aspect of the story, this is a really different approach than Ys VIII. 8 had a very tightly-knitted, focused story. While 9 feels more like a bunch of different stories and you keep jumping from one to another. This is mostly because side quests are almost mandatory, as they are the most efficient way to get the progression you need for the main story. I can definitely understand why people like 8 much more due to that. But, I like what they did here too, maybe even more than 8!
And that's because the consequence of this approach is that all party members get their own share of the focus. Ys 8 was all about Dana, really. You got to know more about the other characters on side quests, but that was it. I feel like your party members matter more in 9, because they all get their own time to shine. And it helps that I like the cast more here, too! Everyone is very unique! It feels like a band of misfits put together and somehow everyone gets along... kinda...
That goes for the characters outside your party too! It really feels like a weird and awkward family, where it makes no sense why these people are all together, but... it just works? And everyone helps out! As you can expect, the pacing does get weird with all the jumping back and forth between different characters and plot points, but despite that, I appreciate getting to know more about the many different lives in the game's location, Balduq.
In the end, what I like the most about this approach is the attachment it created in me to that city. Ys is a game about going from place to place, never stopping in one, always seeking a new adventure. All you keep are the memories you made in each place you've been. And while every game so far has left a mark in me, this one left the strongest in regards to its characters. It was painful to say goodbye to everyone at the end, and to know we'll never see some of them ever again...
I think this new approach has great potential for the series, and I'd love to see more amazing characters in future games, which creates even further potential for great moments with recurring ones! Ys is a series that you grow attached to more and more with each game, expanding the world, the lore, the characters... So I'm looking forward to it. Mind you, while I liked this format, I think it can be executed much better still, with a tighter pacing of the overall story, and more interesting characters. Let's see what they will bring in the future.
While I talked a lot about the characters, I want to make one last point in regards to the story, which is the main arc itself. It honestly had all kinds of crazy aspects and interesting twists I'd expect from an Ys game! It was less of an emotional story like 8, and more of a wild ride like usual Ys, which I personally enjoy more in the franchise. As I said earlier, it really pays off being an Ys fan here, with LOTS of nods to previous games, and some beautiful surprises!
This game really starts differently from other Ys games, with a lot of restrictions of where you can go instead of the usual "go out and adventure!". Yet, while this is very true in the story aspect, in the gameplay side of things... It's really not that simple! Despite being limited on locations, the movement aspect here it's superb, and the best in the series by far! Balduq may seem restrictive at first, but then you realize you're more free than ever, being able to run up walls, glide across the sky, uncover hidden passages... It's really a weird irony.
And even so, you'll get eventually to the point where the usual Ys stuff is there, so it's all good! I'll say though, that I wish the game had a few more areas or dungeons to explore. Because the amount of text in the game increased a lot, and the gameplay part didn't increase very proportionally, although it's not a bad balance. It just could be better.
The progression of the game is awesome! While in the previous one I feel it got a bit dull over time, here, the monstrum abilities really flesh out the experience. You keep getting new powers to play with, and the level design goes above and beyond with them. This really felt like the step up needed for the series, gameplay-wise. Dungeons are REALLY fun this time around, and the final one... Oh boy... After a kinda mid one in Ys 8, I'm satisfied to sink my teeth into a large and epic final dungeon by Falcom again.
A side-note: the prison dungeons with Adol are a neat idea and a fun side-content for the game, although I wish they developed it a tad further with a few more gameplay ideas.
The game looks more beautiful than ever too, finally free from the shackles of portable consoles! This game really has a great sensation of scale overall, too. I absolutely love the designs of the monstrums, and I won't lie that I like the edgyness of it all a lot. Aprilis is a beautiful and cool-looking heroine. My precious chuuni wife... (No I'm not Zola) The attack effects and particles are awesome, and overall, this is a game with a lot of unique charm and style.
The music is pretty good, though unfortunately not as good as previous entries. It's not that big of a step down though, there's a lot of enjoyable tracks that go perfectly well with the moments they play in. "Glessing Way!" is a beautiful, beautiful track! And some of my other favorites are "Strategic Zone", "Aprilis", and "In Profile, on Belfry". There's a great deal of sublime and relaxing tracks, and blood-pumping get-shit-done ones, so it's a good treat!
Whew, this is definitely the biggest review I've done so far... Perhaps it's only fair since it's the Ys game with the most text. In the end, I think Ys IX is a great game, and a weird game, and... definitely a video game. It stands out a lot in the franchise, though one could argue it's for the better or for the worse. I think it's for the better, and I think this format holds a lot of potential for future entries, where many new memories of companions and adventures await. I love this series a lot, so whatever may be in place ahead, I'm looking forward to it, and I can't wait!
Smashing through everything with an overpowered Raging Bull (All my status up potions went on her!) through Lunatic difficulty was a lot of fun! Weapon types what? Raging Bull very cute and strong! "Shadow... something!" "Something line!" She's so silly just like me fr.