Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana

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Critics Recommend

Average Score

Total Reviews: 58

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Critics Recommend

Critic Reviews: 58

Critics Consensus

# Reviews: 58

A summary of the critical opinion for this game will be provided after release or a minimum of 15 reviews have been aggregated.

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Awards & Recognition

Critic Reviews for Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana

Reviews

High Score - 100/100

Low Score - 75/100

Silver TIER

51% of scored reviews fell within the range of 80 to 86 / 100

Kimberley Wallace (Game Informer)

8.3/10

“Between building up your base, making new discoveries, and fighting intense boss battles, Ys VIII is a hard adventure to put down”

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Heidi Kemps (GameSpot)

8/10

“The latest entry in the Ys series delivers a fast-paced and very satisfying action-RPG experience.”

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Philip Kollar (Polygon)

9.5/10

“Story has never been the pull of the Ys franchise for me, though, and if you’re not yet familiar with the series, it’s not why you should give this game a chance. And make no mistake: You should give Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana a chance. Developer Nihon Falcom has always been talented, but this project represents a new high for the studio, a game where each piece comes together and interlocks in a way that feels damn near perfect. Don’t let the obscure name fool you; forgettable story aside, this is one of the best action-RPGs of this generation.”

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Read the Reviews (58 total)

Outlet	Author	Score	Date	Quote	Read
Areajugones	David Cruz García	8.5 / 10	08-31-2017	A must-buy game for the JRPG genre fans that only needs improvements in its story to be almost perfect. The best gameplay mechanics of this saga and one of the big japanese titles of 2017.	Read review
Chalgyr’s Game Room	Nick Herber	9 / 10	06-19-2018	Right now is a great time to be a fan of the Ys series. With just about a simultaneous release of the upgraded Ys Seven for the PC which came out back in 2009, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana takes the concepts that were designed almost a decade ago and takes it all a step further.	Read review
COGconnected	Alexander Thomas	82 / 100	10-12-2017	…this game is about the journey and it’s a trip worth taking.	Read review
Cubed3	Rudy Lavaux	9 / 10	07-25-2018	Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is everything an action RPG could and should be. Genre conventions and traditions are still in play, but they’re handled with a delicacy that elevates what would otherwise be tired clichés into imaginative story beats. The narrative is as rich in thematic substance as it is in genuine human interaction, as every NPC is given ample time to grow, while solidarity is emphasized as humanity’s best bet at surviving. Lacrimosa of Dana plays like an ideal marriage between Seven and Memories of Celceta, with an equal balance of character building, fast-paced combat, and exploration. NIS America’s localization could have used another draft, but it’s offset by the franchise’s single best story and a host of content to uncover in the base game, along with New Game Plus. Innovative with just enough familiarity, Ys has never been better.	Read review
cublikefoot	Chase Ferrin	9 / 10	05-03-2018	Although a few technical issues do still exist, Ys VIII is still a fantastic JRPG. The combat is fun, the story is interesting, the soundtrack is excellent, and there is a ton of content to wade through.	Read review
DarkZero	Jorge S Fernandez	8 / 10	07-18-2018	Simply put, everything in Ys VIII feels real good.	Read review
Destructoid	Red Veron	9 / 10	09-01-2017	Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA has its share of flaws but its very satisfying combat more than makes up for it while the fun exploration and good story kept me going through all of it. Ys fans will love this one, and those new to the series are sure to get some enjoyment with the solid fast paced action that might turn them into fans as well. This is definitely a game I would like to have with me to play if I ever get shipwrecked on a deserted island.	Read review
Digiato	Arash Parsapour	75 / 100	05-09-2018	Ys VIII is a lovely and harmonic mixture of Hack ‘n’ Slash and Role Playing games and has successfully accelerated the pace of gameplay without sacrificing the originality of this series.	Read review
DualShockers	Azario Lopez	9.5 / 10	08-30-2017	Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana has introduced a new type of adventure to the Ys series and does it incredibly well. The game takes the action-RPG genre to a new level with its excellent story pacing and gameplay. The game offers many hours of exploring and fast-paced action along with plenty more for those who’d like to dive deeper into the mysteries of the island. The truth is after picking up Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana I simply couldn’t put it down until I finished the story. In the end, I found myself attached to many of the characters that I met along the way and part of me wished that this Ys adventure never had to end.	Read review
Easy Allies	Ben Moore	4 / 5 stars	09-16-2017	Video Review	Read review
Echo Boomer	João Canelo	Recommended	09-05-2018	It took over 20 years, but Ys finally came to the fore. Lacrimosa of Dana is an excellent action RPG with a clever focus on survival that, unfortunately, it can’t keep up to its completion. The Switch version has its problems, namely the resolution, but when we see it moving, without frame breaks and with a solid performance, we understand how its quality was not harmed. Ys VIII is essential for all fans of the genre.	Read review
Fextralife	DeadPixel	9.1 / 10	10-11-2017	Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is by far, the best entry in the series.	Read review
Game Informer	Kimberley Wallace	8.3 / 10	08-30-2017	Between building up your base, making new discoveries, and fighting intense boss battles, Ys VIII is a hard adventure to put down	Read review
Gameblog	Rudy Jean-François	8 / 10	11-27-2017	Ys VIII proves once again that 2016 is the year of J-RPG. Not only does it offer solid RPG elements and dynamic combat sessions, it also does a very good job at making us discover the Siren Island and care for our heroes. And with its excellent graphics (especially for the Vita version) and this very good soundtrack, all that makes it one of the best game of this summer 2016. A great J-RPG to play on the go !	Read review
GameGrin	Owen Chan	9 / 10	10-18-2017	If you’ve never played a previous Ys game, like me, this is a great game to experience despite the long history and number in its title. Lasting just over 40 hours for me, this is a relatively easy recommendation for even none JRPG fans who prefer more mechanically driven games.	Read review
GamePro	Michael Cherdchupan	79 / 100	09-11-2017	Excellently playable anniversary of the Ys series with brisk action and some serious dramaturgical weaknesses.	Read review
Gamer Escape	Josh McGrath	9 / 10	08-30-2017	Despite the complaints, I can easily see Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana going down as a modern classic of the genre. The sense of wonder the game offers during exploration, the beautiful artistic presentation, and the just plain solid and fun gameplay make this a title that you absolutely should not pass up.	Read review
GameSkinny	ThatGamersAsylum	8 / 10	09-08-2017	Ys VIII not only stands up to its contemporary competitors, but also beats many of them. I’d rather play this than Final Fantasy XV’s gorgeous, dragging combat and half-hearted open world design any day of the week. And in my book, that is no small feat.	Read review
GameSpot	Heidi Kemps	8 / 10	09-14-2017	The latest entry in the Ys series delivers a fast-paced and very satisfying action-RPG experience.	Read review
GameXplain	GameXplain	Recommended	06-19-2018	Video Review	Read review
GamingBolt	Alex Jackson	8 / 10	09-11-2017	Lost in Blue meets Xenoblade is not a matchup I would have ever thought of, but it’s a solid one with a great foundation of fun combat, great premise, amazing music and nice story. The few problems it has are pervasive and distracting, but never enough to really turn you off. While it doesn’t have a volleyball character, I’d still recommend it to most any RPG fan.	Read review
GBAtemp	Pranavsingh Dhunnoo	7.5 / 10	09-04-2017	A great new adventure awaits fans of the series and those looking to try out Ys for the first time should have their fair amount of fun.	Read review
GearNuke	Khurram Imtiaz	8.5 / 10	08-31-2017	Ys VIII marks the return of Adol Christin back to the big screen. The story might be lackluster in the game but the actual writing effort is solid with some great character moments in the main campaign. The combat is easily the best the series has to offer so far.	Read review
God is a Geek	Chris White	9 / 10	08-29-2017	Ys VIII is a fantastic new action RPG from Falcom that is great for getting into the excellent Ys franchise and one that has a ton of quality content and sublime combat.	Read review
Hardcore Gamer	Chris Shive	4 / 5 stars	08-30-2017	Ys is a series that has never been a triple A level spectacle, but has consistently put out memorable games for close to three decades.	Read review
Hey Poor Player	Francis DiPersio	5 / 5 stars	08-30-2017	When all is said and done, Ys VIII is an utterly engrossing and nostalgic adventure that no fan of the action-RPG genre should miss.	Read review
Hobby Consolas	Elisabeth López	84 / 100	09-13-2017	There is no doubt that Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is one of the best deliveries of the saga. Despite its small flaws and shortcomings as not being translated into Spanish, it’s an ARPG with a scent of Kingdom Hearts and one of the best games of the genre to date.	Read review
IGN Italy	Biagio Etna	8 / 10	08-30-2017	Featuring an undeniable retro charm, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana certainly doesn’t stand out for the graphics. On the other hand, the gamplay is fun, frenetic and framed by a pleasing and multifaceted narrative. A title strongly recommended to old-school RPG action estimates.	Read review
Impulsegamer	Sean Warhurst	4 / 5 stars	10-11-2017	As a newcomer to the Ys series, I couldn’t recommend Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana enough. Touted as being twice as long as previous instalments, the fast pace of the combat system and bountiful questlines available makes for a consistently entertaining experience with little in the way of grinding.	Read review
Just Push Start	Grant E. Gaines	4.25 / 5 stars	07-02-2018	Despite some small annoyances, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is a blast on the Switch. The simply, yet fun, combat is a winner whether you’re on the go or playing at home. Add in a thrilling story and it makes for one of the better offerings for the platform. Sure, it could perform a little better and do a better job with direction, but these things are quickly forgotten when you’re defending your settlement or finding new residents.	Read review
JVL	Julius007	8 / 10	09-11-2017	Ys VIII Lacrimosa of Dana is THE Japanese RPG of this end of summer on the PS4. It brings some new features to the series, two unique adventures, a big playground without denying what makes what Ys is. We’d like having a better general achievement and french translation to get an almost-perfect game. But those who like the genre have no reason to stay away from the game, which is a nice present for the 30th anniversary of the series.	Read review
Kotaku	Mike Fahey	Recommended	08-30-2017	I’ve got everything I look for in an action RPG right here.	Read review
Metro GameCentral	GameCentral	8 / 10	07-12-2018	The storytelling is lacking but otherwise this is one of the most interesting Japanese role-players of recent years, and one that isn’t afraid to take inspiration from other genres.	Read review
Niche Gamer	Rory Hutchings	8.5 / 10	10-08-2017	Overall Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is a great game. It’s a fantastic adventure with some noticeable flaws that can be mostly overlooked. Even if you rush through the game, you can expect roughly 40 to 50 hours of gameplay, while completionists can expect far more than that.	Read review
Nintendo Life	Morgan Sleeper	9 / 10	06-19-2018	With fun, fast-paced combat, likable characters, and an enjoyable story that takes full advantage of its beautiful shipwrecked setting, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is a top-shelf action RPG. Exploring the Isle of Seiren is as rewarding as mastering the character-swapping, hack-and-slash battle system, and both fit into an addictive feedback loop of adventuring that keeps everything moving at a quick clip. Editing issues and inconsistent image quality in handheld mode are small blemishes on an otherwise polished production, but don’t let them deter you; Ys VIII is a true gem.	Read review
Nintendo Times	Craig Majaski	8.5 / 10	06-25-2018	Ys VIII combines fun combat with an intriguing story to create an unforgettable adventure. Exploring the island is made even more entertaining by constantly finding new people to expand your camp and make your characters even stronger. Don’t miss out this excellent action/RPG.	Read review
NintendoWorldReport	Casey Gibson	8.5 / 10	06-19-2018	In addition to an interesting story, setting, and a truly wonderful score, I can’t help but walk away singing its praises. That’s not to say it isn’t without fault, as a slow start will be enough to scare some off and the map can cause some confusion, but these are things worth toughing out to see all the good.	Read review
Player2.net.au	Sarah Ellen	Recommended	10-05-2017	The combat mechanics make sense right from the start, which is refreshing for an RPG, but they are further complimented with an element of strategy to make Lacrimosa of Dana shine.	Read review
PlayStation LifeStyle	Keri Honea	8 / 10	09-07-2017	Ys VIII isn’t Adol’s typical adventure, but it’s so well-crafted (aside from chatty characters) from its combat down to its methods of exploration and side mission variety. It may take a bit longer for newcomers than long-time fans to take the bait, but once you’re reeled in, you will be hooked. You’ll need to be hooked, because even with a crit-path strategy for completion, it will easily take over 40 hours to get through the mystery of the Isle of Seiren. Fortunately, any action-RPG fan, even those who disliked the Ys series in the past, will find plenty to lure them in and keep them on the line.	Read review
PlayStation Universe	Timothy Nunes	8 / 10	09-05-2017	VIII Lacrimosa of Dana is an addicting action JRPG that features great combat and a narrative worth exploring.	Read review
Polygon	Philip Kollar	9.5 / 10	09-26-2017	Story has never been the pull of the Ys franchise for me, though, and if you’re not yet familiar with the series, it’s not why you should give this game a chance. And make no mistake: You should give Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana a chance. Developer Nihon Falcom has always been talented, but this project represents a new high for the studio, a game where each piece comes together and interlocks in a way that feels damn near perfect. Don’t let the obscure name fool you; forgettable story aside, this is one of the best action-RPGs of this generation.	Read review
PS4Blog.net	Tracey	9.5 / 10	08-30-2017	Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is a massive game for PlayStation 4 and Vita with so much to do. It’s a very fun and gorgeous game with a solid story, making this a game that you have to play on PlayStation 4 today. It’s definitely now in the running for Game of the Year (at least in my book), and hopefully you will feel the same once you get started with your adventure!	Read review
PSX Brasil	Luis Guilherme Machado Camargo	95 / 100	09-11-2017	Ys 8 is a polishment on the format debuted in Ys 7 which was also further refined in Ys Memories of Celceta and it is one of Falcom most ambitious titles to date. This ambition payed off because Ys 8 is one of the best games in the series, one of the best ARPGs of the year and an absolute must for PS4 and Vita owners.	Read review
Push Square	Jenny Jones	8 / 10	08-29-2017	Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is an exhilarating adventure with plenty of secrets to uncover and a wonderous island for you to explore. If you’re a fan of the series or are even just a fan of RPGs in general, then Lacrimosa of Dana is an easy title to recommend. Its fast paced combat system and intriguing storyline will keep you hooked throughout.	Read review
Rice Digital	Reuben Mount	5 / 5 stars	07-16-2018	While Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it most certainly improves absolutely everything it can over its already excellent predecessors. It hits the nail on the head with just about everything it does, from the stellar combat to the almost Metroidvania world structure to the actual feeling of exploring a mysterious island inhabited by feral creatures. This is one of the few rare cases where the game’s narrative is closely tied to its gameplay, making for something truly refreshing. If you have never played a Ys game before this is the perfect place to start, while longtime fans are sure to be more than thrilled with this latest adventure.	Read review
Sirus Gaming	Leif Rey Bornales	8.8 / 10	09-13-2017	This was my first Ys game and I can truly say that I would love to play the other ones to see if they offer the same kind of caliber when it comes to features and gameplay. And I’m hoping to find out what other adventures Adol has gone on to. If you’re a person who loves action RPG and likes the survival island life simulation, then this game is definitely for you.	Read review
SomHráč.sk	Marek Pillár	75 / 100	11-01-2017	Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is here and delivers exactly what the fans expected.	Read review
SpazioGames	Domenico Musicò	8.5 / 10	05-02-2018	Ys VIII is on of the best episodes (if not the best) of the franchise created by Falcom. A frantic combat system, a huge map and an enjoyable exploration make it a great adventure, not to be missed by any PS4 role playing fan.	Read review
TechRaptor	James Galizio	9 / 10	08-31-2017	Ys VIII sets the bar high for Adol Christin’s next adventure. This is one of the best Ys titles yet, and one of the best RPGs of the year.	Read review
The Digital Fix	Jess Robinson	9 / 10	10-09-2017	A worthwhile addition to the Ys series that’s enjoyable to veterans and newcomers alike.	Read review
The Outerhaven Productions	Ara Alexander	4.5 / 5 stars	07-01-2018	Nihon Falcom & Nippon Ichi Software has crafted yet another fantastic entry in the Ys series. The same great gameplay and storytelling elements that have become synonymous with the series, along with exceptional graphics. Sure, the top-down view has been replaced but the new 3D graphics help brings the world to life and I enjoyed the voice lines. Combine that with some enjoyable character development and a game that spans over 40+ hour and you got a game that you won’t want to put down for a while.	Read review
TheSixthAxis	Miguel Moran	8 / 10	08-30-2017	Ys VIII is, without a doubt, a huge step for the franchise. In stripping away a lot of the usual narrative tropes the series is usually known for, Nihon Falcom have put a fresh spin on the franchise that puts characters and small moments over grand adventures and vast mysteries. Tied together by a fast-paced combat system and great music, the negatives of Lacrimosa of Dana are far outweighed by the positives, and this is a game that any JRPG fan would be a fool to sleep on.	Read review
Twinfinite	Irwyn Diaz	4 / 5 stars	06-19-2018	I always found myself constantly moving and exploring everything that Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana had to offer, and whenever I needed to take a quick break from all the tight action, I found myself appreciating the company of my fellow castaways and the natural wonders of Seiren Island. With its streamlined combat system and compelling narrative, the latest entry in the Ys series is another solid addition to the Switch’s growing library and should definitely be on every JRPG lover’s list..	Read review
VGChartz	Evan Norris	Recommended	09-11-2017	This is a title that can go head-to-head with anything released in 2017, including Breath of the Wild. With charming characters, fun combat, lots of opportunities to explore, and a large set of role-playing mechanics operating like clockwork, it accomplishes everything it sets out to do.	Read review
Video Chums	A.J. Maciejewski	8.3 / 10	08-30-2017	Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana provides more than enough thrilling action RPG gameplay to satisfy fans’ appetites.	Read review
Wccftech	Francesco De Meo	9.5 / 10	08-29-2017	It took years for Falcom to develop the perfect entry in the series, and with Ys VIII: Lacrimosa Of Dana, they finally managed to do so by refining the renewed story focus and gameplay mechanics introduced in Ys Seven without taking away what makes the series so enjoyable. With a well-executed, albeit not really original story, charming cast, fast paced battle system, engaging boss battles, tight challenge level and plenty of side-content, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa Of Dana is without a doubt the best entry in the series and one of the best action role-playing games released this year.	Read review
We Got This Covered	Jon Hueber	4.5 / 5 stars	09-01-2017	Despite the rough visuals and occasional storytelling misstep, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana delivers some of the best music and combat of any RPG out there.	Read review

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About Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana

Game Description / Storyline:

Ys returns with a brand new adventure for the first time in 8 years! Adol awakens shipwrecked and stranded on a cursed island. There, he and the other shipwrecked passengers he rescues form a village to challenge fearsome beasts and mysterious ruins on the isolated island.

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