Ys IX: Monstrum Nox Reviews

best JRPG

I like this game better than ys:nordic.

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a bold and atmospheric entry in the long-running Ys series, taking the franchise in a more experimental direction while retaining its signature action-RPG roots. Developed by Nihon Falcom and brought to Steam with localization and publishing support by NIS America, this ninth mainline title follows series protagonist Adol Christin into the grim and mysterious city of Balduq. Set against the backdrop of a prison city teeming with secrets, Monstrum Nox stands apart from previous entries thanks to its urban setting, supernatural themes, and a darker, more narrative-heavy tone. The game offers fast-paced combat, a cast of intriguing characters, and a world rich with lore, making it a compelling experience for fans and newcomers alike—though not without its imperfections. The story begins with Adol’s arrest shortly after arriving in Balduq, setting into motion a chain of events that see him transformed into a Monstrum—one of six beings cursed with supernatural powers and tasked with fighting shadowy creatures from another dimension known as the Grimwald Nox. From there, the narrative branches into themes of captivity, identity, resistance, and redemption. The game’s setting is more confined than past entries, with much of the adventure taking place within the city walls or the parallel dimension, yet it doesn’t feel limited. Instead, it creates an intimate sense of place. Each district of Balduq has a unique flavor, and the various characters Adol meets—both Monstrum allies and citizens—are woven into a mystery-laden story that slowly peels back layers of history, corruption, and supernatural influence. Unlike the vast wildernesses and dungeons of earlier Ys titles, Monstrum Nox focuses on vertical exploration and urban traversal. Each Monstrum has a unique gift, such as running on walls, teleporting across rooftops, or gliding through the air. These abilities are cleverly used both in combat and exploration, opening up hidden areas, shortcuts, and secrets across Balduq. This movement system is one of the game’s standout mechanics, giving a new level of freedom and flow that feels refreshing within the series. Whether you’re scouring rooftops for collectibles or unlocking new traversal paths, there’s always a satisfying sense of momentum and discovery. Combat remains fast, fluid, and satisfying—hallmarks of the Ys franchise—but with added layers of flash and versatility thanks to the Monstrum abilities. The game uses a party-based system where you can switch between characters on the fly, each with their own weapon type, skill sets, and elemental affinities. Enemy weaknesses are still a key factor in efficient fighting, and the inclusion of aerial combat adds more dynamism than ever before. Dodge and guard mechanics return, rewarding well-timed actions with time-slowing bonuses that make for stylish counterattacks. Boss fights are frequent, challenging, and often visually impressive, requiring mastery of the game’s systems to overcome. The Grimwald Nox segments serve as the game’s more traditional dungeon content. These combat trials pit the Monstrums against waves of enemies in a sort of tower defense-style arena, where players must protect crystals while dispatching increasingly tough enemies. While these sequences are action-packed and useful for grinding resources, they can feel repetitive over time and lack the environmental diversity of more traditional dungeons from earlier Ys entries. They are, however, integral to progressing the story and expanding the city map, so their importance can’t be ignored. Narratively, Ys IX is more dialogue- and character-driven than many of its predecessors. The Monstrums each have fully fleshed-out backstories, personalities, and emotional arcs, which are revealed gradually as the story unfolds. The writing leans into melodrama at times, but it does so earnestly, and the game’s themes of confinement and freedom are reinforced through both story and gameplay. Adol himself, typically a silent protagonist, is given more agency through dialogue choices—even if they don't drastically change outcomes, they help maintain player engagement with the narrative. The overall mystery surrounding the Monstrum curse, Balduq’s dark history, and the Grimwald is well-paced and resolves in a satisfying, if slightly convoluted, fashion. Graphically, Monstrum Nox is serviceable rather than cutting-edge. While the character designs are vibrant and the world is visually distinct, the engine shows its age, particularly on PC. Texture detail, lighting, and environmental complexity are all a step behind modern standards, especially compared to other JRPGs of the same era. However, the game runs smoothly and is well-optimized on Steam, with options to tweak visuals and performance for a variety of systems. The art direction—especially in character models and grim cityscapes—does much to compensate for technical limitations, creating a mood that fits the darker tone of the narrative. The soundtrack, composed by Falcom Sound Team jdk, is once again a standout feature. From pulse-pounding battle themes to moody exploration tracks and emotional story pieces, the music is diverse and deeply integrated into the experience. Fans of previous Ys soundtracks will find much to love here, with compositions that elevate both the intensity of combat and the atmosphere of the world. Voice acting is available in both English and Japanese, and while the English dub is competent, the Japanese performances better capture the tone and delivery of the script. There are areas where Ys IX struggles. The pacing can be uneven, particularly in the early chapters where much of the game’s systems and cast are still being introduced. Some side quests feel like filler, and while the city of Balduq is rich in detail, its muted color palette and repetitive building structures can make prolonged exploration feel less exciting than in the wilderness-based Ys VIII. Still, these are relatively minor issues in the context of the overall experience. Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a bold evolution for the series, trading vast landscapes for urban intrigue, and pure action for a stronger narrative focus. Its innovative traversal mechanics, satisfying combat system, and emotionally resonant storylines make it a worthwhile journey, especially for returning fans eager to see Adol in a new light. While it may not reach the same emotional heights or sheer breadth of exploration as Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana, it offers a mature, thoughtful, and mechanically rich experience that proves the franchise still has plenty of room to grow. For players seeking a fast-paced action RPG with substance, heart, and a touch of gothic flair, Monstrum Nox is an adventure worth diving into. Rating: 9/10

Another great Ys game. Whilst i'll admit its not quite the game Ys VIII was its still a good game and well worth a play