Ys IX: Monstrum Nox Review
As we dive into our Ys 9 Review it’s important to know that even if you haven’t played previous games in the Ys series, you can fully enjoy this game. Ys 9 offers addicting gameplay and a fun RPG that’s accessible to newcomers and series veterans alike. It also has minimal tie-ins to the past Ys games so Ys 9 Monstrum Nox is a great entry point if you have never played any Ys games before. Ys IX Monstrum Nox is a fast-paced action RPG that introduces players to the adventures of Adol Christin as he tries to escape the mysterious prison city of Balduq. The game stands out in the Ys series for its unique blend of open-world elements, Metroidvania mechanics, and fun combat system.
Setting and Story of Ys IX Monstrum Nox
You’ll play as Adol Christin, as he finds himself transformed into a Monstrum and trapped within the city of Balduq. As a monstrum, you’ll be granted special powers and abilities to fight off the evil Monstrum Nox. The city itself is huge and is filled with lots of secrets and side quests. Because of this it almost feels like an open-world experience to some extent.
You aren’t alone in your quest to save the world as you will team up with other Monstrums trapped in the city. This will require you to team up in hopes of defeating the Monstrum Nox threatening the city and the world. The game’s story unfolds through different chapters, each focusing on a different Monstrum on your team, their backstory, and motivations. This chapter mechanic adds depth to the characters on your team, but it does take some time to ramp up and draw you into the story.
Gameplay and Exploration
The gameplay of Ys 9 Monstrum Nox is one of its strongest aspects. As you start, only a small part of the city is accessible. However, as you progress, you’ll unlock new abilities that allow further exploration, similar to a Metroidvania game style. Abilities such as higher jumps, gliding, and more enable you to reach previously inaccessible areas, adding a layer of exploration and discovery to Ys 9.
The game’s open-world elements are well-integrated, with various side quests and collectibles scattered throughout the city. These include challenges and tasks that provide additional depth and replayability. While completing every single collectible or map area isn’t necessary, it adds to the overall experience for those who enjoy thorough exploration.
Review of Ys 9 Combat System
The combat system in Ys 9 is fast-paced and highly engaging. Each Monstrum has unique abilities and skills, which can be upgraded and leveled up as you progress. The ability to customize controller mapping is a great feature, allowing players to tailor their combat experience to their preferences. I found this customization was essential if you are used to playing other action RPGs with a different control scheme. For example, when I played Ys IX I had recently played through Final Fantasy 16 and created a nearly identical combat feel.
Combat is also reminiscent of the Tales series entries like Tales of Arise. During combat, you’ll have the ability to switch between characters on the fly. This is crucial for exploiting enemy weaknesses, as different characters have different specializations. Creating effective battle parties and strategically switching between characters adds a layer of tactical depth to the game. The continuous upgrade of skills and abilities also provides a satisfying sense of progression to the combat.
Level Up Mechanics
Now the level-up mechanics of Ys 9 Monstrum Nox were a little more similar to traditional turn-based RPGs vs more modern RPGs. You have your standard flow of gaining experience and leveling up your characters. This will increase various stats like strength, HP, defense and more, but it is more of a linear progression.
You do have the variety of combat skills your characters can learn and these progress in power based on the amount that you use them. There isn’t a skill tree to unlock for your characters which felt like a little of a missed opportunity.
There are various items you can find along the way that can be used to further improve your character’s stats like boosting HP and strength. Another nice feature is that characters that are not in your active combat party still gain experience. I liked this feature as it never felt like you had to worry about certain party members you weren’t using becoming under-leveled.
It was fun trying to max out the various abilities of your characters, but the more linear level-up system left me wanting more.
Story and Character Development
While the early chapters of Ys 9 Monstrum Nox may feel slow in terms of story development, the later chapters deliver significant twists and turns that elevate the narrative. Each chapter’s focus on a different Monstrum allows for deep character development, though the initial storyline might not be as gripping as some other RPGs.
Despite this, the combination of exploration, combat, and character progression makes the journey worthwhile. Especially once you make it to the later chapters of the game.
As I mentioned earlier, Ys IX Monstrum Nox is a stand-alone adventure and you can fully enjoy the story without having played any other titles. Ys 9 was also my first entry to the series and I never felt lost or like I was significantly missing anything having not played the other Ys games.
I’m sure there are many easter eggs for long-time fans of the series, that could help them further enjoy the story.
Side Quests and Replayability
Ys 9 offers a large variety of side quests and additional challenges. The world map makes this easy to manage as it designates important locations across the map. Often these side quests involve exploring new locations, collecting items, and defeating specific enemies. While completing every side quest and collectible can be time-consuming, it provides a richer experience for those who enjoy delving deep into the game world.
For completionists, Ys 9 offers plenty of content. However, for those more focused on the main storyline, it’s possible to enjoy the game without feeling compelled to complete every side quest. The main story, coupled with key side quests, provides a fulfilling experience without the need for 100% completion.
There were several side quest options like collecting shards or exploring 100% of the map in every area that I never completed. It never felt like the reward for doing so was worth it or that it would provide a major boost in my ability to complete the game.
I’m not sure if the replay value is there with the game unless you want to focus on trying to beat the game with a different set of characters. Each character plays a bit differently and has different move sets and combat styles. You’ll only be able to control 3 characters at a time, so it could be interesting to try playing the game again with a different set of characters.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Ys 9 Monstrum Nox is a strong entry in the Ys series. Its blend of action, exploration, and character development makes it a compelling game for both newcomers and long-time fans. The initial slow pace of the story is more than compensated by the engaging combat and later narrative twists. The game offers a solid action RPG experience, with enough depth and side quests to keep players invested for hours.
For anyone looking for a new action RPG to dive into, Ys 9 Monstrum Nox is a worthy addition to your collection. The combination of fast-paced combat, open-world exploration, and deep character development makes it worth playing. Whether you’re new to the Ys series or a veteran, Ys 9 provides an engaging and rewarding adventure and I’d recommend it!
Let us know your thoughts on our Ys 9 Review
How do you feel about Ys 9 Monstrum Nox? Have you played this game yet? How do you think it stacks up against other games in the series? Is this a good starting point, or are there other Ys games you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments below or in our YouTube comments.
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