Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is the long awaited eighth instalment of the Ys franchise that introduces a compelling narrative into the satisfying action RPG gameplay the series is renowned for.
Released last September on PS4 and Vita, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is now coming to PC, allowing players to take on the role of Adol Christin and set out on an epic 70+ hour action RPG adventure. The combat and music are as good as ever, but Ys VIII also manages to introduce an interesting narrative, easily surpassing its predecessors rather throwaway attempts at a plot.
The game starts with the ship Adol’s travelling on getting smashed by a massive sea monster, leaving him shipwrecked on a cursed island where legend tells no-one has ever returned. Adol and the rest of the survivors then band together and attempt to survive on and escape the island, with each new member of your group fulfilling a useful role in your makeshift village.The writing is excellent throughout and each character is fleshed out nicely with interesting dialogue and backstories – especially Dana, the second main playable character in the game who is shrouded in mystery.
The combat in the game expands on the Rock Paper Scissors-style system that was introduced in Ys VII, with different characters in your team doing different types of damage that are useful against different types of enemies (such as using a Strike attack to crack an enemy with a hard outer shell). As ever, the music is also excellent, making exploring and battling your way through the mysterious cursed island a joy.
It’s been eight years since the previous instalment of Ys, but good things come to those who wait. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA delivers and epic action RPG adventure with great characters, engaging gameplay and an intriguing plot. Sign up for the Beta for a chance to wash up on that cursed island early!
Sign Up For The Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA Beta Here