PLATFORM: PC, PS4, SWITCH (REVIEWED) | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
The ninth instalment of the Ys series was originally released exclusively in Japan towards the end of 2019, with a worldwide PlayStation release following in February 2021. PC and Switch players can now get in on the action too, with the game arriving on a couple of additional platforms this week.
Monstrum Nox loosely follows on from the events of the previous instalment, Ys VIII, although it’s very much a standalone adventure that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their level of familiarity with the series as a whole. Set in the gloomy prison city of Balduq, we follow series stalwart Adol Christin who, along with best buddy Dogi, arrives at the city and is immediately arrested by the local guards. Escaping from his confinement, Adol encounters a mysterious woman who places a curse upon him, turning him into a half human / half superhuman creature known as a Montrum. It turns out that Adol isn’t the only Monstrum in town though, and he soon finds himself working with similarly-inflicted beings as they band together in an attempt to eliminate the bizarre entities that have been plaguing the town while also working their way through their own personal issues and questlines.
Set almost entirely within the city walls, Ys IX’s story looms large over the opening hour or so of the game, almost to the point of being overbearing. It’s a slow start, but it’s absolutely worth persevering – when the game finally lets you get on with things, it reveals itself to be a very addictive and engaging adventure indeed. The city is brimming with collectables and hidden corners, as well as all manner of merchants and NPCs to trade with and complete quests for. As you progress through each chapter, more Monstrum (Monstrums?) join your cause, bestowing Adol with “Gifts” which increase his traversal options. Soon enough you’ll be grappling up to high ledges, running along walls and gliding through the air as you head off to tackle Raid Battles, which grant access to new parts of the city, and plenty of nicely-designed combat-heavy dungeons which are easily the high points of the game.
It has to be said that there’s the odd bit of stuttering going on with the Switch version of the game, even in docked mode, so if you’re a stickler for framerates then it might be wise to look at the PC or PlayStation versions over the Switch edition. Other than that and the ponderously slow start, though, Ys IX really is a very strong contender for the best game in the series so far. Fast-paced realtime combat, a tremendous soundtrack (which ranges from calm and soothing orchestral numbers to booming J-rock beats) and an ultra-addictive gameplay loop that takes you around a towering gothic city all make for a fantastic adventure that any RPG fan would be wise to check out!
