Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana

The main pros of the game

• Engaging Story and Characters: The narrative is compelling, with a well-developed dual storyline involving Adol and Dana. Players found the characters charming and relatable, leading to emotional investment in their journeys.
• Dynamic Combat System: The combat is described as fast-paced, fluid, and fun, allowing players to switch between characters and utilize unique skills. The challenge increases with difficulty settings, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and seasoned players.
• Exploration and World Design: The game encourages exploration with a semi-open world design, filled with secrets and side quests. Players appreciated the sense of adventure and discovery on the Isle of Seiren.
• Stellar Soundtrack: The music is frequently praised as one of the game's standout features, enhancing the overall experience and evoking nostalgia for classic RPGs.
• Visual Appeal: Despite being a port of a PS Vita game, many users noted that the art style and graphics remain appealing, contributing to the immersive atmosphere.

The main cons of the game

• Pacing Issues: Some players felt that the story starts slowly and can drag in certain sections, particularly in the first half of the game. The pacing of cutscenes sometimes interrupts gameplay flow.
• Repetitive Combat: While the combat is fun, some users found it to be button-mashy and lacking depth, especially in longer play sessions. The simplicity of combat mechanics led to some fatigue over time.
• Technical Bugs: Certain technical issues, such as damage glitches at higher frame rates and minor bugs during gameplay, were noted. Some players experienced frustrations with the map layout and navigation.
• Character Tropes: A few reviews mentioned that some characters felt like clichés and that the dialogue could be overly dramatic or predictable.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Depth in RPG Mechanics: Some players expressed a desire for more complex RPG elements, such as deeper character customization and a more intricate skill or crafting system.
• Open World Feel: While the game is described as semi-open, some users wished for a more expansive and less linear experience, with fewer restrictions on exploration.
• Minigame Variety: The minigames, such as fishing and raids, were seen as lacking depth and could benefit from more engaging mechanics.
• Less Reliance on Cutscenes: A desire for fewer interruptions by cutscenes was noted, as some players preferred uninterrupted exploration and gameplay.

Summary

• Overall, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is regarded as a strong entry in the Ys series, praised for its story, characters, and gameplay, while also facing criticism for pacing and some technical issues.

Summary generated on: November 20, 2025