Ys IX: Monstrum Nox

 Switch
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Vandal
    Jul 9, 2021
    73
    This is a poor adaptation of a good ARPG. There are many technical issues that affect both the graphics and the gameplay, so it’s up to the player if you’re willing to accept these sacrifices.
  2. The Games Machine
    Jul 12, 2021
    72
    Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a successful and must-have Japanese RPG for Adol fans, but it's not the decisive step forward that a legendary series like Ys deserves. The Switch version is plagued by too many technical uncertainties.
  3. Universo Nintendo
    Sep 4, 2021
    70
    Ys 9 is an adventure game that pleased me and it will make series fans happy due to the great quantity of new mechanics, however, it needed more visual polish to cater to a bigger audience.
  5. Everyeye.it
    Jul 15, 2021
    70
    If in general the hybrid nature of Nintendo Switch tends to balance the technical limitations of the hardware with portability, in this case there is no valid reason why you should prefer this second version of Ys IX: Monstrum Nox to the one launched just a few months ago on PS4 and PS4 Pro, which has even been supporting 4K resolution for some time.
  6. Hardcore Gamer
    Jul 13, 2021
    70
    Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a great game that maintains enough elements of previous Ys games so that longtime fans will feel at home while the Monstrum gifts breathe new life into the gameplay. This is a must-play for fans of the series or action JRPGs in general, but while the hardware limitations of the Switch do not ruin the game or make it unplayable, they have been sources of frustration that take some of the fun away from the experience. Handheld mode suffers from muddier graphics, tiny text and the occasional massive framerate plummet during a boss battle. If playing Ys IX: Monstrum Nox on the go is essential, the Switch version is serviceable enough where the headaches from the performance issues don’t outweigh the positive aspects, but if it’s an option, the PlayStation 4 version is the superior way to experience Ys IX.
  7. Gaming Age
    Sep 2, 2021
    67
    Even if Ys games are more action-packed than most other titles that fall within the very broad JRPG umbrella, Ys IX has less action than it probably should. Again, I don’t want to leave you with the impression that Ys IX is a bad game, because it’s definitely not. But it’s also not a great game, either, and given that we’re talking about a series that has produced a couple of those, that means Ys IX can’t help but fall a little short of expectations.
  8. Starbit
    Oct 11, 2021
    60
    Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is the latest addition to the Ys series and at its core, this is a fine game that brings with it a marvelous combat system and good exploration mechanics. Unfortunately its poor performance on the Nintendo Switch, whether on a television screen or on the console's screen, makes the experience very frustrating, to say the least, and when situations with more than two enemies on the screen become extremely difficult to handle due to a loss of fluidity, it makes it a hard game to recommend.

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 36
  3. Negative: 4 out of 36
  1. AtelierRann
    Jul 10, 2021
    8
    Great Ys game! And even more to grind while playing portable.
    Atm it doesn't look the prettiest game on Switch but is ok and very playable.    Great Ys game! And even more to grind while playing portable.
    Atm it doesn't look the prettiest game on Switch but is ok and very playable. I'm sure the devs will bring a patch to make it better soon.
    Fun combat and interesting story. When the game first came out on PS4 it needed a couple of patches for it to run better, so I'm sure the same will happen to the Switch version.
    But honestly, is good enough to enjoy it!    … Full Review »
  2. Nintendopost24
    Jul 10, 2021
    9
    The Switch port of YS IX has received special care. The game is smooth and although some technical concessions have been made, it doesn't haveThe Switch port of YS IX has received special care. The game is smooth and although some technical concessions have been made, it doesn't have to be ashamed of the comparison with the PS4 version. This new opus is a continuation of its predecessor by doing better in certain aspects such as storytelling, characters and travel, but does less well in others. Its linear side, which somewhat restricts exploration contributions, and its overall too austere artistic direction are undoubtedly the most obvious flaws. However, its ultra dynamic gameplay, its narration, its soundtrack, and the audacity of this prison atmosphere still place it in pole position of the best opus of the series. A real success and a Switch port that offers us one of the best action-Rpg of the year.

    Full review, in french, on my blog Nintendo Legacy. You can follow me on Twitter @NintendoLegacy1    … Full Review »
  3. derfolo
    Aug 15, 2021
    9
    I loved Ys VIII on Switch, so I was excited to try Ys IX! My sense is that it wouldn't matter if you have played this series before--you areI loved Ys VIII on Switch, so I was excited to try Ys IX! My sense is that it wouldn't matter if you have played this series before--you are introduced to the two main characters, Adol and Dogi, and the new characters would be new to everyone else anyway. The negative reviews you see here are not about the game, but rather on how the game performs on the Switch. So let's get that simple stuff out of the way: the graphics are limited by the Switch hardware (what game doesn't?), and I experienced some annoying glitches where the game would crash from time to time for no apparent reason. (This occurred at least 3 times for me.) If you can move on from these flaws, the game is amazing! It starts a bit slow, but as you gain abilities and gear, it really comes in to its own. I remember when I was first able to zip around on the rooftops of Balduq, and I wanted to explore every single part of the city. The game is a blast from that point forward. 9.4/10, I would definitely recommend this game for fans of RPGs or JRPGs.… Full Review »
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