Released in 2021 on PS4, PC and Switch, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox tries some new things with the long-running action RPG series.
Inflicting its plucky red-haired protagonist Adol Christin with a curse, the adventure is largely confined to a city. It’s a large city, though, and with newly acquired Monstrum powers, it slowly becomes your oyster as you move from chapter to chapter. Especially so when you also gain control of other Monstrums, each with their own unique abilities. Throw in some tower defense elements, and it’s safe to say that Ys IX: Monstrum Nox isn’t your typical Ys game.
If you haven’t yet played Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, you should give our review of the PS4 version a read. You see, soon to be available on PS5, there are no changes to content or features. Hell, it doesn’t even really look any better, what with the PS4 version getting an update after launch to make it run at 4K and 60 frames per second when running in backwards compatibility mode on PS5. And so you might be wondering: what’s new here? What’s the point?
Well, for a start, loading times are reduced a little. They weren’t particularly long in the PS4 version, but now they’re faster, meaning you can spend more time adventuring and less time looking at static screens. That’s great for those who haven’t played the game before, but what about those who have? With no upgrade path for those who already own the game on PS4, loading times don’t make it worth buying the game again on PS5, but the inclusion of DLC might.
Essentially a complete edition, the PS5 version of Ys IX: Monstrum Nox includes a wide range of DLC. There are packs of consumables, stat-boosting accessories and a whole host of cosmetics to customise your characters with, potentially enhancing your gameplay experience. But you don’t have to redeem or use them if you don’t want to. If you’re a purist you might save them for a second playthrough, or simply be selective.
The included DLC might still not be enough to entice some players back, and we can’t blame them – it’s not as if any of it changes the game in any substantial way. For PS5 owners yet to jump into this latest chapter of Adol Christin’s adventures, however, this version is undoubtedly the best. And those who love the game so much have yet another opportunity to play through it, and perhaps gain another platinum trophy for their efforts.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox launches on PS5 on 6th May in North America, and 12th May in Europe.
