Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-07-17
Review summary
  • Fast and satisfying combat
  • Outstanding soundtrack and music
  • Captivating and well-paced story
  • Slow story pacing
  • Outdated graphics quality
  • Confusing map navigation
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA header

Categories

Action RPGExplorationMetroidvaniaCharacter ProgressionBase BuildingMultiple EndingsStory-driven GameplayParty-based Combat

Emotions

Archetypes

Hardware

Windows 12-15GB VRAMpositive
Sample precision
Helpful reviews
86%
Unhelpful reviews
14%
Protest reviews
0%
Positive points
1348
Negative points
697
Gameplay points
654
Perf. points
93
Rec. points
272
Misc points
4
Point
Fast and satisfying combat
Description
Players consistently praise the combat for being fast-paced, responsive, and enjoyable, with mechanics like dodging, parrying, and chaining abilities that keep gameplay engaging and addictive.
Importance
62%
Outstanding soundtrack and music
Description
The soundtrack receives universal acclaim for being memorable, beautiful, and perfectly fitting various moments, with many players considering it among the best in gaming.
Importance
47%
Dana is an excellent character
Description
Dana is widely regarded as a standout heroine with deep, compelling characterization and a well-developed story that resonates emotionally with players, elevating the game's narrative.
Importance
47%
Excellent character development overall
Description
Beyond Dana, the game is praised for well-written, charismatic characters with unique stories and emotional depth, making them engaging and memorable throughout the journey.
Importance
29%
Captivating and well-paced story
Description
The story is gripping, emotional, and full of surprising twists, with a grand narrative that keeps players invested from start to finish, supported by excellent pacing.
Importance
27%
One of the best Ys games
Description
Fans consider this entry among the best in the Ys series, praising its narrative, gameplay, and overall quality, often comparing it favorably to previous installments like Ys IX and Ys I/II.
Importance
26%
Rewarding exploration and world
Description
Exploration is described as interesting, exciting, and genuinely rewarding, with a pleasant world that encourages natural discovery and enjoyable gameplay loops.
Importance
15%
Dual timeline narrative structure
Description
The dual storyline, featuring parallel perspectives across different time periods, is praised for its smooth execution and clever storytelling that enriches the overall plot.
Importance
13%
Satisfying and touching true ending
Description
The true ending is highly praised for its emotional impact and bittersweet satisfaction, effectively resolving the story and leaving a lasting positive impression on players.
Importance
13%