Ys IX Review - Succeeding A Masterpiece

[@ZFrag]

Ys9 had much improved gameplay from 8 but as an overall game I much preferred 8 over 9. I felt 8's setting to be much more interesting to explore. I enjoyed the story in 8 more as well

[@AwsmNix]

I found and played Ys 8 in January and now I’m playing 9. I’m SO glad I found 8 when I did. I also indulged in origins and calceta. I’m HOOKED

[@MiguelA77751]

I see doing sidequest as putting myself in Adol's adventuring shoes. I'm sure Adol would have collected all the azure petals or hunted down graffiti out of curiosity. And he'd be willing to help out with the request board being as he's such a helpful guy

[@culIen]

Absolutely! Doing so makes the story, which in this case is all about Adol, hit so much harder too. I'm not sure how much of that was intentional, but the Ys team continues to knock it out of the park

[@MiguelA77751]

@@culIen I think Oath in Felghana puts it best we are reading Adol's old travel logs that were discovered by scholars. We are just reading his meticulous logs cover to cover not skipping any pages!

[@RedBardIsCool]

can't stop thinking about the Fire Emblem Halloween department store

[@Mojaveknight17]

I watch your videos!

[@MinkDaddy]

That was hilarious!

[@ryantaylor3917]

Really looking forward to playing this. Making my way through Ys 8 at the moment and I've absolutely fallen in love with the game. It's up there with FF6 and DQ11 for me personally

[@jakubsobieski4091]

DrCullenPHD: "Ys VIII is Falcom masterpiece, one of best video games of all time" Me: "Say no more, liked, subscribed, bell icon clicked"

[@culIen]

😎👍 hell yeah

[@lunaromancia]

This is probably your best video yet Cullen, the jokes hit, the interweaving between them and the actual analysis is seamless and your line delivery is the most natural it's ever been.

[@culIen]

😭 thank you gamer, I was really worried about this and its crazy how positively it's being received

[@TheDamnWinner]

@@culIen this is the exact video i needed when i looked up “ys 9 in depth review”.

[@paybacksuper3670]

for studio with 70 employee they are just great pumping out new game each year.

[@elettramelodia8990]

I literally just finished playing Ys IX for the first time, and I would just say that, after Ys VIII, the dungeons were a bit of a let down. In terms of exploration, the dungeons are great. I especially liked the dungeon built around Hawk's ability, as well as Doll's final boss. However, visually, I just felt something was lacking. The first two or three look virtually identical, and I would argue that it isn't until the sixth dungeon that we get real variety in the settings. Most of them are underground sewers and tunnels, which feels kind of repetitive. In contrast, Ys VIII had these mysterious, eerie settings for dungeons, none of which felt at all alike. Walking through the coral forest for the first time, moving to a spacious cave system, climbing Mt. Gendarme, fighting your way through Baja Tower, even exploring Dana's old temple, all of the dungeons felt distinct and alive. The Quarry was my favorite dungeon from Ys IX, and I really enjoyed the Alchemist's Lab and the final dungeon. The earlier ones just weren't as memorable. It also didn't help that I played on Normal,(as I usually do since I know my limits), so dungeons felt like they flew by without much of a challenge. I'm eager to replay it on a harder difficulty to see if I get more enjoyment out of it.

[@dyo972]

This video convinced me to play both Ys VIII and Ys IX. Thanks!

[@culIen]

That's awesome! I hope you enjoy your time with both ^-^

[@Cinnacal]

Never played a Ys game before but still excited to watch!

[@TankZappa]

@@mohammedsea857 That's what I did and it worked!! All thanks to the HappyConsoleGamer! Now I'm hooked!!! ✌😁🎸⚡⚡⚡

[@beez2673]

@@mohammedsea857 I started with Origins, got it on a sale, wasn't my first choice but I got it as it was cheap, and oh boy I didn't think this game from 2006 could be so addicting, not many games can age so great and have addicting gameplay like Origins

[@michaelschneider1365]

I never played before either. How’s replay value for this game? I’m trying the demo

[@beez2673]

@@michaelschneider1365 Well you have NG +, so could be fun to start a playthrough on Nightmare after a normal or hard playthrough, (I recommend hard). The game also has boss rush mode, where as it sounds, you go against boss after boss, yeah it is awsome. Also in Ys you will want to 100% the map go to all locations, in a lot of games that would be a chore, but nope in Ys you will wanna go out of your way to do as much as possible. FIshing is also amazing in Ys VIII, I would fish as much as possible in new areas and ended up collecting all fish without a guide, honestly was really fun to do not tedious like other collectibles in other games

[@ilikecookies230]

Start @ 8 since that is a good game and pretty cheap

[@boogershifter]

I just wanna say, thank you for being yourself in your videos. It may be a small thing, but it means a lot to little people like me. Also, it's so clear that you're enjoying what you're doing here and that shit always makes content more enjoyable. Nothing's better than people having fun at what they do. So again, thanks and keep at it.

[@SuperOtakuKyo]

Can't wait for this to hit PC. Loved Ys VIII and glad this is similar and even better in some ways.

[@advmx3]

Me too man. I really hope they continue the port style of VIII too! I love having all the options INGAME instead of a box outside of it forcing me to close and open it all the time to fix what I want (like it happens with ALL of the Cold Steel ports sadly).

[@The_Admiral_Angel]

Even before watching your Ys VIII video, there was something about the game that just clicked with me. There are a lot of games I love, but there's only a handful of them like Xenoblade Chronicles, Kid Icarus Uprising, Chrono Trigger, A Hat in Time, and Super Mario Odyssey that have managed to draw me in. Even to the point where I would replay these games yearly. Like you, I also went into Ys IX with cautious optimism. And by the time I played it, I ended up loving it just as much, if not more than VIII. I'll admit that IX isn't nearly as polished as its predecessor, and the gray, dull colors of Balduq might be a bit of a downgrade compared to more colorful fantasy-esque settings like Celceta and the Isle of Seiren. Though when you look at how Balduq was made from another perspective, it makes sense why they made it this way. It's called the Prison City for a reason, and with the curse casted on Adol and the others preventing them from leaving the city, the title couldn't be anymore literal. I also see the setting of Balduq as kind of a wake-up call for Adol. Not every start of an adventure is going to greet him with a vibrant fantasy land like in the previous games. He's pretty much famous at this point, and the Romun Empire sees Adol as a threat now. The setting puts Adol in a much more dangerous situation than he's been in many times before. The situation doesn't take away his adventurous spirit nor his optimism, but he does realize that he has to take things a lot more seriously. Falcom making the setting and story for Ys IX more dark and serious instead of a more light-hearted and fun one like in Celceta and VIII was bold, but interesting. It's kind of a fun change of pace, and this makes me wish that other franchises like Pokemon took the initiative to do small and innovative things like this. But anyways, loved your video. Great review. It makes me happy to see that someone loves this series (and Adol) as much as I do. Ys VIII will always have a major place in my heart, but I won't deny that some of the improvements in IX makes the game a bit more enjoyable to me.

[@zhejinanimde3095]

3:52 Just this single soundtrack is one of the reasons YS8 will always be one of the best (if not remain the best) games I should have seen in my life.

[@karmenion]

Finishing Ys game is super sad. I just feel like if i was in Adol's shoes i would be unable to not cry while saying goodbye to people i grew to love. I really hope he will meet some of the Dandelion crew in next game. Also i know it might sound wierd but i also kinda want the Ys game about older Adol where he needs to come to accept that he isn't in his prime anymore and has to adapt to overcome his weakness

[@MinkDaddy]

With the introspective and look into the past that Adol gets in this game, I would love to see a return to Ys (like the actual place). Many, myself included, would also love to see returning characters like Lilia and Fenna in glorious HD. Not to mention Lilia is probably looking a little older and mighty fine by this time! 😍👌

[@josephsmith1577]

Subscribed 4 minutes into the review, followed immediately by prompt purchase of the game. I loved YS VIII so I'm pretty hyped

[@YagamiKyosama]

Although I am more of a fan of Ys VIII, I agree that IX is just amazing. Movement has never felt better than in this game!

[@culIen]

Oh yeah, I can easily see how someone would like VIII more since I still love it TO DEATH. Hell, the added experience of VIII and IX as a whole is up there as the best in gaming. That's good enough for me!

[@sorabruno5076]

@@culIen what's the end music you used for your epilogue?

[@culIen]

@@sorabruno5076 on the OST its called "New Life"

[@sorabruno5076]

@@culIen Much Appreciated, btw you respond to twitter dms?

[@culIen]

@@sorabruno5076 Not usually, unfortunately. At least not right now. Most of my DMs get sent to my request folder and I don't even see them since it doesn't give me notifications :V

[@jovanni1676]

Glad the Ys series is getting the attention is deserved. Falcom in general. Love the video!

[@Xavierofred]

"While most Ys games exists as standalone adventures..." shows Ys VI ,one of the few games that do tie past games together to the extent that the remakes of past games have story changes to accommodate the lore establish by said game. Great video btw.

[@culIen]

Pffffff agh damn. I was trying to find a clip for that line and I couldn't find anything else so I just went for that since I already had VI footage. Definitely going to play that one soon, thanks for pointing it out! Glad you liked the video ^-^

[@robertk3234]

meaning id i want to play ys vi, i better plays the previous titles?

[@Xavierofred]

@@robertk3234 Not really, one of the things that make the Ys series great is it's flexibility i where to start or order you play. You can go VI - I&II, Origin and Oath or Origin, I&II, oath and VI or even others. Yes playing VI after playing the prior games will be rewarding in lore but if you played VI first it CAN enhance the worldbuilding by noticing the "thing" VI set up.

[@Mike55690]

Though i picked up my copy yesterday, your reviews have always been so thoroughly enjoyable, informative, and well scripted ! This was exceptionally done and it has me even more hyped to start playing it. I loved how addicting the combat flow was in Ys VIII and the mobility options in this game coupled with the combat definitely seems more nuanced and further improved upon ! Keep up the amazing work Cullen, you genuinely deserve a lot more subs !

[@culIen]

That means so much! We spent five days on this script and I spent 6 editing and I'm still blown away at how proud I am of it. I hope you continue to love the game, and thank you so much for your support!

[@Ponaru]

Really looking forward to the Switch release. Hearing of the technical issues on PS4 has me a little worried about the games performance on Switch, but I'm sure it will still be a fun time.

[@Sycee__]

1:25 the fist pump and validation of this moment for me was STRONG Ys IX had huge shoes to fill. Ys VIII is such a beloved entry in the series, well-deserving of all its praise despite all its faults, but it's that same strong feeling for Ys VIII that kept a lot of people from appreciating what Ys IX brought to the table: the subtle improvements and side-grades of so many established systems and the very different but still very enjoyable and very effective story. Also I forgot Sue's quest too. Right after the very exhausting Malefious battle on Lunatic, I checked my quest list, and bam, apparently you needed to talk to her one last time to complete it. Instantly reloaded and annihilated the boss battle & spoiler-mini-dungeon again. But seeing that side quest through to the end made it all feel very worth it.

[@advmx3]

Coming back here five months later, I can officially say that I agree with ya 100%, best YS Game, Shantae is the best character after Adol, Dogi got some daddy milkers I dunno why, Adol's smile is everything, the quality here is unquestionable AND I also lost Sue quest first playthrough and that FAILED will never stop haunting me... FOR. EVER.

[@Everythingwillsurelybealright]

I’ve never heard of Ys before but now I’m so excited to give it a try. Your analysis is so good and easy to follow - and hilarious! The timing of your jokes is, dare I say, bananas.

[@hypemynizzle]

12:22 - 12:36 Literally summed up my whole first playthrough of this game.

[@gngskpow]

I mean hey, if it keeps me from having to have Hawk in my party, I'll take it. Hawk is an irritating dick.

[@cheermancy]

fucking incredible man this video actually blew me away and as someone who’s been holding onto love for this game for over a year, it was cathartic as hell to hear someone else put that love into words I would love to see you dig even deeper to this game someday with a full spoiler analysis bc this game is worth talking about

[@cheermancy]

@@MasterLee2011 weird take. ys soundtracks.

[@culIen]

@@MasterLee2011 hey don't do that

[@MasterLee2011]

@@culIen 🥺

[@felbuster1470]

Loved this review! You earned a sub there, totally not for the Adol simping too heh Also I missed THAT VERY SAME SIDEQUEST AAAAA

[@culIen]

THANK YOU IN THIS HOUSE THOUGH WE ARE PROUD ABOUT ADOL SIMPING ALSO IVE TALKED TO SOME FRIENDS ANS THEY ALSO MISSED THAT QUEST AAAAAAA

[@Z1mm3h]

I really resonated with how you described 100%’ing these games. I never typically bother, or even want to fully complete the games I play, but something about YS 8 and 9 had me so hooked and determined to fully experience everything they had to offer. Both games had me completely enveloped in the world and gameplay loop from start to finish. Eagerly awaiting Ys X.

[@selay333]

Haven’t touched the series since 7, saw this one on steam and decided it was time to play through all of them. Also heard it supposedly makes some references to V so maybe we’ll see that soon.

[@heatherkramer3139]

Played Y's VIII and IX within a few months of each other. I have to say that I preferred VIII to IX, although I did enjoy IX. The enemies and enviroments felt less varied in IX. I didn't feel any strong desire in IX to see what was over in the next area because I knew it was more of the same. I also enjoyed the music more in VIII.

[@Skai_Art]

God I've finished every mainline Ys game so far and this game just ties the knot. Genuinely can't wait for the 10th game myself. I do prefer 8's story and setting due to the fact that it's a lot more colorful, and Dana ofc. But 9's character designs, story and dynamics are also amazing. Soundtrack wise I love both as well! Glad to see this review

[@trollingisasport]

Just started playing. FINALLY. It's good to have a GAME again. Most of the games I've played this year have been lackluster af and I am happy to play a game that behaves as such. The graphics on PC are really nice! Smooth textures and ultrawide right out the box! Given how good it looks, the drab setting doesnt bother me as much as I thought. Some contrast after 8 is a good thing

[@KanaevM]

After playing for a few hours on steam - I've finally watched this video. Great video, man.

[@Naterkix]

I, too, spent most of the game with Doll as a pierce-type but more because I liked her moveset and Shadow-from-SA2-esque movement than Adol being Bishie King. I mean, he is, but I mostly kept him in because his damage can be stupid.

[@silverware7976]

Honey, wake up. The new Cullen video's out

[@DrewAmongTheFence78]

Watching this every day as I fall more in love with this game every day

[@itsanniedee]

Just finished this today and this review is spot on. Also your Adol thirst gives me life. Dana is still my best girl though (but Aprilis comes pretty close)

[@jakubsobieski4091]

Im soooo disappointed in otherwise verryyy good game that they did not allow you to play as Aprilis AT LEAST in the ending way to dungeon and final dungeon itself. You even see that she fought in cutscenes after minibosses are slained. Dana was done perfectly, and allowing to play as her was best decision they made. And yes, Dana is Best Girl, no discussion.

[@darkecofreak23]

Balduq is the anti-Kirkwall. Dragon Age vets know what I mean.

[@LazyVocalist]

I'm really glad to hear that Chante's character was done well. As soon as I saw his character in the trailers I was excited but also worried. I've been disappointed many a time by LGBT rep in jrpgs so I'm glad this won't be one of them. Unfortunately I'm waiting for the switch version of Ys IX so I'll have to wait quite a bit to play this game. Also I loved the gushing about Adol counter! This video was one of your best yet!!

[@culIen]

I was completely blown away with Chante's character, especially with how bad Falcom handled LGBT characters with Angie in Cold Steel. He's so sweet... I love himmm

[@Cudgeon]

I never seen a game that seems less inviting to explore. Hey, grey city, be excited. We even have some grey/brown green right outside. Colors were overly expensive..

[@culIen]

Well, I address in the video that the color pallete was an intentional choice to serve the themes of the game. Preferences are valid of course, but there’s much more to it than just "grey city".

[@Barbro247]

@@culIen But the story is so lackluster as well compared to Ys VIII. This game looks like garbage compared to VIII. It looks rushed and unfinished.

[@culIen]

@@Barbro247 you are certainly allowed to think that, but remember that people who enjoy it have just as much of a right to do so as you have the right to not enjoy it. If they aren't hurting any one by doing so, then I don't see the need to tell them its garbage.

[@Barbro247]

@@culIen Your logic is flawed. I was merely taking part in a conversation about the game which you reviewed. Im a bit bummed out Ys IX was such a letdown compared to VIII. Why do you feel a need to tell me that you have a right to appreciate this game when i dont? Ofcourse you do. Im merely taking part and sharing my concerns about a game i had reasonably high hopes for. Its not easy to follow up such an amazing game such as Ys VIII.

[@culIen]

@@Barbro247 well, you also got very upset at another commenter merely minding their own business and happy to hear that the game had a gay character. My logic isn't flawed, and you feigning innocence won't work lol. I never said you didn't have a right to your opinion, but if you're going to be rude for no reason then people have a right to tell you that. There is a big difference between casual, critical discussion and looking for people talking positively about a thing you dont enjoy and telling them its garbage. It adds nothing to the conversation and is unnecessarily vitriolic. I know exactly what you are trying to do, and I can tell conversing with you further would be a waste of time for both of us. You are free to discuss your opinion, but if doing so involves you taking your anger out on people in my comment section who are staying in their lane then that's where I draw the line.

[@otakudaikun]

I'm absolutely loving Ys IX, but I think I still prefer Ys VIII. Dana is so awesome.

[@_sansme]

Amazing video Cullen! Can't wait to finally play this when it comes out on PC

[@culIen]

I hope you enjoy the pc port! I hope to have a quick little video out about it when that drops!

[@dennisbergkamp17]

Yes ! Finally someone that loves Ys as much as me, and I’m glad I’m not the only one that didn’t really dig Celceta. Great review man, I can tell you put a lot of time and love into this.

[@erihitsuki]

Ys9 is my introduction to the Ys series. Looking forward to going back in time with the Ys series Can I say how much I wanted to make Aprillis and Parks happy? Seeing them disappointed makes me so sad!

[@spiderh711]

After recently beating Trails of Cold Steel 4 a week before Ys 9 and currently playing it now on Chapter 5. It was hitting different than when I played Ys 8, years ago. It takes a while to open up to Balduq after exploring the Isle but after hitting some crucial points in the end of each chapter and exploration opening up more, Im hooked to keep playing more! Naturally I do everything in any Falcom game but the way you put it that the game makes you WANT to do optional side content really resonated with me because as it helped resonate more with the characters and world in Ys 9 so as the other Falcom games. Having a real fun time with it and the dungeons are a favorite of mine to explore everytime a new one opens up. Great review all around and I hope I get that same feeling after Ys 8 or more after it!

[@gunnasintern]

i played 9 when it came out in the west, it was great and i loved it. i think it does a lot of things as good as 8 like some of its character dynamics and gameplay; and things better like combat and traverse. 8 did exploration better in an open zone sense since 9 felt a lot more compact into one continuous map. i think 9 is a good step in the right direction for Adol’s story, but 10 takes place inbetween 1&2 and 3, so hopefully we’d be able to see where they can take him from here

[@hamel3344]

Nice review. I'm playing through Ys IX right now and I thought the use of color is great. What I mean is, the city's color itself is dull, but the monstrums are colorful af. It's like the monstrums are what's going to color this dull town and make it better

[@NeptuneMyst]

Its the lusting after Adol for me hahah! I started playing this a few days ago and im hooked.

[@culIen]

Just you wait until Ys X, then I'll be truly unhinged

[@NeptuneMyst]

@@culIen maaaaan! Im ready too!

[@n0nchalant39]

I'm waiting for my pre-ordered copy to arrive. The thing is I hadn't realized that the PS4 version would be released ahead of PC version so it comes as a surprise.

[@PrettyGuardian]

I just beat Ys 8 and am interested in picking up Ys 9. A lot of people have been saying that 8 is basically the best game in the series and 9 isn't as good. I'm glad to hear such positive remarks about it as it gives me hope for when I pick it up. Thanks for the review!

[@irgpie6669]

Without really getting into spoilers, this game really did hit way harder than I expected it to. By all accounts compared to its predecessor or some of the most known entries like I&II, this game probably has one of the most happy endings for the entire supporting cast. And yet, it also felt that much more bittersweet when having the face the inevitable part of Adol continuing his journey elsewhere. By far more than any other entry up until now, I really wished for Adol to just settle down, which I think even he may have considered. I've always liked him as a protagonist, and I love how much this game truly focuses on his own character. Finishing this game made me realize that I had been into Ys for almost a decade now. My interest waned here and there between releases, and in fact I only got around to VIII last year. But the surprising themes and emotion of this game's story really struck the right chords for me as well. I realized that this series actually is incredibly dear to me still.

[@samuelgardner1069]

I’m like you, where for some reason Ys VIII connected with me so deep for some reason, at the point I was in my life at that time... Now that IX has dropped, I thought there was ZERO possibility it would be an all time great game like VIII was, and resonate with me so deep... but it has gone perfect with the situations and point in my life. Both game now mean a lot more to me than just 2 video games. The replay value on both is amazing. Even when you 100% these games, and you put them away... it only takes a couple of things to trigger the game in your head, and it like an automatic flip of the switch where you now want to go back into that world and beat it all over again... After 2 play through a of Ys IX, and playing the time attack for awhile, I’ve contemplated starting the game on the hardest difficulty and playing it again... OR, I need to play Memories of Celceta for the PS4 I got recently, mastering that, then replaying VIII on the hardest difficulty, THEN going back into the City of Balduq (Ys IX) on the hardest difficulty and giving myself a 3 adventure journey with none other than Adolescent himself :)

[@GrimMeowning]

My main problem with 9 - is that story is not as interesting as in Dana, and that majority of zones are dark-brown-bloodborne-ish. I'd love more variety.

[@sadoldguy4380]

Cullen, as usual you give us a great review. Your views always come thru regardless of media.

[@ArkAynJoel]

Your analysis of the story beats and meanings of this game was amazing. Can't wait to pick this up, fantastic work Cullen!

[@culIen]

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the game, even if you come to different conclusions than I do ^-^

[@dantesapprentice4581]

I started this game expecting it to be a very-typically JRPG experience: likeable characters and a serviceable plot, but nothing too deep that would leave a lasting impression. Certainly, the character designs and overall bright tone of the game goes in that direction, but there's a few choices they make in storytelling that changes everything. The simple fact that Adol will always move on to new adventures and new places turns the inherent weakness of the format into a strength: because the ending is a real parting from the friends we made along the way. The memories are precious, but nothing lasts forever, and in the end, we must say goodbye to Balduq as well. That very real sense of loss alone grounds the otherwise fantasy experience, and gives it much more emotional depth.

[@pi31416chan]

nope, it could be a bit of personal preference though, but ys 9's music, story, character design, boss mechanics are totally no match with ys 8, but I do admit that the exploration is so far the best of all time and graphics improved a lot in ys 9 but the heavy drop in framerate also makes the gameplay experience in balduq worse

[@culIen]

Well since you said "so far" I imagine that means you haven't finished it? It's worth keeping an open mind, because a lot of the best parts of Ys IX's story comes at the end

[@pi31416chan]

@@culIen Nope I did finish and platinum it a month ago, my ''so far'' refers to all the ys that is released up until this moment, because there could be ys 10 that can surpass both ys 8 and 9, ys 8 and 9 story both follows a same concept to give players lots of mystery in the early chapter that motivates players to proceed the story, but ys9 last chapter makes me feels like its closing up too fast, and there are still several unexplained minor details about the story, but ys 8's story is pretty much really completed, the feeling of some compromise in ys9 ending part makes me give slightly lower story scoring to the game than ys8

[@culIen]

@@pi31416chan fair enough! I like how they kept things open to interpretation haha

[@dupesclaws7731]

2:49 HE GETS IT, HE FUCKING GETS IT!!! I went from modest admiration in Ys Seven to full on simping for this man omg ❤ Great video btw. I know this is an older video but your thoughts on Adols journey really hit home how good these games are. Hope to see more

[@culIen]

Thank you so much! I don't have any plans to cover the old games just yet (sometime in the future I want to) but I'm hoping to make a video on X this year! He looks cute in that one and the game seems fun. Definitely waiting for the big simping of his 7 design

[@dupesclaws7731]

@culIen Yesss! I'm excited to play X as well this year! Hope you enjoy the older games when you decide to play them.

[@opinionpaladin6007]

Dog, you unironically convinced me to buy this game by pointing out how hot he is in this game. I'll come back for the video after I play a little story

[@SurferKroky]

Watched your ys VIII review and instantly bought the game. Just watched your ys ix review and have to wait until payday. Amazing way with words, amazing reviews. Subbed and big like man 🤙👍

[@kaeg1373]

Listen... I had the most difficult time choosing what game to play next as my backlog is getting so far behind that I don't think I can finish it in this lifetime. I narrowed it down between this game and tales of arise. Played the beginning of both and still had issues deciding. After watching this though I have decided that Ys 9 will be it. Also, I had the same fear you did about Ys 8 and how could they possibly top such a masterpiece. So thank you!

[@FoxFaeez]

I've never played any Ys game before, this is my exposure to it. I loved the gameplay and exploration, story was alright though I wasn't every excited at the start. All I knew about the series was Adol being the adventurer that goes saving islands or empires, after that he just leaves said location to another one, forgetting the people he met, just remembering the adventures. Sadly, that did affect my view on Adol on the ending. I felt more for the characters I met and was sad to leave them.

[@seanwegner9925]

Bought Ys VIII on sale at the PS online shop and received 67% off so I took it as a sign to finally dip my toes into the Ys pool and see what everyone is talking about. VIII definitely had excellent word of mouth and now it looks like the same exact thing is happening with IX. I’m definitely going to have to buy this digital on PS4 or wait and be a cool guy and get a physical copy for Nintendo Switch. IX just looks cool as friggin’ heck and that’s how VIII hooked me in since it reminded me so much of games like Suikoden IV, Final Fantasy X, and Chrono Cross with the beautiful tropical Mediterranean setting and bold colorful graphics. Thanks for the fantastic review. I’m downloading the demo right now and have to decide if I should wait for the Switch?

[@culIen]

I hope you enjoy your time with Ys! Unfortunately I don't know enough to help you decide which version to get for this one! Since the base PS4 struggles to run a stable framerate with this as is, and we don't even KNOW how the Switch port of the game will run at the moment, it's very up in the air. I hope the Switch port runs and looks great, but we kind of just have to wait for NISA to show it off more. We don't even know a release date atm lol.

[@zhejinanimde3095]

18:20 I wonder if they named him Adol all those decades back just to make this pun somewhen.

[@nintoforgi]

There's a lot of astute stuff in your video, thoughts I shared as I went through myself and stuff I'd never really placed but you illuminate expertly, but there's one thing that I really adored about the game that this video didn't touch on so much: Monstrum Nox's theory of political change. It directly is informed by and springs from its theory of personal growth, which you outline in the video vis-a-vis both knowing your own mistakes and how you've ended up in your circumstances, and nonetheless striding strong toward the future as you want it to be. A necessary caution that you know the practical realities and potential consequences of your actions alongside a willingness to revisit what doesn't work about the world as it is, a daring to imagine a better world as it could be. And the fact that there is just not a shortcut there, that it takes a huge amount of intentional, hard work to manifest that better world. It's of course a little vague and fanciful but it's a fantasy adventure game, it's not trying to solve the world; more important to me is that it clearly builds an ideological framework to joyfully conceptualize things like anti-carceral or anti-military politics, topics which are often weighed down by how heavy and sad they are but which are worth fighting for because of how much of a happier world we'd be on the other side of them. I've been waiting to watch this until after I finally played the game myself, which I finally just managed (long wait lol), having had your videos as a companion while I got up to my ears in the series over the course of late 2020. Discussion of this game has always stressed me out a little just because Ys VIII is such a landmark game for a lot of people who are invested in the series and I think a lot of people are going to hold onto that (or Origin/Oath for the older heads) as what an Ys game should platonically Be in a way I don't think is healthy for a series continuing to evolve. This feeling of unease only grew as I played it myself and realized, much as you did, that it's for sure my favorite Ys, concerned I was going to finally make it to this video only to have its unique elements and strides given short shrift in favor of disappointment that it departs from "Falcom's Masterpiece." I needn't have, of course, cullen always comes through with the thoughtful takes and the deep engagement with the game as it is. The last note is to pull out what you yourself note: this localization is phenomenal. I hadn't even thought about it until you mentioned it, but that's so much a testament to the fact in its way. It's not at all obtrusive, but it likewise contains so much good dialogue and well-expressed thoughts and feelings. Yufa has a line right at the end, maybe her very last, which is just absolutely unbelievable as pure prose, an unimpeachably perfect way to express what she's saying, yet so simple and legible at the same time. Broke me into tears hard when I got to it, and this series may never produce a better mission statement than what she said.

[@MasterLee2011]

6:50-6:58 What do you expect, it's a hard nox life.

[@culIen]

Ohhh damn you, that's good. A Knock on Nox!

[@MasterLee2011]

@@culIen Haha, thanks. I hope the high stakes in this game's plot is *well* *done.*

[@francotomaspetruelo7290]

i'm really loving the game, tho i think i still love VIII and Felgana a bit more. my favourite game of all time is TITS: SC and Ys VIII comes close, so this one could recive the honorable mention. if you ask me flacom is missing a bit in terms of story with the trails and but the thing they are missing are being added to Ys.

[@sylent19851]

I love ys xi without a doubt. However I think VIII was better because exploration and length of the game.

[@Cevian]

Cullen I already wishlisted this on Steam I can't wishlist it harder!

[@jgn]

I have ys 8 (haven't played it yet), thought ys 9 was going to be a disappointment, then I played the demo (game looks awesome)

[@denisxux1147]

14:17 I, who've played only Ys 7 on psp, decided to play on Lunatic mode and it was just impossible for me. I was struggling until I got 30th level (but then it was pretty easy.)

[@delilahcavendish]

This was a great Video!! I haven’t played the Ys Series Before(Despite knowing about it) This was actually my first Entry into it. I saw the Gothic look back when the first Japanese trailer dropped and told myself I needed to play this, but after watching your Review I am probably ganna put my Ys IX playthrough on hold so I can dive into XIII ^_^ because this series is a lot better then I thought it was.

[@beez2673]

Just beat Ys 8 and can't wait to 100% this game, I just love exploration in these type of games

[@buggy946]

Your love for the Ys series has prompted me to add you to my list of subscribers. A great video! I’m excited for the ps5 version of Ys 9 coming soon in 2023. I hope your there to give your feedback.

[@buggy946]

I also hope that fishing 🎣 returns to Ys 10 and it’s just as good, if not better than the fishing in Ys 8.

[@culIen]

Thank you so much! I don't know if I'll come back to do another port review or not, but I'm VERY excited for Ys X and I look forward to covering it when it gets localized! I'm also brainstorming if I have room in my video schedule for next year to see if can fit in another Ys game ^-^ Thank you again, have a wonderful day!

[@samuelgardner1069]

My one MAJOR gripe about Ys IX is this... Dana is one of my favorite characters of any game, all time, from Ys VIII. The character design was amazing (she’s gorgeous and sexy as hell), her story was amazing, and the way they weaved it into Adol’s story and the main story... she was just a flawless character in my opinion... I feel like Aprilis could’ve ALSO been a character like that. I think every time I play it and reach a story beat with her, how freaking awesome it would’ve been to play as her sometimes. The character design was perfect. I think they had a missed opportunity not letting the player use her as a playable character... Anyone else think that?

[@jakubsobieski4091]

Well true, none cant beat Dana, not even in other gaming universes :D But i also am soo disappointed that they did not allow you to fight as Aprillis even if for the final dungeon. You can see her fighting in mini bosses cutscenes. You could even just give her 4 unbalanced skills for what i care!

[@princeroan]

I got ys 9 day one and beat it. I am NOW currently playing and i am near the end of the game and i gotta say, ys 8 is probably the best game in the entire series. I haven't beat them all, but it is very hard for me to believe there is another game in this series that can top ys 8.

[@Sergeantmajormario]

VIII and IX are interesting ones to compare to. Exploring the Isle of Seiren felt way more fun than exploring Balduq. But Balduq had far less loading times whereas Seiren had a loading screen every 5 feet (exaggeration). The story in VIII was great for newcomers, but IX's did a great job with making it seem like the next in Adol's adventure. Both did a fantastic job at keeping me hooked on the story and wanting to play more. The castaways were perfect in my eyes, but the people at the Dandelion were so memorable (Chante is THE best side character ever and I will die on that hill!). The gameplay was the same for both of them, but there was something about VIII that had me more invested. I also got very tired of fighting the Lemures in the hubworld over and over again very quickly. I will say though Adol having a Double Jump be default in IX does get a bonus from me. The music felt connected in VIII, from Sunshine Coastline to scaling the mountain, it all felt like the music of an adventurer exploring the new world. With IX, it was an interesting mix, but one that was definitely welcomed. In some cases I liked the music in IX over VIII. Also IX doesn't have Sir Carlan which is another point to it over VIII. It's honestly a tough choice, both are great in their own respects

[@AdityaPratama-ls7dv]

This game is so good that I felt the end was too sudden. Then I realized I already dump 30 hours and complete more than 80% of the game (according to the journal) I just don't want it to end.

[@vaughnman2045]

This is your best review yet since it is mostly just gushing over Adol's new look. I mean I would honestly do the same.

[@ShinkeiDEI]

Second watch and second time I need to comment because by now I've beaten the game. As an addendum to your thoughts about the importance of bonds and how Adol by now is the mentor instead of the apprentice: SPOILERS PAST THIS!!!! . . . . . . . . . at the very end when Dogi and Adol are departing from Balduq Dogi asks Adol if he has thought about settling down somewhere, that moment Adol has second thoughts and you can feel that he truly considers coming back to settle in Balduq someday, it felt like he finally found people he could call family (besides Dogi of course). We know he doesn't because we still have 91 other manuscripts to explore plus whatever happened in Antarctica. Also, now that Jules can walk, I hope he catches up with Adol and Dogi some day in the future.

[@JohnSmithIlIlIlIl]

I agree! I just barely liked Breath of the Wild and I LOVED Ys 8! When that Sunshine Coast song started playing...! That was my first Ys game!

[@morriganrenfield8240]

BOTW is great mechanically, but pretty boring in terms of story and music. Which I'd ironic considering they've been strong points in past games

[@OmegaBladeAlpha]

Okay, I effing died at that Hotel Dusk reference lol.

[@hiroshi6421]

Just finished Ys X: Nordics. IMHO it's the second best Ys game after VIII. And it has the hottest Adol, period. Can't wait to hear what you think about the game!

[@LOREWITHBLAZER]

Adol has the worst Luck with Roman Empire and shipwreck

[@DayFul]

White cat and Doll are so much fun to play, Great characters elevate a game big time for me.

[@leknubb]

Think the best review and most convincing so far, thank you! Have a like +1!

[@culIen]

Have a 💖 for such a nice comment ^-^

[@sewnmind1786]

I wanted Dana to join Adol the whole game but now I just want Krysha to be adventure bae forever. I didnt really encounter any glitches except being locked in a boss room once. No glitches no frame drops. Over all a phenomenal game as far as I'm concerned.

[@joesterling4299]

Played 9 when it hit PC and loved it. First Ys experience for me too. So I immediately went on to 8, also on PC. Just finished it, and wow. Sorry to disagree but it's clear to me now that 9's main mission is to tick all the boxes from 8, to try to recapture the magic by following the formula in a different setting, and then adding the (terrific) "gifts" mechanic. Two interweaved storylines with a lone, but repeated protagonist in the secondary one, build up the equivalent of Castaway Village, similar functions by the "castaways" collected over time, the equivalent of monster raids, etc. In short, 9 is constrained by 8's formula. Also, the world in 9 is drab and samey, as if designed by a Minecraft player who built everything out of cobblestone. Seiren is colorful and extremely varied. Plus I found the story in 8 far more enthralling (and that was *after* playing 9, don't forget). I'm only criticizing 9 in the context of 8. As I said, I loved it. But it's clearly the also-ran of the pair to me.

[@Ben-qz9dg]

Ys VIII was (and still is) one of my most favourite games, so i am really excited for when it comes to Switch :) i already pre-ordered it :D

[@Kaixero]

Hmm yes tell me your words wYse man Edit: Ys V...Kefin...now lost in and out of Universe...Falcom, please rescue this dear forgotten child! Please!

[@Phoebe3315]

Great video! I got Ys VIII for the Switch as my first Falcom game and it quickly became one of my favorite games of all time. I'll be getting this for the Switch too. You've perhaps raised my expectations, but I'll admit I'm just a little nervous about how well it'll run on Switch. Hopefully the graphics won't take much of a hit. I don't really care about frame rate as long as it isn't too egregious.

[@culIen]

I'm also super excited to see how it'll play and run on switch! I definitely plan on making a port review when it drops and will for sure be 100%ing it there no matter what.

[@nicholasbayles2399]

I want to thank you for recommending we play Ys VIII before we play Ys IX. Thank to that I played I Ys VIII until I got the true ending, And I believe my experience with the game was better for it.

[@TankZappa]

Great review Doc!! Instant sub! Keep up the good work!!! 👍

[@ninoscholz1110]

If the first music in the video is from the game, color me impressed. And i've already been spoiled by all the previous Ys music, but that tune reminds me of the excitement i felt when we first heard the CD Y's I and II music on TG16

[@culIen]

You're in for a treat! It is! Besides some silly music used for jokes twice, every song used is from the Ys IX ost. Beyond impressed with the soundtrack. There are quite a few songs that call back to the energy of older games

[@ninoscholz1110]

@@culIen Awesome!

[@nadstengco2591]

My PC and controllers needs to hold on for a bit.. It has become a personal trophy for me to finish all the Ys Games from PS2, PSP to PC.. If their is a new Ys, I'm sure as hell will not gonna pass it.. lol.. Great review btw.. Now I really can't wait to play this..

[@corinnacougar881]

I played IX first. Mostly because I didn't know anything about the series. I'd vaguely heard the series was good and that was it. I really enjoyed it though and have since bought Origins and VIII. The only ones I could find for the Switch.

[@lucasl3657]

Damn Adol, why you gotta be so thicc?

[@lnsflare1]

He was in jail on suspicion of smuggling cake.

[@culIen]

Years of adventuring helps develop the gleuts

[@suntzu4607]

I prefer 8 than 9 in terms of story but damm I love Ys 9’s combat and characters more. I only love Dana in Ys 8. In Ys 8, I only used Adol all throughout the game, in Ys 9 however, I only used Adol during early game then after chapter 2, I only used either Anemona or Krysha.