Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 80 | 76 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 75 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 94% | 89 | 966 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 94% | 88 | 300 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (Dec 9, 2024) · 300 reviews sampled · 289 total reviews in window · weighted 250 up / 17.3 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (88)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 75
“Ys IX: Monstrum Nox has the type of performance issues we shouldn't be seeing on consoles these days. When it's cooking, however, it provides a fully satisfying JRPG adventure for those seeking unique monsters to fight, vast environments to explore, and intriguing mysteries to unravel.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Ys IX, although not quite as good as Ys VIII, is still another excellent addition to the series, bringing some notable improvements to it while keeping the core to what makes the series great.”
read full review ↗ - 70
- 80
“Ys IX: Monstrum Nox isn't a massive step up over its tropical predecessor, but it hits all the right beats it needs to make for an addictive and engaging action-RPG. Fast-paced combat, a memorable setting, and a surprisingly content-rich open world make for an experience that action-RPG fans won't want to miss out on. Were it not for the performance issues, we might even be inclined to say this is the best example of the genre on the Switch yet. Given those problems, however, a totally unreserved recommendation of Ys IX: Monstrum Nox on Switch is tough to make. Performance is reported to be a little bit better on PS4 and PS5, so if you have access to one of those consoles, we'd recommend getting it there. Otherwise, you're still in for a good time on Switch - just brace yourself for those frame drops.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Although I do appreciate what Falcom tried to do with a huge change of pace and ambience in Ys IX, the city of Balduq is far too uninteresting in comparison to previous Ys entries and the narrative takes itself way too seriously. Thankfully, the combat is still amazing and what makes Ys IX: Monstrum Nox a must play for die hard Ys fans.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Ys has always had some of the most entertaining combat married with some of the best soundtracks in the RPG genre. However, Monstrum Nox manages to improve upon that already solid base with the titular Monstrum powers that elevate the exploration and boss battles thereby making both the moment-to-moment gameplay as well as the crowning encounters all the more entertaining.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is another solid entry in the often underrated Ys franchise. It’s fantastic cast of characters will get you incredibly attached to the townspeople and their goals and motivations and the flashy, fast paced real-time combat keeps encounters engaging and chaotic. If you’re happy with a slight performance trade-off for portability, it’s a great addition to your Nintendo Switch library.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The problem is the game feels like a major step back from the previous entry in the series. The stilted storytelling, boring setting, and just decent soundtrack all feed into my feelings of disappointment. Lacrimosa of Dana was one of the best games I played in 2017, and the fact that Ys IX doesn’t reach that high is frustrating. If you’re in the mood for more Ys, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is still worth a play. This isn’t a bad game in the slightest…just a disappointing one compared to the highs of recent series entries.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Despite having pretty big shoes to fill, Ys IX is a standout action RPG title with a decent plot and features top-tier gameplay that's challenging and addictive. Sometimes, that's more than enough when you're an RPG maker who has to be creative with a budget.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Its linearity and lack of freedom will disappoint, but almost every other aspect is stellar.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Newcomers risk drowning in a sea of references, while franchise veterans are bound to be put off by more cut-scenes than the series is known for, but Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is an astonishingly addictive action-RPG that just gets better as it goes on. A rough opening and choppy plotting undersell a genuinely gripping mystery that reflects on Adol's history as an adventure, culminating in an incredible last act. Falcom's dungeon design is the best it's been in years and the numerous gameplay additions made to combat bring the Seven Engine close to capturing the same highs that defined the Napishtim era. Monstrum Nox may not live up to its narrative potential, but Ys IX's gameplay only leaves one thing to be desired: more.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“After the success of Ys VIII, Nihon Falcom could have easily just kept doing more of the same. However, the developers went a step above and provided a full-length story with endearing characters and fleshing out strong themes. What stuck out for me is the various levels of customization both in battle and in exploration aspects. Having all of this combined with the series staple of fun action gameplay and a smashing soundtrack makes it a memorable experience. Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is my first Ys game and I enjoyed it so much that I’m now interested in going back and trying out some of the other titles in the series as well.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
cublikefoot
Fintendo
Nintendo Life
Hu3br
RPGamer
ani-game.com
Gamer Escape
Kakuchopurei
VGChartz
Cubed3
Last Word on Gaming…and 76 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Version 1.1.4 Release NotesDec 9, 2024significant · resets scoring window
- Ys IX 1.1.3 - Nobody Expects the Surprise Performance PatchMay 24, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- Ys IX Patch 1.1.2 - Introducing Local Co-opJan 17, 2022significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.0.6 Release NotesJul 25, 2021significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.0.5 Release NotesJul 8, 2021