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) | – | 84 | 36 |
| Creator reviews (3 tracked) | – | 86 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 90% | 84 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 91% | 85 | 14 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 37 reviews sampled · 39 total reviews in window · weighted 30.3 up / 2.9 down · computed 3h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (92)
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.
- 80
“YS VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana was certainly a great playing experience.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Although a few technical issues do still exist, Ys VIII is still a fantastic JRPG. The combat is fun, the story is interesting, the soundtrack is excellent, and there is a ton of content to wade through.”
read full review ↗ - 80
- 90
“With fun, fast-paced combat, likable characters, and an enjoyable story that takes full advantage of its beautiful shipwrecked setting, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is a top-shelf action RPG. Exploring the Isle of Seiren is as rewarding as mastering the character-swapping, hack-and-slash battle system, and both fit into an addictive feedback loop of adventuring that keeps everything moving at a quick clip. Editing issues and inconsistent image quality in handheld mode are small blemishes on an otherwise polished production, but don't let them deter you; Ys VIII is a true gem.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Ys VIII is a great action RPG with a really fun narrative premise. It’s welcoming to newcomers so don’t worry if you haven’t played the prior games in the series. While it does have some performance issues and does take a few hours to really get going I found it hard to put down once it’s core gameplay loop digs it’s claws in. It’s a very welcome addition to my Nintendo Switch and has made the Ys series something I’ll be keeping an eye on in future.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Personally I would have to say that for me the game didn’t disappoint and I will defiantly be looking into past games in the series and looking forward to future ones.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Despite the complaints, I can easily see Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana going down as a modern classic of the genre. The sense of wonder the game offers during exploration, the beautiful artistic presentation, and the just plain solid and fun gameplay make this a title that you absolutely should not pass up.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“It might be from a different decade, but the vibrant colours and toe-tapping soundtrack alongside unforgettable characters make Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana a perfect fit on PlayStation 5 in the 2020s. It feels like it has come a full circle from its PS Vita origins, providing new fans the opportunity to play the incredible tale of Adol and Dana's adventure and returning fans to once more enjoy the thrill of what is like the best Ys game to date.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Technical issues aside, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is Nihon Falcom’s magnum opus, a masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come as the developer’s lasting legacy.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Having said that, if you're totally new to the game and you're a fan of action RPGs, Ys VIII remains a fantastic island-trekking, monster-mashing experience. One of Falcom's finest.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“In addition to an interesting story, setting, and a truly wonderful score, I can't help but walk away singing its praises. That's not to say it isn't without fault, as a slow start will be enough to scare some off and the map can cause some confusion, but these are things worth toughing out to see all the good.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Ys VIII is a marvelous game that truly deserves more attention.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
cublikefoot
Fintendo
Nintendo Life
ani-game.com
Invision Community
Gamer Escape
Cubed3
Gaming on PC
Push Square
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD…and 80 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- New Major Update and 50% Off SaleJan 17, 2020significant · resets scoring window
- Full Changelog by Durante - 1/17 UpdateJan 17, 2020significant · resets scoring window
- New Update 6/29/2018Jun 30, 2018
- PC Version Release Update and Progress ReportOct 11, 2017significant · resets scoring window
- PC Version Release Update and Progress ReportOct 11, 2017significant · resets scoring window