Ys IX is a solid entry in the Ys series featuring gameplay based in the modern Ys combat system featuring on-the-fly party member changes. Story is fairly good and it's more involved than early Ys games which focused on simpler stories; expect to scratch your head in terms of the story especially towards the end of the game.

Graphics are poor with 3D models and textures not featuring details; it's pretty obvious that Nihon Falcom is a smaller studio and don't have the prowess and budget that other Japanese studios have.

Gameplay is fun and fast paced, with different party members having different attributes and skills that can be leveled up. Prison sections can be on the annoying side due to the slow nature of them (stealth) and frustrating unfair traps set across the prison.