Finished Ys IX at 62 hours. Sadly I didn't get the perfect 100% I wanted. I'm somehow missing a monster and character entry but otherwise, I completed all side quests, did all bonding events, got all collectibles and treasures, fully mapped out the game, and defeated the optional superboss.

I enjoyed Ys IX much more than I thought. It's the Trails-like story presentation that really sold it for me such as the world-building, updating NPC dialogue, intricate side quests involving the cast and I had a lot of fun parkouring Balduq with the different Monstrum abilities. Plus all of the references from past Ys games were cool as well.

The gameplay is pretty solid and fast ARPG as expected from Ys with the different skills and strong emphasis on timed dodges and guards. Although I do wish there were more RPG elements such as more stats beyond strength and defense but at least there are plenty of ways to create better gear and gather resources and healing items especially if you do the side quests since the Dandelion is a really good base. Filled with useful NPCs.

My only complaint is the main plot. While in the end it became really great full of unforeseen crazy plot twists and deep lore, a huge chunk of the plot was very formulaic and a lot of the early story beats were painfully predictable. I just wished there was more variation in the storytelling for the main plot.

Overall I had a blast with Ys IX since this is the closest we will get to action Trails and it retains many of the great elements from that series within a single game. Ys fans may not be a fan of the Trails presentation but I personally love it a lot since it was a great balance between action and story. So I'm pleased to say Monstrum Nox has surpassed my expectations.