Events will trigger as you gather up the people that wash ashore the island for your village. For example, when you add specific characters as friends, you may be able to go to a new area.
Falcom president Toshihiro Kondo suggests that while it doesn’t have anything to do with the main story, there appears to be different routes, probably related to PlayStation Network trophies.
Drifting Village
As you develop your village, you’ll increase both its inhabitants and facilities. You can even farm. There are over 20 sub-characters, including characters you won’t meet if you’re only playing through the story.
■ Characters
Dogi (voiced by Kenta Miyake)
26 years-old. Adol’s long-time partner who last adventured with him four years prior. He went missing at the time of the sinking. His weapons and such have yet to be introduced.
Falcom president Toshihiro Kondo’s suggests that he will take on the duty of watching over the village, like Adol, but since their teams are split up by a defensive battle, he’ll likely be a battle character.
Captain Barbaros (voiced by Hirohiko Kakegawa)
46 years-old. A lively-looking, sincere gentlemen. The captain of the sunken Lombardy ship. He takes on the role of a leader that keeps the castaways in order.
Little Paro (voiced by Naoki Tatsuta)
A male parrot discovered by Captain Barbaros on the island. He takes on the role of a messenger after learning human language immediately.
Falcom president Toshihiro Kondo’s says that Barbaros is the captain you get to know after Ys V, who wants to help the passengers safely escape. Paro flies about and tells you about suspicious places, taking on a guidance role.
Interview Tidbits
The game’s volume is the greatest of any in the series so far.
PS Vita was decided as it’s the platform where many Falcom users play. Development on PlayStation 4 was decided with overseas in mind.
Dana, the game’s second protagonist, is out to gather her memories, but she’ll also have action elements.
The sub-title can be translated as the “Day of Tears” and is a very important keyword.
The concept is to understand the mystery behind the adventure.
Since the setting is an unpopulated island, each NPC is being carefully depicted, and all NPCs will have events.
You can customize weapons in a form outside of shops, and things can also be bartered.
There are situations where monsters will attack and a defensive battle will occur. There are also tower defense elements. If you lose a defensive battle, you’ll get a game over.
The game’s control are fully customizable.
Downloadable content is planned and consists of free things, as well as costumes and accessories.
■ Limited Edition and First-Print Bonus
An 8,800 yen PS Vita Limited Premium Box includes “Silver Armor” downloadable content for Adol (first-generation Ys Silver Armor costume), the ancient book “Adol’s Manuscript” (Japanese-translated), and an Ys limited metal plate.
First-print copies of the game include an original mini soundtrack.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA is due out for PS Vita in Japan on July 21 and for PlayStation 4 in 2017.
