Ys VIII New Major Update adds Co-op

Ys VIII has been one of the best JRPGs to release in recent years, and thanks to NIS America it continues to improve. New improvements have been made to the graphics, performance/stability, and input/UI for the PC version of the game. In addition, an experimental local co-op feature has been added.

Check out all the exciting quality-of-life changes that are included in the upcoming game update patch:

GRAPHICS

• Graphics Quality Improvements – Arbitrary main rendering resolution, better anti-aliasing, higher-quality post-processing effects, and a high-end super-sampling option
  
• Better Framerates – Greater gameplay smoothness with more accurate timing and animation sync at all framerates, improved frame-pacing, and high refresh rate support
  
• High-Quality Shadows – Complete shadowing revamp featuring improved standard shadow filtering without performance loss; new, higher quality filter options; resolution options; and even additional shadow casters
  
• More Depth in Environments – Implemented HBAO+ ambient occlusion as an alternative higher-quality SSAO option, providing more depth and plasticity to all scenes
  
• Improved Draw Distance – Added a draw distance setting which applies to grass/clutter, monsters, and NPCs, completely eliminating pop-in on the highest settings
  
• High-Quality Textures – Added high-quality texture pack (generated from original sources, partially with AI upsampling, and full mipmaps)

• Mouse Control Redone – Improved camera mouse controls, replacing joystick emulation with direct 1:1 control
  
• Individual Key Bindings – Movement keys are now individually bindable, and added a keybinding for walking (slow movement) with keyboard/mouse controls
  
• Natural Control – Changed default bindings to fit common usage by PC gamers
  

STABILITY & PERFORMANCE

• Now 64-bit – Switched to 64-bit build to address space fragmentation issues in long sessions
  
• Save VRAM – Fixed multiple video memory leaks
  
• Crash Fix – Fixed potential crash when switching between languages
  
• More Crash Fix – Improved render thread synchronization to prevent specific types of race condition crashes
  
• Faster I/O – Removed superfluous asset encryption
  
• Optimized Shadows – Improved shadow rendering performance by preventing unnecessary memory traffic
  

MISCELLANEOUS

• 100% Achievement on KB/M Control – Fixed the unlocking of some achievements when playing with keyboard/mouse controls
  
• Typo Fixes – Fixed several typos and dialogue/text issues throughout the game
  
• Cloud Save Data – Fixed slightly-too-low cloud save limit when using a very large number of saves
  

NEW CO-OP MODE

• 2-Player local co-op mode has been added
  

About co-op mode:

• Need to supply two Xinput controllers
  
• You must have 2 or more characters in the party in order for the second player to join the game
  
• SP is shared
  
• Second player does not receive the “AI cheats” (i.e. AI-controlled characters only take half damage, whereas second player in co-op mode will take the full amount of damage)
  
• Not officially supported and limited support will be available for troubleshooting

To enable co-op mode:

1. Open Steam libraries through the Steam client.
   
2. Right-click on Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA, and click “Properties”
   
3. Click “Set Launch Options”
   
4. Input “–coop” into the parameter and click “OK.”
   
5. Launch the game
   
6. Press “Start” on the second controller to enable second player

Major update is now available for Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA! For a limited time, grab your copy for 50% off!