Falcom President Toshihiro Kondo has revealed that preparations for the wetern release of Ys IX: Monstrum Nox are underway.
In an interview with Gematsu– after it was highlighted that games such as The Legend of Heroes: Zero no Kiseki and The Legend of Heroes: Ao no Kiseki never made it to the west- Kondo revealed that Ys IX was preparing to launch outside of Japan.
“I very much regret that we were unable to release Zero and Ao [in the west],” Kondo explains. “I think that releasing on PlayStation 4 will lead to an opportunity to release these games in North America and Europe. As for Ys IX, preparations are currently underway for release [in the west].”
Kondo was also asked what efforts had been done to receive feedback from English-speaking fans, and how the growth of a western audience had affected their business decisions. He explained the opportunities to interact with colleagues and fans in the west have become more frequent in recent years.
“I have actually had more opportunities to exchange information with distributors, media, and users in North America and Europe over the past few years. I’m happily surprised because we haven’t had these opportunities in the past. These days, sales in North America and Europe are extremely important to Falcom, and are often brought up on the agenda when discussing possible title selection and content. I think it’s a very good thing.”
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox focuses on the city of Balduq, “the Prison City.” Even under the watchful eye of the Romun Empire, people with supernatural powers called “Monstrum” have appeared. Some help the people, while others cause chaos.
Recurring main character Adol Christin is falsely accused of being involved with the disappearance of a Romun military fleet, and is placed within the inescapable prisons. However, he is soon broken out by one of these Monstrum, and is caught up in conflicts between the different factions of Monstrum, and the Romun Empire.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is available on PlayStation 4 in Japan, and coming soon to the west.
Image: Ys Fandom Wiki
