Does the game have a good story?

[Roy]

Hi, I'm interested in this game, but the thing that I'm most interested in JRPGs is the story and characters, I care less about gameplay, does the game excel in these areas?

EDIT: just wanted to add that I really dislike the Tales games that came after Vesperia, I felt they had really bad stories and cliche characters, so if Ys VIII is anything similar to those games in terms of story and characters I'd like to know that.

Thanks.

[Fluff Fact⚙ry]

Well every JRPG gotta have some niche, cliche elements in storytelling, and Ys VIII is no exception, thus it is weird to not find "friendship & uniting power" for example.

Nevertheless, the familiar theme is not the issue, it's how they integrate it in an unique way.

And in my honest 300 hours of playing VIII, it is a masterpiece telling a memorable survival adventure in the Isle of Seiren. Every cutscene is on point though you may find them bit slow pace that could affect the pacing, because it takes time to uncover everything about the island and the related theme, yet at the same time you get to cherish the moment with every NPC you meet, every location you discover. This could be shown by the sidequests, as they are not fetch quests, and they reveal further about the characters, the main story.

In addition, the story is complete within the island, meaning there won't be any loose end; the build-up, the climax and the final epic battle is all there, and it is difficult to get distracted from following the main story as well as Falcom designed everything to not block your way - no tedious grinding/leveling, no mindless fishing, crafting and materials gathering.