Red Candle Games has crafted a challenging 2D Metroidvania called Nine Sols, drawing inspiration from Sekiro and featuring combat that hinges on deflection. This title is now available on PlayStation 5, and we’ve got the full scoop in our Nine Sols review.
Set in the visually stunning Taopunk realm of New Kunlun, Nine Sols merges Eastern mythology with a cyberpunk twist. You step into the shoes of Yi, a cryptic Fangshi, embarking on an adventure that kicks off in a cave with a companion named Shuanshuan, who seeks a sacred flower for a ritual. Although the surroundings may initially seem traditional and somewhat rudimentary, there’s a deeper layer that awaits exploration. Your primary mission? Defeating the nine rulers, known as the Sols.
Development of Nine Sols was fueled by a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2022, raising over NT$13,000,000 from more than 8,900 backers, far surpassing the original NT$3,000,000 goal. Its release on Steam back in May was met with enthusiasm, and now it’s ready to captivate PlayStation 5 users. The additional funds translated into exciting extras: a fresh difficulty setting, a captivating in-game cutscene, and an alternate storyline ending.
Players can select between two distinct difficulty modes: Standard Mode, which offers the classic challenging experience full of dynamic combat and exploration, and Story Mode, an easier path focusing more on narrative by adjusting damage multipliers.
The story unfolds with a ritual where selected individuals transcend to live with the Gods, the titular Sols. This seemingly divine progression turns sinister as a horrific device decapitates the chosen, disposing of their bodies in a concealed facility. Shuanshuan, a dear friend, is among these doomed souls, prompting you to leap into action. In a desperate act, you employ a talisman to intervene, leading to chaos as your Qi eruption devastates the helmet capturing souls, sending villagers scattering in fear.
Navigating this world has you in control of Yi, using the left analog stick for movement. Jump with X, dash using R2, and attack with Square, while Triangle unleashes arrows from your bow. Circle facilitates interaction and grappling to strategic points. Some walls feature sinister textures allowing Yi to scale them, so keep your eyes peeled!
Deflection-based combat takes center stage, with precision parries via L1 crucial for survival. Mistimed attempts still yield some Qi, used for potent dashes through enemies with R1, especially vital in boss encounters. The D-Pad’s up arrow lets you recover health with your Pipe, and pressing L2 enables the Mystic Nymph to infiltrate hidden areas for crucial hacks.
Each death threatens your hard-earned currency and experience, which can only be reclaimed by defeating the foe that vanquished you. Resting brings back all enemies but also offers a chance to enhance your Skill Tree, thereby sharpening your edge.
Experience points from vanquished foes transform into Skill Points, unlocking abilities that boost Yi’s prowess. Swift Runner, Qi Boost, and Bullet Deflect are potential upgrades, enhancing speed, Qi capacity, and counterattack capabilities, respectively.
Spare funds can be allocated to a 3D printer for creating useful items or enhancing abilities. Jade upgrades can fine-tune skills like Bullet Deflect, ensuring even less precise parries become effective tools. Prioritizing a Pipe Vial could enhance your healing capacity, crucial for enduring this arduous journey.
For trophy hunters, Nine Sols boasts an extensive trophy list culminating in a coveted Platinum. It’s divided into 15 Bronze, 17 Silver, and 3 Gold trophies, challenging players to master every skill, find every jade, conquer numerous bosses, and tackle the formidable Standard Mode. Hidden trophies maintain an air of mystery; for those seeking guidance, look no further than the Nine Sols Trophy Guide.
In summary, Nine Sols is a mesmerizing Metroidvania that blends Sekiro-like mechanics with brilliant artistry, providing an engrossing challenge on the PlayStation 5. The Taopunk world’s allure and the quest against the 9 Sols beckon. So, are you prepared for what’s ahead? Available now for $29.99, Nine Sols promises an unforgettable experience.
This review of Nine Sols is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Red Candle Games.
