Red Candle Games has crafted a visually striking and demanding 2D game titled Nine Sols, which draws inspiration from both Sekiro and the Metroidvania genre, featuring a unique deflection-based combat system. You can now experience this on the PlayStation 5, and you’ll find more insights in our detailed review.
In Nine Sols, you step into a fascinating world called New Kunlun, where Eastern mythology meets cyberpunk vibes. This adventure casts you as Yi, a mysterious figure known as a Fangshi. The story kicks off in a cave, where you team up with Shuanshuan, who’s on a quest for a special flower needed for a ritual. While the landscape appears quite traditional, there’s much more beneath the surface. You’ll embark on a mission to defeat the nine ruling Sols in this intriguing realm.
In 2022, Red Candle Games launched a crowdfunding campaign to garner support for the game’s development, aiming for NT$3,000,000. The campaign concluded successfully, amassing NT$13,000,000 thanks to the backing of 8,900 supporters. Initially available on Steam back in May, Nine Sols has finally made its way to the PlayStation 5. The additional funds allowed extra features like an easier difficulty setting, a new in-game cutscene, and an alternate ending.
You have two choices for difficulty settings: the original Standard Mode and Story Mode, which was added via the crowdfunding stretch goals. Standard Mode offers the core Nine Sols experience, perfect for those seeking a compelling challenge with engaging combat and countless areas to explore. Opting for Story Mode lets you enjoy the narrative without the stress of combat, as you can fine-tune damage multipliers whenever needed.
During the game’s narrative, you’ll witness a ceremony where chosen ones are whisked off to live with the Sols, the realm’s deities. A sinister device, however, starts violently claiming these individuals, including your friend Shuanshuan. In a desperate bid to save him, you trigger a talisman, thwarting the contraption and saving his life. Your Qi explosion demolishes the helmet of this device, causing panic among the villagers who fear divine retribution. With a heartfelt farewell to Shuanshuan, you hack the lift transporting bodies to a hidden facility, ready to confront and defeat the malevolent forces harvesting humans.
As Yi, you’ll navigate this world using the left analog stick, with controls for jumping, dashing, and engaging in combat. The X button handles jumping, while dashing is mapped to R2. The Square button is for attacks, and the Triangle allows you to shoot arrows. You can interact with characters and devices using the Circle button, which also doubles for launching a hook when leaping towards attachable spots. Keep an eye out for walls with slithering tentacles; Yi can run up those with ease.
Combat in Nine Sols heavily relies on deflection, requiring you to precisely parry attacks with the L1 button. Mistimed parries merely block attacks and still harm you, albeit granting some Qi. You can then attach Qi to foes with the R1 button for powerful dashes that deal significant damage, a critical move when facing bosses. Healing is as simple as pressing up on the D-Pad to use your Pipe, recovering health. Additionally, you’ll unlock the Mystic Nymph, which lets you hack through small passages with the L2 button.
Death carries penalties, including the loss of experience and money. Notably, to regain your lost currency, you must defeat the foe that killed you. Fail, and it’s gone forever. The game incorporates typical Soulslike mechanics, with enemy respawns upon saving and resting. You can also evaluate your Skill Tree at save points to strategize on unlocking skills that give you an edge over enemies.
Skillful players will gain experience and earn Skill Points by vanquishing enemies and bosses. These can enhance Yi’s traits as you unlock nodes on the Skill Tree—boost your speed with Swift Runner, increase Qi capacity with Qi Boost, or use Bullet Deflect to redirect projectiles back at enemies.
With money collected throughout the game, you can craft items using a 3D printer. It’s wise to invest in improvement Jades, like the Ricochet Jade, which aids in deflecting attacks even if your parry timing isn’t perfect. Before acquiring Jades, consider buying a Pipe Vial to increase healing opportunities, which is invaluable during extended gameplay.
For trophy hunters, Nine Sols offers a comprehensive list concluding with a Platinum trophy. The list is extensive, including 15 Bronze, 17 Silver, and 3 Gold trophies. Objectives cover mastering all skills, collecting every Jade, defeating all the bosses—including hidden ones—and completing the game on Standard Mode. There are plenty of secret trophies too, which aren’t revealed here! Need a hand? Check out the Nine Sols Trophy Guide for tips.
Nine Sols elegantly combines 2D hand-drawn artistry with challenging combat, beautifully setting it on the PlayStation 5. Taking place in the Taopunk universe of New Kunlun, the game prompts you to slay the ruling Sols as the enigmatic Fangshi, Yi. With its unique blending of Eastern myths and futuristic aesthetics, your mission unfolds in a surprisingly layered world. Priced at $29.99, Nine Sols is now available for those ready to tackle its engaging challenges.
Lastly, it’s important to note that this review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Red Candle Games. Enjoy exploring the captivating world of Nine Sols!
