Red Candle Games’ latest release, Nine Sols, challenges players with its 2D hand-drawn world, taking cues from Sekiro and embracing the Metroidvania genre with a unique deflection-based combat system on the PlayStation 5. In this review, we’ll explore what makes this game a noteworthy experience.
Set in the Taopunk realm of New Kunlun, Nine Sols brilliantly weaves together Eastern mythology and cyberpunk elements. You step into the shoes of Yi, a mysterious Fangshi, beginning your journey in what seems like a straightforward cave. With Shuanshuan as your companion, you embark on a quest to find a special flower needed for a ritual. However, New Kunlun holds secrets far beyond its seemingly primitive facade, and your mission quickly escalates to battling the nine Sols who govern this world.
Back in 2022, Red Candle Games launched a crowdfunding campaign to gather NT$3,000,000 for their project. Thanks to 8,900 spirited backers, they not only met their goal but surpassed it, raising over NT$13,000,000 to bring Nine Sols to life. Initially launched on Steam in May, the game now finds its audience on the PlayStation 5, benefiting from additional features made possible by the campaign stretch goals, such as a more accessible difficulty setting, a cinematic cutscene, and an alternate ending.
Nine Sols offers two modes of play: Standard Mode and the Story Mode that emerged from the crowdfunding stretch goals. Standard Mode maintains the game’s original, challenging design, perfect for those who relish engaging combat and vast areas to explore. Opting for Story Mode allows players to immerse themselves in the narrative while adjusting combat difficulty as needed, so the pressure of battle doesn’t overshadow the unfolding tale.
A pivotal ceremony in Nine Sols sends chosen ones to live among the titular gods, the Sols. Yet, you witness an appalling twist as a sinister machine decapitates these individuals, leaving their bodies for a hidden facility. Shuanshuan, your friend, is selected for this ritual, prompting you to act. In an effort to save him, you use a talisman to thwart the malevolent device.
During this daring intervention, your Qi explosion shatters the fearsome helmet, causing panic among villagers who fear divine retribution. This heroics mark the beginning of your battle against the forces exploiting humans in this shadowy underground realm.
Gameplay in Nine Sols involves exploring with Yi using the left analog stick. You’ll jump with X, dash with R2, attack with Square, and fire arrows with Triangle. Engage with others or activate devices using Circle — it also serves to launch your hook for navigating complex environments. Pay close attention to your surroundings, as Yi can scale certain walls studded with oozy tendrils.
Mastering the game’s deflection-based combat is crucial. Parry attacks precisely with L1; mistiming this leads to taking some damage, although you’ll gain Qi in exchange. Apply Qi by targeting an opponent with R1 to dash through them, dealing significant damage, particularly critical during boss encounters. You can also heal using your Pipe by pressing up on the D-Pad and, not long into your adventure, you’ll unlock Mystic Nymph. This ability uses L2 to navigate through small passages to hack hidden devices.
Dying in Nine Sols means losing all accumulated experience and money. To retrieve funds, you’ll need to defeat the enemy that bested you; fail, and they’re lost forever. As part of its Soulslike identity, resting at save points causes enemies to reappear. These saves also allow you to access the Skill Tree to strategically unlock enhancements, increasing your capabilities against foes.
As you progress, defeating enemies and bosses grants experience points, earning you Skill Points to spend on the Skill Tree to power up Yi. Abilities like Swift Runner boost your speed, while Qi Boost increases your Qi reserve. Bullet Deflect is especially handy, enabling you to parry projectiles back at enemies.
Currency collected in-game is useful at the 3D printer for creating items or acquiring Jade to enhance skills. Prioritize purchasing the Pipe Vial to increase healing opportunities, which can significantly ease your journey.
Trophy hunters will appreciate that Nine Sols offers a full trophy list, including a Platinum trophy. You’ll embark on tasks like mastering all skills, collecting all jade, and conquering every boss, with some hidden trophies sprinkled in. For guidance, a Nine Sols Trophy Guide can provide the necessary tips.
Ready for a new adventure on your PlayStation 5? Nine Sols, priced at $29.99, invites you into its gorgeous Taopunk universe filled with challenges and exploration. Are you prepared to confront the reigning 9 Sols?
Please note: This review reflects a PlayStation 5 copy of Nine Sols provided by Red Candle Games.
