Red Candle Games brings us Nine Sols, a fascinating 2D Metroidvania inspired by Sekiro and featuring hand-drawn graphics. This challenging adventure on the PlayStation 5 is reviewed here.
Set in the captivating Taopunk world of New Kunlun, Nine Sols merges Eastern mythology with a cyberpunk twist. You play as Yi, a mysterious Fangshi. The journey starts in a cave where Yi is accompanied by Shuanshuan, searching for a unique flower necessary for a ritual. What looks like a simple, traditional world is full of surprises as you aim to defeat the nine Sols ruling the realm.
In 2022, Red Candle Games launched a crowdfunding campaign to develop the game, setting a goal of NT$3,000,000. Thanks to the support of 8,900 backers, they raised over NT$13,000,000. After debuting on Steam in May, Nine Sols now comes to PlayStation 5. The additional funding helped achieve some stretch goals, adding an easier difficulty setting, an in-game cutscene, and an alternate ending.
You have two difficulty settings to choose from: the challenging Standard Mode and the more laid-back Story Mode. Standard Mode retains the game’s original difficulty, providing a gratifying challenge for those who enjoy intense combat and exploration. Story Mode allows you to appreciate the narrative with adjustable damage settings, making combat less demanding.
A pivotal ceremony in the game sees the chosen ones sent to live with the titular Sols, the gods. However, an ominous event unfolds as an evil machine beheads the chosen individuals, disposing of their bodies in a secretive facility. Among those selected is Shuanshuan. Acting quickly, you use your talisman to save him and destroy the helmet with a Qi explosion, sending villagers into a panic.
In the game, Yi is controlled using the left analog stick, while the X button allows for jumping. Dashing, attacking, and shooting arrows are managed with the R2, Square, and Triangle buttons, respectively. The Circle button facilitates interaction with characters and contraptions and can also be used for launching hooks when jumping. Be alert to walls with oozy tentacles that Yi can scale.
Combat in Nine Sols relies heavily on deflection. Timing your L1 button presses to parry attacks is crucial, as poor timing results in blocking that still inflicts damage. Using collected Qi, which you gather during fights, you can unleash powerful dashes that are a game-changer in boss battles. Need health? Use the D-Pad to access your Pipe and heal. Additionally, the Mystic Nymph can infiltrate tight spaces to hack secret devices.
Should you die, you lose all your experience and money. Unlike typical Soulslikes, in Nine Sols, you must defeat the enemy that killed you to regain your currency, or it’s gone forever. Given its Souslike design, resting will resurrect all opponents. You’ll also want to visit save points to plan your Skill Tree advancements.
Triumphing over foes and bosses rewards you with experience points, eventually earning you Skill Points. These can unlock new abilities in your Skill Tree, enhancing Yi’s capabilities. Whether you’re improving speed with Swift Runner or deflecting projectiles with Bullet Deflect, these upgrades are essential for progressing.
Your earned money finds purpose at the 3D printer, crafting useful items. Collecting Jade is essential to boost skills, but before that, acquiring a Pipe Vial is wise for extra healing opportunities.
On the trophy front, there’s a complete list with a coveted Platinum trophy up for grabs, with objectives including skill mastery and boss defeats. Though secret trophies remain hidden here, feel free to consult a guide if needed.
In summary, Nine Sols stands out on the PlayStation 5 with its vibrant 2D design and deflection-driven combat, set against a backdrop of intriguing Taopunk lore. Yi’s quest against the nine Sols offers both a storytelling focus and a rewarding challenge for players ready to step into this unique world. It’s available now for $29.99.
This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Red Candle Games.
