Nine Sols, developed by Red Candle Games, is a bold entry into the Metroidvania genre. Known for atmospheric horror titles like Detention, Red Candle steps outside its comfort zone to deliver a unique 2D action-platformer. Combining cyberpunk influences with Taoist philosophy, Nine Sols creates a world filled with mystery and conflict.
The game takes place in New Kunlun, a dystopian setting where ancient traditions meet futuristic technology. At the heart of this adventure lies a story of revenge, redemption, and humanity’s struggle with progress.
Combat is a key focus in Nine Sols, with mechanics that reward precision and strategy. You’ll navigate dangerous environments, uncover secrets, and face formidable foes, all while mastering a system that emphasizes timing and adaptability. The game’s style draws comparisons to modern classics in the genre, setting a high bar for expectations.
With its striking aesthetic, challenging gameplay, and ambitious narrative, Nine Sols has the potential to stand out in a competitive landscape. How well does it deliver? Let’s dive in.
A Tale of Revenge and Redemption
Nine Sols sets you in the shoes of Yi, a warrior betrayed by the leaders he once served. Left for dead, he rises to confront the titular Nine Sols, rulers of New Kunlun, in a story filled with vengeance and redemption. The game’s narrative blends Taoist philosophy with a dystopian backdrop, creating a unique mix of ancient traditions and futuristic technology.
The story unfolds through a mix of direct events and quiet, reflective moments that bring its world to life. One moment that stood out for me was discovering the backstory of Yi’s bond with Shuanshuan, the orphan who saved him. The bond between Yi and Shuanshuan adds emotional weight to the story. Their quiet moments together contrast sharply with the harsh reality of the sacrificial ceremony, making Yi’s quest feel more personal and meaningful.
The overarching revenge plot is interesting, but the storytelling relies on environmental clues, optional dialogue, and flashbacks. This approach adds detail but can feel thin, making it harder to follow the full story. However, moments like Yi’s confrontations with the Nine Sols bring emotional weight to the narrative, adding meaning to his journey.
The game explores dark themes and moral dilemmas that challenge your perspective. The slow storytelling can be frustrating, but the world of New Kunlun remains rewarding for those who are willing to dig deeper.
Precision and Patience in Combat
The gameplay in Nine Sols revolves around its parry-based combat and exploration-driven progression, blending challenge and strategy. You’ll travel interconnected areas, uncover secrets, and face enemies that test your timing and adaptability. Each encounter feels deliberate, rewarding precision over brute force.
During one boss fight in the Agricultural Zone, mastering mid-air parries felt like a breakthrough. Crimson attacks required near perfect timing, and finally landing the sequence after several misses was incredibly rewarding. This fight showed how the game challenges you to adapt and rewards your effort with a real sense of achievement.
Nine Sols’ combat system encourages mastery, with mechanics like parrying, dodging, and using Qi charges to deal explosive damage. Learning enemy patterns and adjusting strategies for different situations keeps each encounter feeling new. Boss battles are memorable for their distinct mechanics and environments. Each fight introduces new challenges, such as mastering specific parry timings or navigating hazards unique to the setting. Success demands focus, learning attack patterns, and reacting quickly to unpredictable moves.
Exploration feels equally rewarding, with new abilities unlocking shortcuts and hidden areas. Tools like the grappling hook and Tai-Chi Kick add depth to movement, making things feel fluid and engaging. However, I will say that the map system can feel limiting at times. Occasionally making things more frustrating than it needs to be.
Nine Sols challenges you to think strategically, blending precision-based combat with rewarding exploration. While the learning curve can be steep, the sense of accomplishment it delivers, in my opinion, makes the effort worthwhile.
Visuals and Sound that Define the World
Nine Sols hand-drawn art style is impressive, blending Eastern aesthetics with futuristic cyberpunk elements. The environments range from high-tech facilities to desolate ruins, adding variety to the game’s world. Every area feels distinct, making New Kunlun feel alive.
The animations are smooth, making combat and exploration enjoyable. Parrying and moving through hazards feel responsive. However, foreground elements can occasionally block your view during fights. The soundtrack mixes traditional Chinese instruments and modern techno. The soundtrack fits every moment, whether you’re exploring or battling bosses. Sound effects enhance each attack and parry, making every action feel impactful.
While Nine Sols looks and sounds great overall, minor issues like occasional visual obstructions and a sparse map can be distracting. Even so, Nine Sols creates a detailed world that keeps you invested throughout.
Nine Sols is a Distinctive Step Forward in the Metroidvania Genre
Nine Sols stands out as a fantastic entry into the Metroidvania genre. Red Candle Games takes its signature attention to detail from narrative horror and successfully applies it to an ambitious 2D action-platformer. The result is a game that blends challenging combat, rewarding exploration, and a thought-provoking story.
The visuals and audio create a world that feels alive, pulling you into the dystopian landscapes of New Kunlun. Each encounter, whether it’s a boss fight or moment of discovery, feels intentional and carefully crafted. The unique mix of Eastern philosophy and cyberpunk aesthetics sets Nine Sols apart from other games in its class.
However, it’s not without its flaws. Difficulty balancing and the sparse map design can be frustrating at times. And, the way the story is told can feel indirect at times, making it harder to fully connect with the plot. Despite these issues, the game does a great job of rewarding your effort and making progress feel satisfying.
If you’re looking for a challenging, beautiful Metroidvania with a story that sticks with you, Nine Sols is worth your time. Red Candle Games has shown that stepping out of its comfort zone can lead to something truly special.
Nine Sols
Summary
Nine Sols is a unique Metroidvania that combines challenging combat, exploration, and a story about revenge and redemption. The hand-drawn visuals and mix of Taoist and cyberpunk elements create an engaging world. While the story can be hard to follow at times and some gameplay can be frustrating, the sense of accomplishment and rewarding progress make it worth playing. If you want a tough, visually impressive Metroidvania, Nine Sols is a great choice.
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