Nine Sols by Red Candle Games is a 2D Metroidvania game for the PlayStation 5, drawing inspiration from Sekiro with its deflection-based combat mechanics. This captivating hand-drawn adventure transports players to the Taopunk world of New Kunlun, a unique blend of Eastern mythology and cyberpunk elements. You play as Yi, a mysterious Fangshi, journeying alongside your companion Shuanshuan in search of a mystical flower required for a ritual. Beneath its seemingly classic landscape, this world hides deeper secrets that Yi must unravel, including slaying the nine ruling Sols.
The game’s development was initially funded through a 2022 crowdfunding campaign, where Red Candle Games set a target of NT$3,000,000. Surpassing expectations, they raised over NT$13,000,000 with the help of 8,900 backers. Originally launching on Steam in May, Nine Sols has made its anticipated debut on the PlayStation 5. The successful funding campaign paved the way for extra features, such as an easier difficulty mode, additional in-game cutscenes, and an alternate narrative ending.
Two difficulty settings are available: Standard Mode and the easier Story Mode, added as a crowdfunding stretch goal. Standard Mode offers the intended experience with challenging combat and vast exploration, while Story Mode allows players to focus on the narrative without being overly concerned about combat, thanks to adaptable damage settings.
A dramatic ceremony unfolds where selected individuals are sent to live among the gods, the Sols. Witnessing a cruel machine decapitating these chosen ones, including your longtime friend Shuanshuan, propels Yi into action. Using your talisman, you intervene just in time to save him, and in the process, a Qi explosion destroys the malicious helmet device. This terrifying event sends villagers fleeing, fearing divine retribution. Bidding farewell to Shuanshuan, you harness your powers to hack the lift ferrying bodies underground, bracing yourself for a confrontation with the malevolent forces at play.
In the heat of action, control Yi as you traverse the landscape using the left analog stick. Leap with the X button, dash with R2, attack with Square, and fire arrows from your bow with Triangle. Interact with the world and its inhabitants by pressing Circle, which also launches your hook to reach new heights. Yi possesses the ability to ascend walls adorned with oozy, tentacle-like structures, so stay vigilant as you navigate each area!
The game’s combat relies heavily on deflection. To survive, you must parry attacks using the L1 button with precise timing. A misstep results in blocking instead, causing damage while still collecting valuable Qi. This Qi energy can then be unleashed by dashing through enemies with the R1 button, inflicting significant damage—crucial during intense boss encounters. Using your Pipe with the D-Pad’s upward input recovers some health. Also, soon enough, you’ll unlock the Mystic Nymph, which can pass through small spaces to hack hidden devices by pressing L2.
Be aware that death comes with a steep price: all experience and money accrued will be lost unless you can vanquish the foe responsible for your demise. Like typical Soulslike experiences, saving and resting respawns all enemies. Assessing your Skill Tree at save points is essential, aiding you in unlocking abilities to maintain an edge over adversaries.
As you progress, defeating foes rewards experience points, earning you Skill Points to enhance Yi via the Skill Tree. You might opt for Swift Runner, increasing your running speed, or Qi Boost for a higher Qi capacity. Consider the useful Bullet Deflect skill, allowing you to parry projectiles back at opponents with precision.
Spend in-game currency at the 3D printer to craft items, including Jade to fortify Skill Tree talents. Prioritize acquiring the Pipe Vial, which augments the number of uses for your Pipe, a critical advantage for healing during prolonged adventures.
Nine Sols offers a wealth of trophies, aligning with a classic Platinum trophy challenge. With 15 Bronze, 17 Silver, and 3 Gold trophies, tasks include mastering all skills, gathering all Jade, conquering every boss—even secret ones—and completing the game in Standard Mode. There are secret trophies too, which I’ll leave you to discover. Need guidance? There’s a Nine Sols Trophy Guide available for those seeking extra help.
With its intricate, hand-drawn art and demanding gameplay, Nine Sols stands out as a Sekiro-inspired Metroidvania on the PlayStation 5. Set in the Taopunk world of New Kunlun, it challenges players with its blend of action, exploration, and a rich narrative. Ready for the adventure? Grab Nine Sols now on PlayStation 5 for $29.99.
Disclaimer: This review of Nine Sols is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Red Candle Games.
