Nine Sols from Red Candle Games is a daring and intricately designed 2D action game, reminiscent of Sekiro and Metroidvania, now available on PlayStation 5. Like an engaging tapestry, it weaves together elements of Eastern mythology and cyberpunk into its Taopunk world of New Kunlun. You step into the shoes of Yi, a mysterious character known as a Fangshi, as the narrative kicks off in an intriguing underground setting. You soon join forces with Shuanshuan, a companion on a quest for a rare flower essential for a specific ritual. Despite the traditional ambiance that envelops this world, you’ll quickly find there’s a deeper layer waiting to be uncovered. Your mission? To conquer the nine Sols that govern this realm.
Back in 2022, the game embarked on a successful crowdfunding campaign with an initial target of NT$3,000,000, but it wasn’t long before enthusiastic support from 8,900 backers propelled it to a staggering NT$13,000,000. Initially launched on Steam in May, Nine Sols is now ready to captivate a new audience on the PlayStation 5. Thanks to the ample funding, additional features like a more forgiving difficulty level, extra cutscenes, and an alternate ending were seamlessly integrated into the game.
Players can choose from two difficulty settings: the original, more challenging Standard Mode, or the Story Mode added through crowdfunding stretch goals. Standard Mode delivers the authentic Nine Sols experience, rife with challenging battles and expansive exploration. Story Mode, on the other hand, lets you immerse yourself in the narrative without the pressure of combat, as you can adjust damage settings to suit your preference.
The plot thickens as a ritual unfolds, transporting select individuals to dwell with the so-called gods, the Sols. In a chilling twist, the chosen ones are seized by a sinister machine, cruelly discarding their bodies in a concealed facility. Your ally Shuanshuan becomes ensnared in this dark ritual. Alarmed, you leap into action, determined to avert a disastrous fate by activating your talisman in a bid to save him.
A Qi explosion obliterates the ominous helmet, prompting villagers to flee in terror, fearing divine retribution for meddling with the gods. Knowing the ominous dangers that lie ahead, you use your skills to sabotage the lift system, plumbing the depths of the facility in search of answers and justice.
Guided by your controls, Yi navigates the landscape with nimble precision. Armed with a potent arsenal, you engage enemies using strategic combat moves, tackling formidable bosses in the process. Utilize the intuitive controls to jump, dash, and attack, or interact with the environment by launching your grappling hook or scaling walls, all through the left analog stick and simple button commands.
To survive the game’s deflection-based combat, learn to expertly parry incoming attacks with perfect timing using the L1 button. While mistimed parries still cause some harm, they allow you to collect Qi, critical for powerful retaliatory attacks. With the R1 button, use Qi to dash through opponents, dealing hefty damage—a crucial tactic against challenging bosses.
When the inevitability of death claims you, experience and currency are lost. Unlike other Soulslike games, you must defeat your killer to reclaim what you have lost, or it is gone for good. With each new save point, all enemies are resuscitated, maintaining the game’s relentless challenge. But these resting spots also offer the chance to strategize your next skill tree upgrades, keeping you competitive in combat.
Success in battles, notably against formidable adversaries, earns you experience that can accrue into valuable Skill Points. These points enhance Yi’s abilities, such as increasing speed, expanding Qi capacity, or enabling precise projectile deflection—a veritable upgrade buffet ready to tailor to your playstyle.
Use the collected currency wisely. Visit the 3D printer to fashion new items or bolster existing skills with Jade. Whether it’s enhancing your parry accuracy or expanding your healing opportunities with the indispensable Pipe Vial, these resources are vital for progress.
For those who value achievements, the game tempts with a robust list of trophies, including a prestigious Platinum. Achievements span mastering skills, unearthing jades, triumphing over main and secret bosses, and completing the game in its tougher Standard Mode. Should you need guidance, a trophy guide awaits your exploration.
Nine Sols stands out as a visually stunning and demanding 2D Metroidvania that has found a worthy home on the PS5. By merging mythological themes with a cybernetic backdrop, it delivers an engrossing experience. As Yi, you embark on an audacious quest to unseat the nine reigning Sols. Ready for the challenge? Dive into this mesmerizing world today for $29.99.
A heartfelt thanks to Red Candle Games for providing the PlayStation 5 copy that fashioned this review.
