Nine Sols – Review

Nine Sols, the brainchild of Red Candle Games, throws players into a unique world that blends Eastern fantasy with a dash of science fiction. This 2D Metroidvania boasts gorgeous hand-drawn sprites and a combat system heavily inspired by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. But is it enough to carve its own niche in the crowded Metroidvania genre? Let’s delve deeper.

A World Steeped in Taoist Mythology

The narrative unfolds in a land steeped in Taoist mythology, warped by the influence of a fallen alien race. You take on the role of a vengeful hero tasked with slaying the Nine Sols, tyrannical rulers who have plunged the world into chaos. While the story itself is intriguing, some reviewers found it light on details, leaving room for improvement in future updates.

Where Sekiro Meets Metroidvania

The true star of Nine Sols lies in its combat. Channeling the spirit of Sekiro, the game emphasizes deflection over brute force. Learning enemy attack patterns and deflecting at the precise moment is key to building your Spirit Gauge, which fuels powerful counterattacks and special abilities. This focus on timing and precision creates a highly rewarding combat loop, pushing players to master the flow of battle.

Exploration and Progression

Nine Sols stays true to its Metroidvania roots, offering a sprawling interconnected world to explore. As you progress, you’ll gain new abilities that unlock previously inaccessible areas, encouraging backtracking and exploration. The world itself is richly detailed and visually stunning, with environments ranging from desolate wastelands to lush, alien landscapes.

Aesthetics to Match the Challenge

The hand-drawn art style in Nine Sols is a true marvel. The developers have meticulously crafted each character and environment, bringing this fantastical world to life. The soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, creating an immersive atmosphere that underscores the game’s challenging nature.

A Few Scratches on the Polish

While Nine Sols excels in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven at times, with some sections dragging on longer than desired. Additionally, some reviewers found the writing and environmental storytelling to be a bit weak compared to the rest of the game’s presentation. These are minor quibbles, however, and don’t detract significantly from the overall experience.

The Verdict: A Must-Play for Metroidvania and Sekiro Fans

Nine Sols is a triumph for Red Candle Games, demonstrating their mastery of both challenging combat and beautiful world-building. While the story might leave you wanting more, the core gameplay loop – a thrilling blend of Sekiro-inspired deflection and Metroidvania exploration – is incredibly satisfying. If you’re a fan of either genre, or simply enjoy a game that rewards precise play and mastery, then Nine Sols is a must-play. Just be prepared for a challenge, as this world won’t go down without a fight.