Red Candle Games has taken a bold step with Nine Sols, delivering a 2D Metroidvania experience that stirs the soul with its intricate design and challenging deflection-based combat, reminiscent of games like Sekiro. Exclusively on PlayStation 5, you are invited to explore the captivating world of New Kunlun—a unique blend of Eastern mythology and cyberpunk flair. Stepping into the shoes of Yi, a mysterious Fangshi, you’re thrust into a realm where not everything is as it seems. Your mission? To eliminate the 9 Sols governing this land.
Back in 2022, Red Candle Games launched a crowdfunding campaign, initially aiming for NT$3,000,000. To their pleasant surprise, the project garnered overwhelming support from 8,900 backers, racking up over NT$13,000,000 in funds. Following its initial rollout on Steam in May, Nine Sols is now ready to captivate a new audience on the PS5. Thanks to those stretch goals being achieved, players can look forward to additional features such as an easier gameplay mode, an extra in-game cutscene, and a choice of alternate endings.
The game offers two difficulty modes: the original Standard Mode for those seeking a gratifying challenge filled with complex combat, and the Story Mode—a sensibly easier difficulty that allows players to enjoy the rich narrative without fretting too much over battling foes, thanks to adjustable damage settings.
You’ll partake in a dramatic ceremony watch as those chosen are supposedly sent to live alongside the divine Sols. However, it isn’t long before you uncover the grim truth: a monstrous device is eerily decapitating these individuals and depositing their bodies into a hidden laboratory. A twist of fate leads your good friend, Shuanshuan, to be one of the chosen. Driven by urgency, you activate your talisman to save him from a grim fate, destroying the diabolical helmet with a powerful Qi blast that incites panic among the superstitious villagers.
Set out on this gripping journey by controlling Yi using the left analog stick, jumping with X, dashing with R2, defending with Square, and launching arrows using Triangle. Additionally, interact with the world using Circle, which serves multiple purposes like engaging characters or deploying your hook mid-jump to latch onto ledges. Ascension seems perilous as it involves walls lined with writhing tentacles, so remaining alert to environmental cues is key.
Combat in Nine Sols revolves around deflecting enemy attacks by timing your L1 presses accurately to parry. A mistimed button will lead to a block that still incurs damage, although you’ll acquire some Qi, usable against foes by dashing through them with R1 to inflict substantial damage—particularly vital during boss battles. To replenish health, utilize your Pipe with the D-Pad, and soon you’ll gain access to Mystic Nymph, which can traverse small channels and tackle concealed mechanisms when triggered with L2.
Facing death leads to the loss of experience and currency, and only by defeating the enemy who bested you can these losses be reversed. Akin to other titles in the Soulslike genre, saving the game resurrects all enemies. However, save points are also where you assess your Skill Tree progress, selecting enhancements to maintain a strategic edge.
Advancing through the game will net you experience points and Skill Points, deployable on the Skill Tree to unlock upgrades. Consider improving Yi with Swift Runner for brisker movement, or Qi Boost for a greater reservoir of Qi. The Bullet Deflect skill is particularly handy, allowing precise parries to reflect projectiles back at adversaries.
Currency amassed during your journey can be spent via a 3D printer to craft convenient upgrades. Before focusing on anything else, prioritize the Pipe Vial to extend healing capacity, which proves invaluable over time.
The trophy hunters out there will find plenty to engage with a comprehensive trophy list waiting to be completed. Achieving the coveted Platinum trophy will require mastery of all skills, collecting various jades, vanquishing formidable bosses—including secret ones—and finishing the game on Standard Mode. While I won’t spoil the secret trophies here, assistance is available in the Nine Sols Trophy Guide for those needing a bit of guidance along the way.
In conclusion, Nine Sols is a stunning 2D Soulslike Metroidvania that finds its stride on PS5, inviting players into a vibrant Taopunk universe teeming with surprises and challenges. Playing as Yi, your quest to defeat the 9 Sols begins in an unassuming cave with a mission that spirals into something far grander. Are you ready to accept this challenge? Dive into Nine Sols today on PlayStation 5, available at $29.99.
This review comes to you thanks to a PlayStation 5 review copy provided by Red Candle Games.
