Review of Nine Sols for PlayStation 5

Red Candle Games brings us Nine Sols, a challenging 2D hand-drawn Metroidvania game, drawing inspiration from Sekiro and featuring combat focused on deflection. Now available on PlayStation 5, let’s dive into this unique adventure set in the Taopunk world of New Kunlun, where Eastern mythology meets cyberpunk themes.

In Nine Sols, you step into the shoes of Yi, a mysterious Fangshi, embarking on a quest in a world where things are not as they seem. Alongside Shuanshuan, you start your journey in search of a special flower needed for a ritual. What initially seems to be a classic environment turns out to be a place filled with secrets, as you confront and strive to defeat the nine Sols who hold dominion over this land.

The game initially garnered attention back in 2022 during its crowdfunding campaign, which aimed for NT$3,000,000. Thanks to the overwhelming support of 8,900 backers, the project received over NT$13,000,000, which helped it first launch on Steam in May, and now, it impressively makes its way to the PlayStation 5. This support also allowed some exciting features to be developed, including an additional difficulty setting, a fresh in-game cutscene, and an alternate ending.

Players can choose between two difficulty settings: the challenging Standard Mode, the original intense experience full of exploration and combat, and Story Mode, an option that allows you to enjoy the narrative more than the combat by adjusting damage multipliers.

In the game, a ritual takes place where chosen ones are sent to live with the divine Sols. You witness a sinister device capturing these chosen ones, decapitating them while their bodies drop into a concealed facility. Your friend Shuanshuan is among those selected, and you must rush to help him, using your talisman to foil the machine’s efforts in saving his life.

As you jump into the fray, you control Yi using the left analog stick. Engage with the world by jumping, dashing, attacking, and shooting arrows using various buttons, while interaction is keyed to the Circle button. You have the ability to traverse walls with peculiar tentacles, so stay observant of your surroundings!

The combat centers around deflections – mastering the timing with the L1 button to parry attacks is key, and though mistimed blocks still harm Yi, they allow Qi collection. Successfully gathering Qi lets you dash through enemies with an R1 press, inflicting significant damage, a crucial tactic in boss battles. Use your Pipe with the D-Pad to regain health, and unlock Mystic Nymph for maneuvering through tight spots.

Death in Nine Sols means the loss of experience and money, but reclaiming your funds requires defeating the enemy who conquered you, or it’s gone forever. Saving your progress resets enemy positions, a hallmark of the Soulslike genre. Skill Tree management is essential as you aim to upgrade abilities and stay a step ahead, unlocking skills like Swift Runner for speedy movement, or Qi Boost and Bullet Deflect for combat versatility.

Spending collected money wisely is vital; the 3D printer offers new items, and Jade allows skill upgrades. Securing the Pipe Vial early on increases healing opportunities, crucial for long-term success.

The game boasts a full trophy list, including a coveted Platinum trophy. Goals range from mastering skills to confronting all bosses and completing the game in Standard Mode. Many elusive trophies await discovery, ensuring replay value and challenge for trophy hunters.

Nine Sols, priced at $29.99, presents a formidable, visually stunning Metroidvania adventure rich with complex combat and storytelling. Available now on PlayStation 5, are you prepared to take on the Sols and explore the mysterious world of New Kunlun?

This review of Nine Sols is based on a PlayStation 5 version provided by Red Candle Games.