If you’re looking to dive into some fresh gaming content, Nine Sols is now available for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. This hand-drawn 2D action-platformer has just joined the Xbox Game Pass lineup, slipping out of our list of upcoming games and into your hands.
Created by the talented team at Red Candle Games, Nine Sols invites players to step into a unique “Taopunk” universe, blending elements of Eastern mythology, philosophical musings, and a dash of cyberpunk flair. As Yi, your mission is to navigate through the forsaken land of New Kunlun in a quest to hunt down its nine ruling Sols. The game delivers an exhilarating action experience, arming you with moves to charge, deflect, and deliver powerful attacks against enemies. Fans of titles like Sekiro and Hollow Knight are likely to appreciate the combat’s familiar yet innovative mechanics.
Red Candle Games has beautifully crafted Nine Sols to combine the thought-provoking depth of Eastern philosophies, the allure of ancient myths, and the cutting-edge style of cyberpunk. On the gameplay front, it’s especially engaging for those who enjoy a “deflection-heavy” combat style, where parrying and timing become your best allies.
If your recent gaming adventures included braving the harsh world of Stalker 2—where we found plenty to rave about in our review—you might find that Nine Sols offers a lighter, yet equally captivating, change of pace. Its vibrant art style is a refreshing detour from The Zone’s gritty and somber tones.
For those eager to explore more enthralling landscapes with jumping, sliding, climbing, and sprinting, be sure to check out our curated list of the top Xbox platformers.