Review of “Nine Sols” for PlayStation 5

Red Candle Games’ latest endeavor, Nine Sols, combines the intricate challenges of a 2D Metroidvania with the precise combat mechanics reminiscent of Sekiro, all beautifully hand-drawn and now available on PlayStation 5. If you’re curious about what this adventure has to offer, our review dives into the details of Nine Sols!

Set in the captivating Taopunk world of New Kunlun, Nine Sols seamlessly blends Eastern mythology with a futuristic cyberpunk twist. You step into the shoes of Yi, an enigmatic Fangshi, beginning your journey alongside a friend named Shuanshuan in a quest to find a special flower for an important ritual. Though initially appearing as a traditional setting, the world is filled with unexpected surprises as you embark on a mission to defeat the 9 Sols, rulers of this realm.

The game’s development was heavily supported by a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2022. With an initial target of NT$3,000,000, the project was overwhelmingly backed by 8,900 supporters, eventually amassing over NT$13,000,000. First released on Steam, Nine Sols has now made its debut on the PlayStation 5, fulfilling several stretch goals which include an additional easier difficulty setting, a new in-game cutscene, and an alternate ending, enriching the overall experience.

Players can choose between two difficulty settings: Standard Mode offers the original challenging experience with engaging combat and explorations for those seeking a test of skill, while Story Mode allows for a more relaxed playthrough, letting you enjoy the narrative with the option to adjust combat difficulty dynamically.

The game introduces a chilling ceremony where the chosen ones supposedly ascend to live with the titular Sols, only for an evil contraption to gruesomely decapitate them and discard their bodies. Shuanshuan, destined for this grim fate, is saved by Yi’s timely intervention, using a talisman to thwart the machine’s deadly intent.

As panic ensues among the villagers fearing divine retribution, Yi rushes against the unseen menace, defeating it with a powerful Qi explosion. With the villagers in turmoil and your friend spared from sacrifice, your mission leads you deeper, hacking a lift to confront the sinister forces operating in the shadows.

Gameplay mechanics are fluid and intuitive: Yi navigates the environment with the left analog stick, executing jumps, dashes, attacks, and using arrows with designated buttons. Interaction with characters and mechanisms is straightforward yet strategic, requiring careful timing, especially with the deflection-based combat system. Precision is key to parrying attacks, which not only prevents damage but also charges your Qi for powerful counter-attacks—a skill critical in boss encounters. The combat is further enriched with abilities like the Mystic Nymph, allowing for intricate gameplay through unique passages.

Death in the game carries weight, with the loss of experience and money unless you avenge your defeat by killing the enemy responsible. Strategic planning is necessary, as returning to a save point also resurrects foes. However, it offers a chance to revisit your Skill Tree, planning upgrades that enhance your capabilities.

Experience points and skill mastery open up rewarding possibilities, improving Yi’s speed, Qi capacity, and even the ability to deflect projectiles back at attackers during combat. Investing in the 3D printer allows you to exchange in-game currency for powerful jade enhancing these skills—an investment worth considering for long-term survival.

Dedicated players will find the game’s trophy system rewarding, with a variety to earn from mastering skills, collecting jade, to vanquishing every boss—including secret ones. The ultimate prize is the coveted Platinum trophy, attainable by conquering Nine Sols in its Standard Mode, among other tasks. A detailed trophy guide can provide additional assistance in this endeavor.

In essence, Nine Sols presents a deeply engaging Metroidvania experience, combining the artful finesse of hand-drawn visuals with challenging yet rewarding gameplay. Its blend of mythology and cyberpunk, alongside a gripping storyline and immersive mechanics, make it a standout on the PS5. For those eager for an adventure priced at $29.99, it’s a journey worth embarking on.

Please note, this review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Red Candle Games.