Review of Nine Sols on PlayStation 5

If you’re looking for a gaming experience that’s both challenging and visually stunning, Nine Sols by Red Candle Games is worth checking out. It’s a 2D, hand-drawn game reminiscent of Sekiro, but with the unique twist of being a Metroidvania. The game emphasizes deflection-based combat and is available on PlayStation 5. Let’s dive deeper into what makes Nine Sols stand out.

Nine Sols transports players to the intriguing Taopunk world of New Kunlun, where Eastern mythology meets cyberpunk flair. You play as Yi, a mysterious Fangshi, whose journey begins in a seemingly typical cave alongside Shuanshuan, a companion searching for a special flower for a ritual. Don’t be fooled by the world’s primitive feel; its multi-layered narrative urges you to confront the nine ruling Sols.

Originally funded via a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2022, the developers raised more than NT$13,000,000 with the support of 8,900 backers, far surpassing their NT$3,000,000 goal. This support was instrumental in adding features like an easier difficulty setting, a new in-game cutscene, and an alternate ending. First released on Steam, Nine Sols has now made its grand entry onto PlayStation 5.

The two difficulty options available are Standard Mode and Story Mode. Standard Mode delivers the core experience with all its challenges and exploration opportunities intact. If you’re more focused on enjoying the game’s lore rather than its combat, the Story Mode—an outcome of the crowdfunding stretch goals—lets you adjust the damage multipliers as you see fit.

The game’s plot thickens during a ceremony where chosen ones supposedly ascend to live with the Gods, known as the Sols. However, a dark turn of events occurs when a contraption seizes these individuals, beheading them and discarding their bodies to a hidden location. Among the chosen is Shuanshuan, and as things unfold, you rush to save him by using a talisman that you activate just in time.

With your Qi explosion, you destroy the helmet intended to claim Shuanshuan’s life, inciting panic among the villagers who now fear divine retribution. With a farewell to Shuanshuan, you venture on to thwart the facility’s destructive plans, determined to stop the malevolent entities harvesting humans.

Navigating Yi through Nine Sols offers intuitive gameplay. Use the left analog stick to move, X to jump, R2 to dash, and Square for attacks. Triangle lets you shoot arrows while Circle lets you interact or deploy your grappling hook mid-jump. Pay attention for walls with oozy tentacles, as you can use them to climb.

Combat relies heavily on well-timed parries using the L1 button. Although mistimed blocks result in damage, they also accumulate Qi, which can be strategically used in attacks later. Press R1 to make a powerful dash through enemies, an essential move against high-level foes. Meanwhile, pressing up on the D-Pad uses your Pipe to regain health, and pressing L2 activates your Mystic Nymph to explore small nooks and hack secret devices.

Death in Nine Sols comes with consequences—losing your experience and money unless you reclaim them by defeating your killer. Embracing its Soulslike roots, reloading or resting revives all enemies. However, at save points, you can access your Skill Tree, allowing for strategic advancements to keep ahead of enemies.

Earning experience points through defeating enemies and bosses earns you Skill Points. These points enhance Yi’s abilities, making survival more likely. For instance, Swift Runner increases your speed, Qi Boost allows for greater Qi capacity, while Bullet Deflect lets you parry projectiles back at foes.

The in-game currency buys useful items at the 3D printer, with Jade being especially helpful for skill improvements. One crucial early acquisition is the Pipe Vial, which gives additional healing opportunities, proving invaluable throughout the game.

For trophy hunters, Nine Sols presents a robust mix of 15 Bronze, 17 Silver, and 3 Gold trophies, alongside a coveted Platinum trophy. Achievements range from mastering the entire skill tree to defeating secret bosses and progressing through the Standard Mode. Numerous secret trophies await discovery, so consult a Nine Sols Trophy Guide if needed.

In conclusion, Nine Sols is not just another challenging game; it’s a beautifully hand-drawn masterpiece that marries intense combat with an enthralling story. Available now on PlayStation 5 for $29.99, this Sekiro-inspired Metroidvania promises an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a veteran player or a newcomer, are you prepared to face the Nine Sols?

Disclaimer: This review reflects gameplay on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Red Candle Games.