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Nine Sols

In any other universe, I would balk at Nine Sols’ difficulty. Yet, I gave it a chance, and it more than rewarded me for giving it a moment of my time. Over 20 hours later, I came out of it bruised, battered, and wanting more Taopunk goodness.
Nine Sols Game Cover
92%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, replayability
96% User Score Based on 11,066 reviews
Critic Score 88%Based on 10 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchPlaystation 5Playstation 4Xbox Cloud GamingSteam DeckWindowsPlayStationXbox Series X|SPCXbox Game PassCloudMac OSXbox One
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Nine Sols Game Cover

About

Nine Sols is a single player hack and slash game with fantasy and science fiction themes. It was developed by RedCandleGames and was released on May 28, 2024. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"Nine Sols" is a 2D action-platformer set in a lore-rich Asian fantasy world, where you play as hero Yi on a quest to defeat the nine Sols, the rulers of the forsaken realm of New Kunlun. With Sekiro-inspired combat, the game features a vengeful storyline and unique exploration in a beautifully hand-drawn 2D environment. Your journey will be filled with challenges as you uncover the truth behind this ancient sanctuary and its protectors.

Genres & Tags
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Nine Sols screenshot
Nine Sols screenshot
Nine Sols screenshot
Nine Sols screenshot
Nine Sols screenshot
Nine Sols screenshot
Nine Sols screenshot
Nine Sols screenshot
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96%
Audience ScoreBased on 11,066 reviews
story2.4k positive mentions
grinding160 negative mentions
  • story
    5,161 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Nine Sols" is widely praised for its depth, emotional resonance, and engaging narrative, which combines elements of sci-fi and Taoist philosophy. Players appreciate the character development and the way the story unfolds through dialogue, cutscenes, and environmental storytelling, making it more accessible than typical souls-like games. While some find the dialogue-heavy approach overwhelming, many agree that the story is compelling enough to warrant a playthrough, especially with the option to switch to a more forgiving "story mode" for those who prefer to focus on the narrative without the challenge of difficult combat.

    • “What I expected to be a simple tale of revenge turned into a multi-layered and complex storyline where our protagonist is ultimately driven (sometimes unwillingly) by philosophical development and learning to love.”
    • “The story is beautiful and bleak, a mixture of dark and lightheartedness, and its presentation is unique and appealing.”
    • “The story captivated me, and was a true joy to experience blind.”
    • “However, I do have to agree with a review I saw where they thought some of the NPCs are a little too dialogue heavy and just repeat what is already being shown to you, so it can feel redundant and kind of ruin some of the show-don't-tell aspects of the story.”
    • “There is so much exposition that constantly interrupts your gameplay; the story feels very in-your-face and straightforward.”
    • “The story is the most mediocre, nothing-burger plot I might have seen in a game with boring anime-ass personality NPCs with anime grunting and gibberish to boot.”
  • gameplay
    2,755 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Nine Sols" is characterized by its intricate parry mechanics, which serve as the core of its combat system, drawing inspiration from titles like "Sekiro" and "Hollow Knight." Players find the combat fluid and engaging, with a steep learning curve that rewards mastery of timing and strategy, particularly during challenging boss fights. While the game excels in its mechanics and visual presentation, some players note issues with difficulty spikes and the reliance on parrying, which may not appeal to everyone.

    • “The gameplay is tight, game might be a bit difficult in the standard setting but story mode is there for those who don't like to get stuck as much on certain parts.”
    • “The parry mechanics, which are pretty central to the game, are flawlessly executed.”
    • “The gameplay is superb with my favorite 2D combat of all time.”
    • “The overall gameplay is decent, the story okay but the parry system definitely needs more work; it is a little bit too precise which makes it difficult to use on bosses.”
    • “The parry mechanic is the most important mechanic and one you'll have to master if you want to make it through the game.”
    • “The gameplay works really well (though it's a bit more linear than the average metroidvania) and all the bosses are really good in their own right, with the best serving as a great climax.”
  • music
    1,692 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Nine Sols" has received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere and emotional depth, with many praising the unique blend of traditional Taiwanese elements and electronic styles. Boss themes, in particular, stand out as memorable and impactful, contributing significantly to the intensity of encounters. While some players found certain tracks less memorable, the overall soundtrack is considered a highlight, complementing the game's stunning visuals and engaging narrative.

    • “The soundtrack overall was great too, and the game knows when to cut the music for the quiet emotional parts, which made those moments stick out that much more.”
    • “The music is incredible, with hints of horror.”
    • “The music, the story, the art/graphics, the combat, the world, the characters... this game delivers in all aspects.”
    • “I don't know why so many people are raving about the art or the music.”
    • “The art looks like clip art combined with generic Taoist imagery and the music is almost exclusively kept to a single gong sound or standard, uninspired boss music; really forgettable stuff.”
    • “The music might as well not be there.”
  • graphics
    1,590 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Nine Sols" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning hand-drawn art style, which blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with cyberpunk elements, referred to as "taopunk." Players have praised the game's unique visual design, vibrant colors, and detailed animations, often describing the visuals as breathtaking and immersive, enhancing both the storytelling and gameplay experience. While some noted minor inconsistencies in enemy animations, the overall presentation is considered top-tier, making it a standout title in the metroidvania genre.

    • “Not only is the base character art a lot of fun, but the game aesthetic leads to some downright picturesque scenery to such a degree that I would often stop playing and just look at how pretty it was.”
    • “The narrative is incredible, filled with emotional moments, the gameplay and mechanics are super tight, and the visuals are some of the prettiest I've seen in a long time.”
    • “The stunning visuals, the extremely fluid combat, a way too deep and emotional story... it's insane.”
    • “Game is a scam; graphics are nowhere near what is shown in the trailer and the game doesn't feel fluent like in the trailer as well.”
    • “Maybe I'm just not used to noticing everything yet, but the art style and design of the different areas just feels really same-y and bland.”
    • “The only problem with the visuals is that there are some animations for the enemies that use tweening, and these animations can look quite odd in comparison to the rest of the game's enemies, which use hand-drawn animations.”
  • emotional
    374 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised, with many players expressing deep connections to the characters and story, often leading to tears during pivotal moments. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to blend heartwarming and heartbreaking narratives, complemented by a stunning soundtrack and visuals that enhance the emotional experience. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics, the overall emotional impact and character development resonate strongly, making it a memorable journey for players.

    • “Heartfelt and touching, giving enough to piece together the main details, and build believable relationships between the characters.”
    • “The simple revenge story the game tells is handled beautifully well, and I won't spoil much, but the true ending leaves you feeling both emotionally fulfilled and emotionally devastated.”
    • “The narrative is incredible, filled with emotional moments, the gameplay and mechanics are super tight, and the visuals are some of the prettiest I've seen in a long time.”
  • atmosphere
    186 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and unique blend of cyberpunk and taoist aesthetics, enhanced by stunning visuals and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. Players appreciate the deep worldbuilding and emotional storytelling, which create a captivating environment that encourages exploration. While some find the setting somewhat generic, the overall execution of atmosphere, art, and music is considered exceptional, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “The atmosphere is genuinely immersive.”
    • “The aesthetics, the atmosphere, the gameplay, everything about this game is so dang good.”
    • “The worldbuilding and atmosphere are incredible, the characters are engaging, and the mystery of the world has kept me hooked.”
    • “A bit generic in terms of setting, story, level design, and atmosphere, but the gameplay is pretty solid.”
    • “I prefer atmosphere to exposition and have come to expect it in games in this genre, and I found myself annoyed at how often the game would stop you and talk at you.”
    • “It can't really touch the likes of Hollow Knight for atmosphere, the Messenger for traversal, or Axiom Verge for power creativity.”
  • grinding
    172 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious and frustrating, particularly due to the lack of fast travel options and the need for repetitive backtracking. While some enjoy the challenge of mastering combat mechanics and boss patterns, others feel that the grinding for upgrades and resources detracts from the overall experience, making it feel artificially difficult. Overall, the game offers rewarding exploration but is marred by tedious elements that can lead to player fatigue.

    • “Finding items was fun and not tedious.”
    • “The highlights so far have been the boss battles but again they just kind of boil down to memorization and RNG on attack patterns and there's not enough here to keep me invested enough to progress through the tedious traversal in between them to finish the game.”
    • “There's obviously a lot to like about this game - great art style, snappy combat, interesting level design, etc - but it's yet another recent metroidvania that inexplicably decides to ape Dark Souls in all the wrong places, and it turns what could have been an exciting and dynamic experience into a tedious slog.”
    • “My only real complaint is that the true ending requires too much grinding for money, but the ending itself is well worth it.”
  • character development
    134 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is widely praised for its depth and organic progression, with many players noting that it enhances the overall narrative experience. The characters, including both protagonists and NPCs, are described as well-written and memorable, contributing significantly to the emotional impact of the story. However, some critiques mention inconsistencies in character backstories and dialogue, suggesting that while many characters are engaging, others may feel underdeveloped.

    • “The exploration is fantastic, and the character development feels completely natural.”
    • “Very enjoyable cast and story; I was impressed by how well written and organic the character development was.”
    • “Yi is a very fleshed out protagonist, and I especially love his character development throughout the game.”
    • “No character development, no backstory, nothing.”
    • “Although the overall world-building is decent, the weakest aspects of the game are probably the dialogue and character development.”
    • “The formula for character design is just 'animal/human/robot' hybrid with something vaguely Asian.”
  • humor
    102 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending clever dialogue and whimsical elements with a darker storyline, creating a unique balance that keeps players engaged. Characters are described as lovable and memorable, with their interactions often eliciting laughter amidst the game's challenges. While some humor may come off as immature, the overall writing is praised for its depth and ability to evoke both laughter and emotional resonance.

    • “The bits of conversation Yi has with his companions at the pavilion are very funny, clever, and full of heart.”
    • “The characters are lovable and hilarious, while also serious and relatable, and I'm especially happy to see the development as the story goes on.”
    • “It's always great how those darkest games have the brightest humorous moments as if it is to say: 'no matter how bad it is outside, between friends, all is well.'”
  • optimization
    60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with many players reporting solid performance and smooth gameplay across various hardware setups, including older laptops and the Steam Deck. However, some users noted minor issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and specific areas that could benefit from further optimization, particularly regarding loading times and certain combat mechanics. Despite these concerns, the game's visuals, soundtrack, and overall polish contribute to a positive experience, with expectations for future performance patches.

    • “Unlike many other promising-looking games, this game is actually very well optimized in my experience.”
    • “The performance was also rock solid, with the game running at 170+ fps at 1080p on a 1660ti and 500+ fps at 1440p on a 4070 on the highest settings with uncapped fps.”
    • “Controls are air-tight, performance is peak, music slaps, story is captivating, progression feels deeply rewarding.”
    • “I'm playing on a somewhat older laptop, and playing with the default resolution sometimes made for sluggish game performance.”
    • “To many delayed attacks, gang fights, unclear animations combined with some stuttering makes it really good looking frustration simulator.”
    • “At the fifth boss area, the game starts stuttering a lot.”
  • replayability
    52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game has limited replayability, with many players expressing that once completed, there is little incentive to return due to unskippable cutscenes, lack of new game modes, and minimal side content. While some enjoy the combat system and customization options, they feel that the absence of features like a boss rush or challenge mode significantly hampers the game's longevity. Many hope for future updates to enhance replay value, but as it stands, the game is best experienced in a single playthrough.

    • “I love the combat system, and the customization options make it very replayable as I'm curious to try various strategies.”
    • “I hope in the future they add a boss rush, hard mode, DLC, more bosses, etc. to make it a little more replayable.”
    • “However, if the devs make the game more replayable by adding things like a challenge mode, boss rush mode, or maybe a new game+, then it will become my favorite game of all time.”
    • “Especially because I don't consider the game to have much replay value.”
    • “Although this works in the game's favor by having the player focus on its few core aspects, it leaves very practically zero variety in how you play, and gives the game no replay value after you've beaten it once.”
    • “Only negative thing to say is that it has little replay value since the combat isn't deep and backtracking a lot through the same areas is tedious.”
  • stability
    36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many players noting that it runs smoothly overall, especially on platforms like PC and Steam Deck. However, several users reported frustrating bugs, including freezing during hacking and map navigation, which can lead to significant progress loss. While some players experienced few glitches, others highlighted persistent issues that detracted from the experience, indicating that the game is still somewhat buggy but with ongoing developer support for fixes.

    • “I encountered few/no glitches, and played on the PC version using a Nintendo Switch Pro controller perfectly smoothly. The only non-trivial glitch I encountered was if you get hit by an enemy while using a rest point, your UI becomes non-responsive, but this was easy enough to avoid.”
    • “Runs great on Steam Deck too, which is a huge bonus.”
    • “It runs great on the Steam Deck.”
    • “Sometimes when you go to hack something, the game just freezes and forces you to quit out of it completely, which could lead to tons of progress loss.”
    • “Only issue is that I've now been getting a problem where the game freezes super badly sometimes when I open the map, and I have to close and restart.”
    • “I have had a few freezes/glitches that wouldn't let me progress unless I turned the graphics down to low.”
  • monetization
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players frustrated by the presence of frequent ads and microtransactions, which detract from the experience. However, many appreciate the game's lower price point of $30, viewing it as a more honest offering in a market often plagued by expensive titles and aggressive monetization strategies. Overall, while there are concerns about ads, the game is still recommended for its enjoyable combat and engaging story.

    • “I highly recommend this game; don't spend your $40 on microtransactions.”
    • “Overall, in a dying industry with games listed for $70 that are infested with microtransactions and other nonsense trying to suck every penny out of your wallet for unfinished products, this game at only $30 manages to push through its many shortcomings to make a really fun combat experience coupled with a standout story.”
    • “I highly recommend this game, don't spend your $40 on microtransactions.”
    • “Some bosses (2-3) are hard because of the unnecessary ads/environment problem.”
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88%Critics’ scoreBased on 10 critic reviews
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25h Median play time
25h Average play time
10-30h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 64 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Nine Sols is a hack and slash game with fantasy and science fiction themes.

Nine Sols is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

On average players spend around 25 hours playing Nine Sols.

Nine Sols was released on May 28, 2024.

Nine Sols was developed by RedCandleGames.

Nine Sols has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Nine Sols is a single player game.

Similar games include ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights, Iconoclasts, Blasphemous, Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist, Constance and others.