Nine Sols

79%
Game Brain Score Based on 9,499 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Nine Sols Game Cover
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.
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"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.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

79%
Audience ScoreBased on 9,499 reviews
story2,068 positive mentions
grinding134 negative mentions
  • The art style, sound design, and gameplay create an enthralling experience that feels like a dance to master.
  • The combat system is fluid and rewarding, emphasizing patience and mastery of parrying mechanics.
  • The story is deep and meaningful, touching on themes of religion, philosophy, and spirituality.
  • The game can be punishingly difficult, especially the final boss, which may frustrate some players.
  • There is a significant amount of dialogue that can feel excessive and may disrupt the pacing of the game.
  • The linear progression may disappoint players looking for more exploration and backtracking typical of the metroidvania genre.
  • story4,428 mentions

    The story of "Nine Sols" is widely praised for its depth, emotional resonance, and engaging character development, drawing players into a richly crafted world inspired by Chinese mythology and taoist philosophy. Many reviewers appreciate the game's direct storytelling approach, which contrasts with the more cryptic narratives found in other metroidvanias like "Hollow Knight." The inclusion of a "story mode" allows players to adjust difficulty, making the narrative accessible even to those who may struggle with the challenging combat.

    • “The story is perfect, you actually feel a purpose for your actions; it's not just a mindless boss rush, especially at the end of the game.”
    • “The story is enthralling from the very beginning, and man, it gets way bigger the more you play.”
    • “The strongest point, however, is the story.”
    • “The story is enthralling from the very beginning, and man it gets wayyyyyy bigger the more you play.”
    • “(Only complaint is that there's way too much dialogue for what is essentially an action game, especially when I'm just trying to quickly dump my currencies and I suddenly find myself gated behind reams of trivial story text. I would encourage the devs to add a 'skip this entire conversation' option for console ports, but this is a minor nitpick.)”
    • “Now I'm not gonna say that this game is for everyone, it's very text heavy for story purposes and the combat is very punishing if you play careless, but if you like a challenge that isn't ungodly difficult this game is really good for that.”
  • gameplay2,352 mentions

    The gameplay of "Nine Sols" is characterized by its intricate parry mechanics, which are central to both combat and exploration, drawing comparisons to titles like "Sekiro" and "Hollow Knight." Players find the combat engaging and rewarding, with a steep learning curve that transforms initial frustrations into satisfying mastery over time. The game combines challenging boss fights, fluid movement, and a rich narrative, making it a compelling experience for fans of metroidvania and souls-like genres, though it may not appeal to those who dislike parry-focused gameplay.

    • “The art style, sound design, and gameplay all mesh so perfectly together to create an enthralling story that feels like a dance to master.”
    • “I found myself adoring the story and the themes, but the gameplay is so tight and fun that I never put the controller down for a second.”
    • “The gameplay is superb, especially if you like parry-based games like Sekiro.”
    • “Caution: if you don't like parry mechanics, this isn't the game for you.”
    • “The problem is per 40 seconds of gameplay, 10 seconds is actually practicing timings.”
    • “Clunky and not fluid controls, entire game dependent only on parrying, bad world building, boring story, repetitive with only a few enemy types, not clear where to go next (yes i know it is a metroidvania, but exploration is a chore here), forcing the 'block/parry and then insert a bomb into enemy' mechanic which is the only way to play the game since standard attacks deal too little damage.”
  • music1,446 mentions

    The music in "Nine Sols" has received widespread acclaim for its engaging and atmospheric qualities, effectively complementing the game's stunning visuals and narrative. Many players highlighted the soundtrack's unique blend of traditional Taiwanese elements with electronic influences, particularly praising the boss themes and the emotional depth they add to encounters. While some found certain tracks less memorable, the overall consensus is that the music significantly enhances the gaming experience, making it a standout feature of the title.

    • “The music is some of the best I've heard in video games, the hand-drawn & watercolor style is great to look at, and the story is extremely well-rounded, mysterious, and engaging.”
    • “The soundtrack is amazing and the combat is so fun!!”
    • “The music, art, and story of the game encompass a clashing of Asian tradition and technological development which makes for a very interesting—though disturbing—environment to immerse yourself in.”
    • “Unfortunately, the overworld music can be a weakness--some areas such as the agricultural area are fantastic, while others are completely unmemorable.”
    • “The most underwhelming thing was the music; one of the main reasons I got this game was because I loved the trailer music, turns out it was one of the only good tracks in the game.”
    • “The music's the only thing that strikes me as... not particularly memorable, more background music than anything, but there's a few boss tunes that stood out - which is probably for the best, since you'll be hearing some of these tunes a lot.”
  • graphics1,390 mentions

    The graphics of "Nine Sols" have been widely praised for their stunning hand-drawn art style, which blends elements of Eastern mythology with cyberpunk aesthetics, creating a unique "taopunk" visual experience. Reviewers highlight the game's vibrant colors, fluid animations, and detailed environments, noting that the visuals significantly enhance the storytelling and overall immersion. While some minor technical issues were mentioned, the overall consensus is that the game's graphics are exceptional and contribute greatly to its appeal.

    • “The art style, sound design, and gameplay all mesh so perfectly together to create an enthralling story that feels like a dance to master.”
    • “The taopunk art style is super unique and really sets the mood.”
    • “The visuals are stunning, blending a unique taopunk aesthetic with haunting sound design.”
    • “Drops frames like crazy regardless of graphics settings.”
    • “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, though it's mostly a personal nitpick.”
    • “A downside to the graphics, however, is that it really slows the computer down.”
  • emotional310 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised, with many players expressing that it elicited strong feelings, including tears during pivotal moments, particularly the true ending. Reviewers highlight the well-crafted narrative, character development, and the blend of heartwarming and gut-wrenching experiences that create a deeply engaging emotional journey. The combination of beautiful visuals, impactful storytelling, and relatable characters contributes to an overall experience that resonates profoundly with players, making it one of the most emotionally charged games in the metroidvania genre.

    • “Every boss battle is an emotional gut punch.”
    • “The story is absolutely wonderful, well-paced in its reveals, and quite heartwarming in the final moments.”
    • “All of this can build up to a deeply emotional and heartfelt conclusion that moved me to tears more than once - please, play this game blind.”
  • atmosphere166 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its unique "taopunk" aesthetic, blending cyberpunk and eastern mythology, which captivates players from the outset. The visuals and soundtrack work harmoniously to create an immersive experience, enhancing the emotional depth of the gameplay and storytelling. Reviewers highlight the distinct atmospheres of each area, making exploration a joy and contributing to the overall engagement with the game's world.

    • “The atmosphere of the game was amazing as well.”
    • “The worldbuilding and atmosphere are incredible, the characters are engaging, and the mystery of the world has kept me hooked.”
    • “From the moment you step into its beautifully crafted world, you're captivated by its unique aesthetic and atmospheric soundtrack.”
    • “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.”
    • “The atmosphere is also very eerie as you blitz through cyborg guards and mutated freaks to an absolute banger of a soundtrack full of chimes and distorted wailing.”
  • grinding146 mentions

    Reviews highlight that grinding in the game can often feel tedious and frustrating, particularly in combat and resource farming, with many players expressing a desire for more efficient progression systems. While some aspects of exploration and item collection are enjoyable, the need for excessive grinding to unlock upgrades or achieve true endings detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, the lack of fast travel until later in the game contributes to the feeling of tedium during backtracking and navigating the map.

    • “Finding items was fun and not tedious.”
    • “The emotional impact that this part is supposed to have is negated by the tedious combat section.”
    • “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.”
    • “Combat starts to become a tedious chore because of this, especially in later sections with tons of mobs.”
  • character development106 mentions

    Character development in the game is widely praised for its depth and organic progression, with players noting that it enhances emotional engagement, particularly during pivotal story moments. The characters are described as memorable and well-designed, contributing to a rich narrative experience that intertwines gameplay mechanics with character arcs. While some critiques mention inconsistencies in dialogue and pacing, the overall sentiment highlights a strong connection between players and the cast, making the character development a standout feature of the game.

    • “Very enjoyable cast and story; I was impressed by how well written and organic the character development was.”
    • “That part may not be for everyone, but in my opinion, the time spent on character development made the true ending hit that much harder.”
    • “The character development and storytelling are really good.”
    • “Although the overall world-building is decent, the weakest aspects of the game are probably the dialogue and character development.”
    • “I think the game still may be guilty of saving its most interesting characters for the end of the game and not giving as much screen time to some of the solarians who engaged me the most, but on the whole I think the game punches above its weight in its character development and dialogue.”
    • “Fair warning to people drawn in by the charming character designs - the game has some dramatic tone shifts, and you will go from picking up bubble tea rations to exposed intestines in the span of a room.”
  • humor76 mentions

    The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players enjoying the witty dialogue and charming character interactions, particularly involving the amusing cat protagonist. The blend of light-hearted moments amidst darker themes adds depth to the narrative, making it both engaging and entertaining. While some humor may come off as immature, the overall comedic tone is well-received, contributing to the game's addictive and enjoyable experience.

    • “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.'”
    • “The writing is touching and even funny at times.”
  • optimization54 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with many players reporting smooth performance and high frame rates on various hardware setups, including older laptops and the Steam Deck. However, some users noted minor performance issues such as stuttering, flickering, and frame drops in specific areas, particularly during boss fights, suggesting that further optimization patches may be needed. Despite these concerns, the game's visuals and overall performance are considered solid, contributing to an enjoyable experience.

    • “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.”
    • “Performance on the Steam Deck was great too, with a solid 60 fps on medium settings.”
    • “I'm playing on a somewhat older laptop, and playing with the default resolution sometimes made for sluggish game performance.”
    • “At the fifth boss area, the game starts stuttering a lot.”
    • “To many delayed attacks, gang fights, unclear animations combined with some stuttering makes it really good looking frustration simulator.”
  • replayability36 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is seen as lacking, with many players expressing a desire for additional modes such as boss rush or new game+. While the combat system and customization options offer some incentive for multiple playthroughs, the presence of unskippable cutscenes and limited side content detracts from the experience, making replays feel tedious. Many hope that future updates or DLCs will enhance replay value and address these concerns.

    • “I love the combat system, and the customization options make it very replayable as I'm curious to try various strategies.”
    • “The only gripe I have is replayability, and this game deserves to be enjoyed for years and years to come.”
    • “Besides that, very good metroidvania, very fun game with replay value.”
    • “The only thing that's lacking (for now, at least) is the replayability and post-game content, which might just get fixed with some updates or DLCs.”
    • “$30 USD is quite expensive considering there isn't much replay value, and there isn't exactly much side content.”
    • “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.”
  • stability36 mentions

    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 the game's occasional instability, suggesting that it remains a work in progress despite its enjoyable gameplay.

    • “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.”
  • monetization8 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, 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 and microtransactions, the game's engaging combat and story are seen as redeeming qualities.

    • “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 issues 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.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

90% average critic score

Buy Nine Sols

Play time

23hMedian play time
19hAverage play time
5-33hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 56 analyzed playthroughs

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