Review of Nine Sols on PlayStation 5

Nine Sols, brought to life by Red Candle Games, graces the PlayStation 5 with its captivating 2D hand-drawn style, taking inspiration from Sekiro and delivering a Metroidvania experience centered around deflection-based combat. Let’s explore the intriguing world of Nine Sols, where Eastern mythology meets cyberpunk in a realm known as New Kunlun. You step into the shoes of Yi, a mysterious Fangshi, embarking on a quest to uncover the enigma surrounding this tumultuous land.

Your adventure kicks off in a humble cave alongside Shuanshuan, a friend on a mission to find a rare flower for a ritual. While the initial surroundings paint a picture of an old-world charm, there’s a much deeper story woven through this environment. Your task? To dethrone the 9 Sols, the powerful rulers of this world.

Back in 2022, the game’s development journey began with a crowdfunding campaign that sought to raise NT$3,000,000. Thanks to the enthusiastic support of 8,900 backers, the campaign concluded with an impressive NT$13,000,000. The game first made its debut on Steam in May, and with the additional funds, it expanded to the PS5, including added features like an easier difficulty setting, an in-game cinematic, and an alternative ending.

Players can choose between two difficulty levels: the original Standard Mode, which offers a balanced blend of challenging combat and exploration, or Story Mode, a result of the stretch goals, allowing players to immerse themselves in the narrative with customizable damage multipliers to ease the combat experience.

The tale unfolds during a ritual, where the selected individuals are sent to reside with the Gods, known as the Sols. However, this sacred process takes a dark turn as an ominous machine begins wreaking havoc, brutally decapitating the chosen ones and sending their bodies hurtling into a hidden facility. Unfortunately, Shuanshuan is among those chosen, prompting you to act swiftly to save him by activating your talisman.

Amidst the chaos, you shatter the controlling helmet with a burst of Qi energy, stirring fear among the villagers who dread the consequences of defying their Gods. Bidding farewell to Shuanshuan, you venture into the depths of the underground facility, armed with your skills to confront the sinister forces responsible for this human harvest.

Players will navigate Yi using the left analog stick, jumping with the X button and utilizing various combat moves like dashing with R2, striking with Square, and shooting arrows with Triangle. You’ll interact with characters and mechanisms using Circle, which also doubles as the hook launch for navigating certain areas. Yi possesses the ability to scale certain walls, adding a layer of strategy to your exploration.

Combat in Nine Sols hinges on precise timing, particularly when parrying attacks with L1. A successful parry minimizes damage, while merely blocking can still harm Yi. However, blocking enables Qi accumulation, essential for powerful counterattacks involving dashing through enemies by pressing R1. Keep your D-Pad handy; pressing up will bring out your Pipe, a tool for regaining some of your lost health. Mystic Nymph, unlocked early on, allows you to send it flying using L2 to breach narrow passages and hack concealed devices.

Should you fall in battle, all your acquired experience and money are at risk until you defeat the enemy that bested you, a hallmark of its Soulslike influence. Remember, saving and resting also rejuvenates enemies. Strategically use save points to assess and refine your Skill Tree, identifying which skills to prioritize against the looming threats.

Leveling up rewards you with Skill Points to enhance Yi through the Skill Tree. Swift Runner, accelerating your movement over flat terrain, Qi Boost, increasing Qi charging capacity, and Bullet Deflect, allowing projectile returns to their sources, are but a few upgrade options to consider.

Spare funds can be invested in the 3D printer for items vital to your journey. Acquiring Jade is essential for enhancing Skill Tree abilities. Prioritize obtaining the Pipe Vial early on, as it boosts your healing capabilities, proving invaluable over time.

For trophy enthusiasts, Nine Sols offers a comprehensive list, including the coveted Platinum trophy. With 15 Bronze, 17 Silver, and 3 Gold trophies, you’ll be tasked with mastering the Skill Tree, gathering every jade, overcoming numerous bosses—including hidden ones—and completing the game in Standard Mode. There are secret trophies to discover as well, adding to your challenge and intrigue.

Ultimately, Nine Sols stands as a visually stunning 2D Soulslike Metroidvania that’s ready to captivate gamers on the PS5. Set in the imaginative Taopunk world, you’ll engage with a richly woven story and engaging combat. The game is available now, priced at $29.99.

Disclaimer: This review of Nine Sols is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Red Candle Games.