[PlayStation 5] Review of Nine Sols

Nine Sols by Red Candle Games is a captivating and challenging Metroidvania adventure for the PlayStation 5. With its hand-drawn 2D graphics and combat inspired by Sekiro, this game invites players into the Taopunk world of New Kunlun. This setting beautifully blends Eastern mythology with a cyberpunk vibe. Players step into the shoes of Yi, a mysterious Fangshi, whose journey starts in a cave alongside Shuanshuan, who’s on a quest for a special flower needed for an important ritual. Despite the seemingly classical and primitive environment, there’s an intriguing depth to explore, as you’re tasked with taking down the 9 Sols, the ruling entities of this realm.

Back in 2022, Red Candle Games launched a crowdfunding campaign aiming to raise NT$3,000,000 for Nine Sols’ development. The campaign was a resounding success, garnering support from 8,900 backers and exceeding its goal by raising over NT$13,000,000. Initially released on Steam in May, the game has made its way to PlayStation 5, gaining new content thanks to stretch goals reached during funding. This includes a new easier difficulty setting, an in-game cutscene, and an alternate ending.

Players can choose between two difficulty settings: the challenging Standard Mode for those who enjoy a test of skills with dynamic combat and exploration, and the Story Mode stretch goal. The latter allows players to immerse themselves in Nine Sols’ narrative without the stress of combat, featuring adjustable damage multipliers.

The plot thickens as you witness a ritual where chosen individuals are seemingly sent to live with the Sols—godlike entities. During the ceremony, a sinister machine decapitates the chosen ones, depositing their bodies into a mysterious hidden facility. Among these chosen individuals is Shuanshuan, your companion. To save him, you quickly use your talisman to halt the machine’s deadly operations. In a dramatic Qi explosion, you destroy the helmet, inciting fear among the villagers, who dread the wrath of the Gods. After parting ways with Shuanshuan, you hack an elevator to confront the dark forces exploiting humanity.

In terms of gameplay, Yi is controlled with the left analog stick for movement. You’ll jump with X, dash with R2, attack using Square, and shoot arrows via Triangle. The Circle button lets you interact with the environment and characters or launch your hook to reach elevated points, while Yi can scale walls with undulating tentacles throughout the game.

Mastering the deflection-based combat is crucial. Parrying an attack at the right moment with L1 minimizes damage and allows Qi collection, which you can use to fiercely dash through enemies by pressing R1. This combat mechanism is vital, especially in boss confrontations. Healing is managed by using a Pipe through the D-Pad, and wielding your Mystic Nymph by pressing L2 allows you to exploit hidden passages for access to secrets.

In the event of death, all experience and money earned are lost. In true Soulslike fashion, you must defeat the enemy that felled you to reclaim your resources—fail, and they’re gone forever. Resting restores health but also respawns foes, so strategic planning is essential. At restoration points, review your Skill Tree to unlock vital abilities and maintain competitive gameplay.

Defeating enemies and bosses yields experience points, evolving into special Skill Points to enhance Yi’s abilities in the Skill Tree. Unlocking abilities like Swift Runner for faster movement, Qi Boost for more powerful abilities, or Bullet Deflect for defending against projectiles, enhances your chances of survival.

Within the game, money earned can be used at a 3D printer to craft items, augmenting your arsenal. Investing in Jade to boost skills is wise, particularly acquiring the Ricochet Jade, which works with the Bullet Deflect skill to bounce back projectiles. Prioritize obtaining the Pipe Vial to maximize healing opportunities, providing a tactical edge in prolonged skirmishes.

For trophy enthusiasts, Nine Sols offers a complete list leading to a coveted Platinum trophy. Comprised of 15 Bronze, 17 Silver, and 3 Gold trophies, the challenges include mastering all skills, collecting every piece of jade, defeating bosses—including secret ones—and completing the game in Standard Mode. There are also several secret trophies to discover, enhancing replayability.

Nine Sols stands as a compelling hand-drawn Metroidvania for PS5, marrying the difficulty of a Soulslike with a rich, cyberpunk-infused narrative. Step into this intriguing world today for $29.99. Are you ready for the adventure?

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