Nine Sols: A Vengeful Journey Through a Hand-Drawn Dystopia

Nine Sols is a premium 2D action platformer developed by RedCandleGames, captivating players with its stunning hand-drawn art style and immersive Asian fantasy setting. This isn’t your typical platformer; it seamlessly blends fast-paced, brutal combat with challenging platforming elements, creating a uniquely dynamic and exhilarating gameplay experience. Inspired by titles like Hollow Knight and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Nine Sols offers a captivating blend of artistic beauty and demanding, skill-based combat.

A World of Vengeance and Taopunk Aesthetics

The game unfolds in New Kunlun, the last sanctuary of the Solarian people – a world steeped in a unique blend of cyberpunk and Taoist mythology, a style the developers refer to as “Taopunk.” For centuries, this realm has been ruled by nine ancient gods, known as the Sols, who have left their people to suffer and fend for themselves. The narrative kicks off when a child inadvertently awakens Yi, a long-dormant hero from the past, igniting a quest for vengeance against these neglectful deities. This vengeful journey forms the core of the gameplay experience, driving players through a visually striking yet desolate landscape.

The world itself is meticulously crafted, offering a compelling contrast between the beauty of the hand-drawn art and the harsh realities of a decaying civilization. Each location is distinct, filled with atmospheric details that enhance the game’s overall immersive quality. The environment isn’t merely a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the gameplay, influencing combat strategies and presenting unique platforming challenges. Players will traverse diverse environments, each with its own unique obstacles and enemies to overcome.

Masterful Combat: A Dance of Deflection and Destruction

Combat in Nine Sols is both brutal and rewarding, demanding precision and timing. Inspired by the parry mechanics of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the game’s core combat system revolves around the skillful use of magical talismans. Players will utilize these talismans not only to inflict damage but also to deflect incoming attacks. Successful deflections are crucial, not merely for survival but also for setting up devastating counterattacks that can quickly dismantle even the toughest foes.

This parry system is not merely a defensive mechanic; it’s the foundation of effective combat. Successfully deflecting an attack leaves enemies vulnerable to powerful follow-up attacks, allowing players to inflict significant damage while mitigating their own risk. Mastering this system is key to overcoming the game’s challenging encounters. The combat is fast-paced and unforgiving, demanding precise timing and quick reflexes. However, the satisfaction of flawlessly executing a series of parries and counters is immensely rewarding.

Beyond the core deflection mechanic, combat involves a variety of attacks and maneuvers. Players can unleash powerful slashes, charged attacks, and even utilize the environment to their advantage. The strategic use of the talismans, combined with clever maneuvering and precise timing, is what separates successful players from those who fall victim to the brutal combat system. The learning curve is undeniably steep, requiring players to dedicate time and effort to master the nuances of the combat system. However, this challenge contributes to the game’s rewarding sense of accomplishment.

A World of Characters and Upgrades

The journey isn’t solely focused on combat. Throughout their quest for vengeance, players will encounter a cast of intriguing side characters, each with their own unique stories and motivations. These interactions provide opportunities for upgrades, new abilities, and even the discovery of advanced technology to aid in the fight against the Sols. These encounters aren’t just narrative additions; they are integral to progressing through the game, unlocking new paths and abilities that expand the player’s tactical options.

The upgrade system adds depth and replayability, allowing players to customize Yi’s abilities to their preferred playstyle. Whether focusing on aggressive offensive maneuvers or employing a more defensive, parry-focused approach, the game offers flexibility to cater to different preferences. This personalization ensures that each playthrough can feel distinct, offering a unique challenge and rewarding experience. The interaction with side characters isn’t limited to gaining upgrades. Many side quests and optional challenges provide players with additional content and lore, enriching the overall narrative experience and encouraging exploration.

Visual Masterpiece: Hand-Drawn Art and Anime Influences

Nine Sols is a visual treat, showcasing breathtaking hand-drawn art that sets it apart from many other games in the genre. The game’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by Japanese manga and anime, creating a unique visual style that blends seamlessly with the game’s Taopunk setting. This is evident not only in the character designs but also in the detailed environmental art and the cinematic cutscenes. The artists have clearly paid immense attention to detail, resulting in a visually stunning experience.

The combination of detailed backgrounds, expressive character animations, and the fluid combat animations contribute to the overall immersive experience. The art style isn’t just visually appealing; it also helps to convey the game’s atmosphere and narrative effectively. The contrast between the vibrant colors and the often dark, desolate environments further enhances the emotional impact of the story. Even the menu screens and user interface are carefully designed, reflecting the overall artistic cohesion of the game. The attention to detail is remarkable; the animations are fluid and expressive, adding a layer of personality to both the protagonist and the antagonists.

A Challenging But Rewarding Experience

While Nine Sols offers a visually captivating and engaging narrative, it’s crucial to acknowledge the game’s significant learning curve. The demanding combat system, requiring precise timing and skillful execution, will undoubtedly present a challenge for less experienced players. The unforgiving nature of the combat, where even a single mistake can result in significant damage or death, necessitates patience and persistence. This difficulty, however, adds significantly to the sense of accomplishment upon mastering the game’s mechanics.

The difficulty isn’t just about reflexes; it also involves understanding enemy attack patterns, learning the timing for effective parries, and strategically utilizing the player’s available abilities. The game rewards careful observation, strategic thinking, and skillful execution. While initially frustrating for some, the gradual mastery of the combat system leads to a deeply satisfying gameplay experience. The sense of accomplishment after overcoming a particularly challenging encounter is truly rewarding. This isn’t a game to be rushed; it’s a game that demands time, practice, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. For those who embrace the challenge, Nine Sols offers a unique and deeply satisfying action platforming experience unlike any other.