Nine Sols immerses players in the shoes of Yi, a legendary Solarian hero reawakened after centuries. The game’s gripping narrative centers on revenge against the Nine Sols, rulers of New Kunlun, who betrayed Yi and his people. This journey takes players through a beautifully crafted world blending cyberpunk aesthetics with Eastern mythology. With themes of betrayal, redemption, and moral complexity, the story delivers an unforgettable experience.
Combat: A Perfectly Crafted Challenge
Nine Sols employs a 2D Soulslike combat system, requiring precision, patience, and mastery. Boss fights stand out as exhilarating challenges, each unique and testing different skills. Learning enemy patterns and leveraging the parry mechanic—a feature reminiscent of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice —are key to survival.
For players who prefer a more accessible experience, the game includes adjustable difficulty settings. This thoughtful addition ensures the intense combat doesn’t overshadow the story’s emotional depth, making it approachable for a broader audience.
The combat in Nine Sols is a highlight, offering a mix of precision-based battles and engaging mechanics that demand focus and adaptability.
Metroidvania Excellence: A World Full of Exploration
At its core, Nine Sols is a Metroidvania game, offering players the thrill of exploration and discovery. Progressing through the game unlocks new abilities and tools, encouraging revisiting previously explored areas to uncover hidden secrets. The pacing is spot-on, with a steady learning curve that keeps gameplay engaging without feeling overwhelming.
A Unique Fusion of Cyberpunk and Eastern Mythology
The fusion of cyberpunk elements with Eastern fantasy is artfully executed. The creative visuals throughout the game felt refreshing as they blended manga panels with the sci fi and spiritual subject matter. The setting juxtaposes futuristic technology with spiritual themes, creating a world that feels alive and immersive. This blend enhances the story’s depth, as spiritual beliefs clash with technological advancements, raising thought-provoking questions about progress and tradition.
Side Quests That Matter
Unlike many games where side quests feel like mere filler, Nine Sols offers rich, story-driven side quests. One standout involves Shennong, a mentor-like figure whose journey highlights themes of resilience, truth, and community. His quest takes players through a poignant exploration of his strained relationship with his village, evolving into a narrative of understanding and reconciliation.
Each side quest connects to the game’s larger world and characters, adding layers of emotional investment. These stories are more than diversions—they’re integral to the overall experience.
Complex Characters and Emotional Depth
The game’s narrative thrives on its complex characters. Both the protagonist Yi and the antagonistic Nine Sols are richly developed. Each member of the Tiandao Council has a unique backstory, often filled with tragedy, moral dilemmas, and surprising twists.
This complexity mirrors the storytelling found in Demon Slayer, where antagonists are depicted as more than villains, often revealing sympathetic motivations. Such narratives challenge players to reflect on themes of identity, redemption, and justice.
A Dark Yet Hopeful Tone
The tone of Nine Sols balances darkness with moments of hope. The dystopian setting explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and moral compromise. Yet, it also celebrates resilience and the power of individuals to challenge oppression and seek redemption.
Themes of betrayal and reluctant alliances add emotional weight, while the interplay of sacrifice and resistance ensures the story remains both engaging and thought-provoking.
A Must-Play Adventure
Nine Sols is a triumph in game design and storytelling. It seamlessly combines challenging combat, engaging exploration, and a deeply emotional narrative. The themes of the game—ranging from identity and redemption to the ethical dilemmas of survival—leave a lasting impact.
Whether you’re a fan of Metroidvania games, Soulslike combat, or gripping stories, Nine Sols offers something for everyone. With its stunning world, unforgettable characters, and masterful storytelling, this is a game I highly recommend you don’t glance over.
Nine Sols immerses players in the shoes of Yi, a legendary Solarian hero reawakened after centuries. The game’s gripping narrative centers on revenge against the Nine Sols, rulers of New Kunlun, who betrayed Yi and his people. This journey takes…
Nine Sols immerses players in the shoes of Yi, a legendary Solarian hero reawakened after centuries. The game’s gripping narrative centers on revenge against the Nine Sols, rulers of New Kunlun, who betrayed Yi and his people. This journey takes players through a beautifully crafted world blending cyberpunk aesthetics with Eastern mythology. With themes of betrayal, redemption, and moral complexity, the story delivers an unforgettable experience.
Combat: A Perfectly Crafted Challenge
Nine Sols employs a 2D Soulslike combat system, requiring precision, patience, and mastery. Boss fights stand out as exhilarating challenges, each unique and testing different skills. Learning enemy patterns and leveraging the parry mechanic—a feature reminiscent of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice —are key to survival.
For players who prefer a more accessible experience, the game includes adjustable difficulty settings. This thoughtful addition ensures the intense combat doesn’t overshadow the story’s emotional depth, making it approachable for a broader audience.
The combat in Nine Sols is a highlight, offering a mix of precision-based battles and engaging mechanics that demand focus and adaptability.
Metroidvania Excellence: A World Full of Exploration
At its core, Nine Sols is a Metroidvania game, offering players the thrill of exploration and discovery. Progressing through the game unlocks new abilities and tools, encouraging revisiting previously explored areas to uncover hidden secrets. The pacing is spot-on, with a steady learning curve that keeps gameplay engaging without feeling overwhelming.
A Unique Fusion of Cyberpunk and Eastern Mythology
The fusion of cyberpunk elements with Eastern fantasy is artfully executed. The creative visuals throughout the game felt refreshing as they blended manga panels with the sci fi and spiritual subject matter. The setting juxtaposes futuristic technology with spiritual themes, creating a world that feels alive and immersive. This blend enhances the story’s depth, as spiritual beliefs clash with technological advancements, raising thought-provoking questions about progress and tradition.
Side Quests That Matter
Unlike many games where side quests feel like mere filler, Nine Sols offers rich, story-driven side quests. One standout involves Shennong, a mentor-like figure whose journey highlights themes of resilience, truth, and community. His quest takes players through a poignant exploration of his strained relationship with his village, evolving into a narrative of understanding and reconciliation.
Each side quest connects to the game’s larger world and characters, adding layers of emotional investment. These stories are more than diversions—they’re integral to the overall experience.
Complex Characters and Emotional Depth
The game’s narrative thrives on its complex characters. Both the protagonist Yi and the antagonistic Nine Sols are richly developed. Each member of the Tiandao Council has a unique backstory, often filled with tragedy, moral dilemmas, and surprising twists.
This complexity mirrors the storytelling found in Demon Slayer, where antagonists are depicted as more than villains, often revealing sympathetic motivations. Such narratives challenge players to reflect on themes of identity, redemption, and justice.
A Dark Yet Hopeful Tone
The tone of Nine Sols balances darkness with moments of hope. The dystopian setting explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and moral compromise. Yet, it also celebrates resilience and the power of individuals to challenge oppression and seek redemption.
Themes of betrayal and reluctant alliances add emotional weight, while the interplay of sacrifice and resistance ensures the story remains both engaging and thought-provoking.
A Must-Play Adventure
Nine Sols is a triumph in game design and storytelling. It seamlessly combines challenging combat, engaging exploration, and a deeply emotional narrative. The themes of the game—ranging from identity and redemption to the ethical dilemmas of survival—leave a lasting impact.
Whether you’re a fan of Metroidvania games, Soulslike combat, or gripping stories, Nine Sols offers something for everyone. With its stunning world, unforgettable characters, and masterful storytelling, this is a game I highly recommend you don’t glance over.
by Kurosh Jozavi
