Nine Sols

Nine Sols is a captivating blend of Metroidvania and Soulslike elements from Red Candle Games. Set in a vibrant “Taopunk” world, it seamlessly merges Eastern mythology with cyberpunk aesthetics. The game shines with its stunning visuals, intricate combat system, and a compelling narrative centered around revenge and regret.

 

Highlights:

 

Visuals: The hand-drawn, painterly style is reminiscent of Hollow Knight, creating detailed and immersive environments.

Combat: Inspired by Sekiro, the combat system emphasizes precise parrying and timing to build energy for special attacks.

Exploration: The interconnected world offers a rewarding exploration experience, filled with secrets, upgrades, and challenging boss fights.

Atmosphere: The Eastern-inspired soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s unique setting.

Drawbacks:

 

Navigation: Lack of clear waypoints can sometimes hinder exploration, especially after significant story events.

Difficulty: The steep learning curve and intense boss fights might be daunting for some players.

Writing: Certain dialogue choices, such as fat-shaming jokes, feel outdated and detract from the overall experience.

Overall, Nine Sols is a challenging yet rewarding experience for fans of Metroidvania and action games. With around 20 hours of gameplay, it’s available on PC and consoles. If you enjoy games like Hollow Knight or Ori and the Will of the Wisps but seek a more combat-focused approach, Nine Sols is a solid choice.