[PS5] Review of Nine Sols

Red Candle Games’ “Nine Sols” delivers a riveting 2D Metroidvania experience on PlayStation 5, drawing inspiration from the intense, deflection-heavy combat of Sekiro. Set in the uniquely crafted Taopunk universe of New Kunlun, this game skillfully blends Eastern mythology with cyberpunk elements. You step into the shoes of Yi, a mysterious Fangshi, alongside Shuanshuan, who embarks on a quest for a special flower essential for a ritual. At first glance, the world might appear traditional and a bit rudimentary, but it quickly reveals hidden layers, and your mission is to defeat the nine ruling Sols.

Red Candle Games successfully funded the development of “Nine Sols” through a crowdfunding campaign back in 2022, aiming for NT$3,000,000 and triumphantly raising over NT$13,000,000 from 8,900 backers. Initially debuting on Steam in May, this captivating title has now made its way to the PlayStation 5. The additional funds enabled the team to introduce various stretch goals, including an easier difficulty mode, a brand new cutscene, and an alternate ending.

The game offers two difficulty settings: Standard Mode and Story Mode, the latter being a result of the aforementioned stretch goal. In Standard Mode, players can enjoy the full “Nine Sols” experience, diving into engaging combat and vast exploration. Story Mode allows for a more narrative-focused approach, reducing the challenge posed by combatants and enabling dynamic adjustment of damage multipliers.

A significant plot point involves a ritual where selected individuals are supposedly sent to live with the Sols, the gods of this realm. However, it turns sinister when a machine begins decapitating them, including Shuanshuan. In a desperate bid to save your friend, you use your talisman to disrupt the process, unleashing a Qi explosion that shatters the device, shocking the villagers who fear divine retribution.

Gameplay mechanics allow you to control Yi’s movements with the left analog stick, leap with X, dash with R2, strike with Square, and fire arrows using Triangle. Interact with characters or devices with Circle, which also lets you launch a grappling hook to attach to specific points. Yi’s ability to ascend walls adorned with writhing tentacles adds a tactical element to exploration.

Combat strategy revolves around deflection, as players must parry attacks with L1 for the best results, though blocking still causes damage. Successfully executing a deflection lets you collect Qi, usable for powerful counterattacks via the R1 button. During intense battles, especially against bosses, utilizing the D-Pad up to activate your Pipe is crucial for health recovery. Additionally, you can deploy the Mystic Nymph with L2 to navigate narrow spaces and disable hidden mechanisms.

Death comes with a cost: losing all experience and funds unless you defeat the enemy responsible. Inspired by the Soulslike genre, resting saves your game but respawns enemies. The Skill Tree is your ally, providing upgrades and survival strategies as you progress.

Defeating adversaries and bosses grants experience points, unlocking Skill Points used to enhance Yi’s abilities. “Swift Runner” boosts speed, “Qi Boost” increases Qi capacity, and “Bullet Deflect” enables the parrying of projectiles back at foes.

Funds you collect can enhance your abilities further through the 3D printer, which crafts new items. Jade, used to refine skills, is one example. Prioritizing the acquisition of a Pipe Vial, which extends your healing capacity, can greatly influence your success in the game.

For trophy collectors, “Nine Sols” boasts a comprehensive list with a Platinum trophy, consisting of 15 Bronze, 17 Silver, and 3 Gold trophies. Objectives range from mastering the skill tree, finding every jade, conquering all bosses, and completing the game on Standard Mode. Numerous secret trophies await discovery, and a Nine Sols Trophy Guide can provide further assistance.

“Nineteen Sols” is a visually lush and challenging Metroidvania that stands out on the PlayStation 5. The game is available now, priced at $29.99. Are you prepared to embark on this journey and face the realm’s nine rulers?

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