Key Takeaways
1. Unique Setting and Story: Players explore a world blending Far Eastern mythology with alien technology, uncovering the secrets of nine tyrants called Sols.
2. Engaging Combat System: The game features a precision-based combat system inspired by Sekiro, focusing on quick reflexes and timing, with mechanics like parrying to gain Qi energy.
3. Metroidvania Elements: Players unlock new skills and abilities that encourage revisiting areas, revealing hidden paths and optional bosses in an interconnected game world.
4. Positive Reception: Launched in May 2024 by RedCandleGames, the game received high praise for its visuals, challenging combat, and engaging story, earning a 9/10 from IGN.
5. Discounted Pricing: Currently priced around $30 on Steam, Nine Sols is offered at a 40% discount until May 12, making it the lowest price available so far.
In the game Nine Sols, players take on the role of Yi, a warrior from ancient times who wakes up after sleeping for centuries in New Kunlun. This unique world mixes elements of Far Eastern mythology with forgotten alien technology. Yi’s journey is all about finding out the secrets behind the Sols, which are nine god-like tyrants. During the adventure, Yi explores decaying monasteries, polluted industrial zones, and secret sanctuaries. He meets mysterious locals and battles various dangerous enemies, from old machines to corrupted monks. The game showcases beautiful hand-drawn 2D graphics, stylish cutscenes inspired by anime, and a raw sense of brutality. With its powerful soundtrack, Nine Sols creates a deep and engaging atmosphere.
Engaging Combat System
Taking clear inspiration from Sekiro, Nine Sols has a combat system that emphasizes precision rather than sheer strength. Players can’t just smash buttons to win; they need quick reflexes, sharp observation skills, and perfect timing. You can parry every enemy attack to gain Qi energy, which Yi can use for strong special moves. A well-timed parry not only prevents damage but also sets the enemy up for a heavy counterattack. The game cleverly combines this tactical combat with a well-structured Metroidvania style. As players advance, they unlock talisman powers that grant new combat and movement abilities, while Qi upgrades enhance the strength of special attacks. The game world is interconnected from the start, encouraging players to revisit areas as new skills reveal hidden paths, optional bosses, and secret zones waiting to be explored.
Development and Reception
Nine Sols was designed by RedCandleGames and came out in May 2024. Upon release, IGN’s German review highlighted the game’s challenging combat, stunning visuals, and captivating story, which is straightforward but keeps players engaged with its hidden mysteries. The ability to unlock different skills allows for various play styles, adding depth and making the game more replayable.
Minor Critiques
While Nine Sols was overall well-received, reviewers pointed out some small issues. The hitboxes can sometimes be off, making vertical parries feel unreliable. Moreover, the game includes few real platforming challenges, which might disappoint fans of games like Hollow Knight. Despite these minor setbacks, the game’s strong points awarded it a 9 out of 10 from IGN. On Metacritic, Nine Sols has a Metascore of 84 and a User Score of 8.5. Steam users are even more enthusiastic, with 95% of over 24,000 reviews being positive.
Currently, Nine Sols is typically priced at about $30 on Steam, but until May 12, it is being offered at a 40% discount, lowering the price to under $18. While this deal might not sound amazing at first, it is the best one available so far. As per SteamDB, the previous highest discount was only 30%, which was seen during the Spring Sale in March, making this the lowest price so far.
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