Nine Sols Reviews
Nine Sols is a well-made game with great platforming, excellent combat, and a strong visual style. While I have quibbles about some elements, it nails the fundamentals. The moment-to-moment gameplay is simply fantastic, it looks great, and weaves its cutscenes into the gameplay deftly. Red Candle Games has really shown its creative range here, as its first foray into the Metroidvania genre is a triumph. There is no question that Nine Sols is entering a crowded market, but even with so much competition, I have no doubt that it will find an audience and take its place among the titans of the genre. Quality bears out.
Nine Sols is an enthralling combat gauntlet with death-defying moves and sleek systems for a rapturous experience, let down only slightly by its somewhat lacklustre pacing and focus, and tired fat-shaming quips.
Nine Sols offers a polished action experience at its best, but at times clouded by overly long and tedious fights. Combat that feels like an endurance test, but with mechanics so precise that it's a joy to get smacked by the bosses over and over again
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Nine Sols is a Metroidvania that does what many have failed to do within the genre and actually creates an experience that feels like an authentic, grueling, atmospheric and unique 2D Souls game. Artistically, it's hard to find any fault with it as the blend of Tao Tradition and Cyberpunk dystopia is captivating. The narrative is gritty, mature and uncompromising, which leads to an engaging story from start to end, and the gameplay is a refined showcase of combat, platforming and puzzle-solving. The difficulty settings may be a little askew, and some may feel that the central themes are too graphic and unsettling at times. But all in all, Nine Sols, in a stacked year, as far as Metroidvanias are concerned, does more than enough to force itself into the conversation, as it could be a contender for indie game of the year.
Despite a few minor issues, Nine Sols has a compelling, addictive and highly explorable world, and a slick, responsive combat system.
Building on Sekiro's parry system in a layered and fascinating metroidvania world, Nine Sols is a punishing but encouraging 2D soulslike spilling over with personality and creativity.
Nine Sols is a notable step for the Taipei-based studio, but too high a bar for a small game company to set.
Review in Russian | Read full review
In any other universe, I would balk at Nine Sols’ difficulty. Yet, I gave it a chance, and it more than rewarded me for giving it a moment of my time. Over 20 hours later, I came out of it bruised, battered, and wanting more Taopunk goodness.
Taking cues from Hollow Knight and Sekiro, Nine Sols offers a metroidvania that seems perfect for RPG fans when paired with its excellent story and worldbuilding focus.
Nine Sols mixes platform and metroidvania elements with a Sekiro-lite combat system. The result is a game that does many things well without excelling at anything.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Nine Sols is an engaging metroidvania that proves Red Candle Games can tackle more than just horror (though they still manage to sneak a little of it into this latest title.) Combat is fast and fluid, paired with a setting that I genuinely wanted to learn more about. Hollow Knight fans that are waiting for Silksong should really be checking out Nine Sols instead.
Nine Sols gives you everything you want from metroidvania, with excellence and style.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Nine Sols is a masterfully crafted 2D Sekiro-like Metroidvania that explores a lore-rich Taoism fantasy setting through science fiction elements.
Nine Sols is one of the best Metroidvania titles I’ve played this year. It has a solid cast, incredible mechanics, and a unique world. The mix of Eastern Tao teaching paired with a cyberpunk aesthetic is exceptional, with Nine Sols often delivering eye-watering and stunning visuals for the entire campaign duration.
Although Taiwanese Red Candle Games is new to the Metroidvania and Soulslike genres, it certainly doesn't act like a fish out of water. Nine Sols is a true pleasure to play and presents a genuine challenge from start to finish. Nine Sols is as difficult as it is beautiful, without ever giving the impression that it is impossible to complete. Those who take the time to master Yi's skills, learn to recognize patterns, and work on perfect timing will be treated by Red Candle Games to a stunningly hand-drawn Taopunk epic about revenge and betrayal.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
It's entirely possible that Nine Sols might just end up being my favorite title of 2024. It's simply that good. While it may not be an incredibly innovative experience, it is an incredibly refined one. If you are an action fan, you owe it to yourself to check this one out. Nine Sols may not be perfect, but it's very close to it.
Nine Sols is easily the most challenging Metroidvania game I’ve ever played, but its difficulty is just one facet of what makes it a truly remarkable game. Whether you’re drawn by demanding gameplay, stunning visuals, or immersive storytelling, Nine Sols commands your attention and warrants your time.
Nine Sols is an excellent game that is a must-play for all Metroidvania fans and is seriously worth considering for those who are new to this genre. Its precise and satisfying combat, breathtaking art direction, and stellar story make it a worthwhile experience. The high difficulty and unique bosses make it incredibly replayable as well. This game is not just a perfect homage to the games it takes from, but it is its own unique concept as well due to its design, cultural representation and gameplay.
Nine Sols is one of the more beautifully crafted Souls-like releases for this year but it does come with its flaws that make it a little too unforgiving. It could be that the developers are possibly taking a shot at reimagining the genre with a new twist but that will more than likely throw off many fans of the genre when they discover the randomness in combat.
Nine Sols is a brutal action title that’s full of heart and a clear vision. Its refined combat system centered around parrying forces players to sharpen their reflexes and deflect their way to victory.