Nine Sols: A Stunningly Beautiful, Brutally Challenging Metroidvania
In the midst of heavy learning curves and challenging combat lies the beauty of Nine Sols, a unique blend of narrative depth and visual splendor that’s as much a challenge as it is a heartfelt journey.
last updated Aug 26, 2024
Nine Sols is not just a game; it's an experience that entwines captivating art, haunting music, and a combat system that will either break you or make you soar.
Gameplay: Parries, Pain, and Progression
Nine Sols throws you straight into the fray with its Sekiro-inspired parrying system that firmly insists you get good or get dead—there’s no third option. The combat is both rewarding and merciless; players must master the timing of deflections and counterattacks to survive in an unforgiving world. Expect to face formidable bosses that demand precision and strategy; your default attack may feel like throwing a marshmallow at a charging bull. While some may yearn for a smoother progression system that offers more diverse skills and mechanics in a timely manner, mastering each encounter becomes a journey worthy of exploring. Plus, good luck going easy on yourself with those infrequent invincibility frames sprinkled throughout. The challenge is real, and it’s tough to shake off the feeling that failure is just a step on the road to salvation (or sweet, sweet revenge).
Audio: A Soundtrack of Emotions
The audio landscape of Nine Sols is as intricately woven as its narrative; the game features a soundtrack that sweeps you deep into its lore-rich ambiance. Each fight resonates with powerful melodies that amp up the tension, providing a breath of adrenaline to those showdowns against the nine oppressive rulers. You can almost feel your heart race alongside the throbbing beats, creating an echo of raw emotion where victory and defeat are just moments apart. The sound effects effectively amplify the clash of swords and the hush of disappointment following a failed parry. Although some may argue for a bit more dynamic range in audio levels, the overall sound design is a significant asset that enriches the gameplay experience.
Visuals: A Hand-Drawn Dream
Visually, Nine Sols is nothing short of stunning, presenting a meticulously crafted world that seems to leap off the screen. The hand-drawn art style blends beautifully with its watercolor palette, creating an atmospheric narrative that beckons players to explore its depths. Each area you traverse feels distinctly alive, echoing the game’s lore with visuals that range from beautiful to haunting. Performance is generally solid, though some players have reported the occasional hiccup during intense scenes—just a minor price to pay for the sheer aesthetic enjoyment. With every corner revealing impressive design work, it's clear that the developers invested heart and soul into making this visual journey as captivating as the gameplay itself.
Narrative and Exploration: A Tale Woven Richly
The protagonist’s story is enveloped in the mysterious lore of Nine Sols, teasing players to uncover the depths of its world through character-driven interactions. The subtle narrative delivery, devoid of heavy exposition, allows players to organically piece together the thread of the game, creating a sense of curiosity and exploration that pulls them deeper. While some may find the exploration a tad linear, there's enough side content to keep those looking for lore and secrets engaged. Players looking for sheer volume of exploratory content may be left wanting, but the richness of the narrative compensates for it significantly. The emotional stakes can hit you hard, transforming each boss encounter from mere gameplay into an evocative journey of loss and resilience.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
RedCandleGames
Release Date
May 28, 2024
A Crowning Achievement in Indie Gaming
Nine Sols is not just a game; it's an experience that entwines captivating art, haunting music, and a combat system that will either break you or make you soar. With its challenging gameplay, deeply woven narrative, and stunning visuals, it stands tall alongside the giants of its genre. So if you're ready to endure the trials ahead, Nine Sols promises a rewarding journey that echoes long after you’ve put the controller down.