Overview
Developed and published by Red Candle Games, Nine Sols is a video game released on May 29, 2024. The platforms listed in this entry are PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac. The associated genres are action, adventure, science fiction, fantasy, platforming, hack-and-slash and indie. The specified game mode is Single player and the engine listed is Unity.
Nine Sols takes the form of a hand-drawn 2D action-platformer. The adventure unfolds in New Kunlun, a set of interconnected regions that Yi explores by combining exploration, platforming and combat.
Movement retains several classic side-scrolling platforming actions. Yi can notably use a dash, double jump, wall jump and wall climb, gradually allowing greater mobility through the environments.
The combat system, however, emphasizes close-range encounters and especially the deflection of enemy attacks. Rather than relying solely on dodging, the player can respond directly to incoming strikes by respecting their rhythm and impact window.
A successful deflection avoids damage while building Chi. This energy can then be used offensively, directly linking defense and counterattack within the same system.
Yi can notably attach a Taoist talisman charged with Chi to his opponents and then detonate it with a spell. Successful deflections therefore become a way to prepare more powerful attacks rather than simply a defensive measure.
Combat also includes direct attacks, charged strikes and a divine bow that expands Yi’s options. Depending on the enemies and situations encountered, the player must therefore alternate between close combat, deflection, talismans and ranged attacks.
Boss encounters extend this logic by requiring players to observe their movements and use the different abilities available. Deflection timing and mastery of movement play an important role against these large opponents.
Platforming remains directly integrated into combat. The movements used to traverse New Kunlun also serve to reposition, avoid certain attacks or reach enemies during action sequences.
Exploration is built around interconnected regions. Moving through them allows players to discover passages, secrets and different elements that gradually deepen their understanding of New Kunlun.
The inhabitants encountered during the journey also contribute to progression. Certain interactions with non-player characters can provide upgrades, new abilities or different useful technologies.
The game’s visual and thematic identity is based on what Red Candle Games calls Taopunk. This approach combines elements of science fiction and cyberpunk with references to Taoism, fantasy and Far Eastern mythology.
This fusion is also reflected in the art direction. The environments and animations use a hand-drawn style, with sprite-based characters and narrative sequences whose staging notably draws inspiration from manga.
Nine Sols therefore structures its progression around a close relationship between exploration and combat. Movement abilities facilitate the discovery of different regions, while deflection, Chi and talismans shape encounters around observation and timing.
Key takeaways
- Nine Sols is a hand-drawn 2D action-platformer set across the interconnected regions of New Kunlun.
- Combat relies heavily on deflecting enemy attacks and respecting their timing.
- Deflections allow Yi to build Chi, which can then be used to strengthen counterattacks.
- Yi can attach Taoist talismans to enemies and detonate them using the energy he has accumulated.
- Movement notably includes dash, double jump and wall-based traversal.
- The divine bow complements close-range attacks and talisman-based techniques.
- The Taopunk world combines cyberpunk, science fiction, Taoism and Far Eastern mythology.
Conclusion
Nine Sols builds its gameplay around interconnected regions where platforming, exploration and combat use the same set of movement abilities.
Its combat system emphasizes deflection and turns defense into an offensive resource: correctly redirecting an attack builds Chi, which can then be used with Taoist talismans against enemies.
Direct attacks, the bow, movement abilities and different upgrades complement this central mechanic and provide several ways to approach the enemies and bosses encountered throughout New Kunlun.
The game combines this action-platforming structure with a hand-drawn art direction and a Taopunk world where technology, science fiction, Taoism and Eastern mythology coexist.
Good to know
- Nine Sols was released on May 29, 2024.
- The game was developed and published by Red Candle Games.
- The platforms listed in this entry are PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac.
- The associated genres are action, adventure, science fiction, fantasy, platforming, hack-and-slash and indie.
- The specified game mode is Single player.
- The engine listed in this entry is Unity.
- Combat mainly emphasizes deflection, building Chi and the use of Taoist talismans.
- New Kunlun is made up of interconnected regions combining exploration, platforming and combat.
