Nine Sols |OT| Sekirovania (now out on PC, Switch, Xbox, Playstation)

mèx

Member

ErftI7E.png



C8XteD8.png

"A journey of Asian fantasy inspired by Sekiro, Hollow Knight and Katana Zero."

Nine Sols is a lore-rich, hand-drawn 2D action platformer featuring intense deflection-focused combat, immersive storytelling, and a unique Taopunk setting.

Explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero's quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.



5Vb6Bpc.png

"Become one with the Tao…"

New Kunlun, the Solarian's last sanctuary, has remained quiet for centuries. Inside this vast realm, the ancient gods bequeathed mortals with a promised land that is forever protected by a set of sacred rituals. Yet the truth of this world remains unknown to most. Everything changes when Yi, a long forgotten hero from the past, is awoken by a human child. During the course of the game, you will follow Yi on his vengeful quest against the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm, and obliterate any obstacles in your way using Sekiro-lite style combat. Explore a dark fantasy world where every path is fraught with danger, and unravel the mysteries of an ancient alien race as you learn about the fate of mankind.

1cj9djh.png





IuSwCZK.png

Deflection - Yi's most powerful skill. Deflecting an opponent's attack not only allows you to avoid damage, but also to absorb and accumulate energy (Chi) with which to launch a stylish charging attack. Using quick reflexes and precise timing, you can escape numerous life-threatening situations with the simple press of a button.

deflection.gif

Charging Attack and Chi Explosion - Having succeeded in deflecting an enemy's attack, you can reverse or "deflect" the damage onto enemy targets by sticking a Chi-filled talisman known as a "Foo charm" onto an enemy body during a charging attack and blowing them up with a spell.

chargingattack.gif

Slash Attack, Dash and Double Jump - The classic action platformer controls are included in the game, so feel free to mix them up in combat situations.
1CezK6n.gif

Bow - To enable more variations in the main combat loop, there are ranged options to be used. Yi's Godly Bow offers a powerful solution to any combat situation.

C0TrDf6.gif


Monsters are designed to test a player's skill to execute the correct move in the right moment. While it might be difficult at times, when players are used to the above tools and grasp the game's core rhythm, the experience can be both satisfying and rewarding.

Ready yourself to fight an assortment of callous ancient guardians and gruesome creatures. Be patient, utilize every tool in your arsenal, and mix it up with Yi's Godly Bow to defeat these larger-than-life figures. The 9 Sols of New Kunlun is your ultimate challenge. Each boss has a different personality and unique fighting style, and it's up to you to figure out the best way to defeat them.

enemies_boss.png



dQPoxcO.png

Almost all facets of the game have undergone countless iterations, from the hand-drawn environments and sprite animations, to the world setting elements and narrative arcs. The game has a clear goal in combining Taoism with cyberpunk, melding sci-fi elements with Eastern mythology. The product of this is the New Kunlun, the depiction of a Taopunk world envisioned by the developer.

Different areas in the New Kunlun are mostly interconnected, while each region has its own architectural style and environment. Explore and discover hidden secrets/treasures and put your platforming skills to the test.

Meet and interact with NPCs to trade, receive upgrades, and gain new abilities. In this deserted world, it's important to grab hold of all the help you can get. Through conversations with these vivid characters, more background stories and lores are revealed.

newkunlunmap.png
9VO1Pfg.png


Nine Sols features meticulous hand-crafted, anime-style landscapes and sprite-based animations, and blends these with manga-inspired cutscenes. Every frame is carefully drawn in a traditional style and we have taken great pains to create the most eye-catching fluid animations.

9DblC6R.gif


S2fuAd0.png



Nintendo eShop (Nintendo Switch)

Xbox Store (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Game Pass)

Playstation Store (PS4, PS5)



All text and images taken from:
shop.redcandlegames.com/projects/ninesols
store.steampowered.com/app/1809540/Nine_Sols/
 
Last edited:
Got it wishlisted since release, waiting for a sale. :messenger_sunglasses:
 
Last edited:
Definitely gonna check this out on gamepass, lots of people seem to be very high on the game.
 
Finally console gamers can enjoy one of the best games of 2024.

thought i went back in time for a second. game has been out for a while. need to buy it
Yeah, maybe I should have specified that the OT is for the console versions that released today. The PC version has been around for a while.
 
Metroidvania + Soulslike is very... indie.

I think i will pass. Indie games like this aint my things.

it's way too saturated these days. And mostly dev who choose metroidvania doesn't even understand metroidvania. Even as far as i know, lot of devs never play metroid and castlevania.

And one of the reason why lot of publishers denied metroidvania, they are too focused on combat and forgot exploration and combat should be almost equal

MV genre is one of the hardest to develop. Since required check and quality control
 
I tried it when it first launched on PC.

The game looks and control really good. But it was frustratingly difficult, and I went into the first big boss fight underpowered, too.

May give another chance sometime down the lane.
 
I liked this game a lot, but I dropped it when I got stuck on a very annoying boss battle.
The difficulty spikes with boss battles is too much. Didn't enjoy that part.

The overall game, however, is quite good: controls, visuals, animations, music, etc.
 
But it was frustratingly difficult, and I went into the first big boss fight underpowered, too. May give another chance sometime down the lane.
dont-you-quit-on-me-supt-joe-donovan.gif


Boss fights can be difficult, but as with Sekiro when you find the right rhythm they become much more manageable. Easier said than done obviously, it's one of those games where you will get your ass handed.
You can also leave and explore a bit more, that should give you the chance to find better jades / get stronger.
 
dont-you-quit-on-me-supt-joe-donovan.gif


Boss fights can be difficult, but as with Sekiro when you find the right rhythm they become much more manageable. Easier said than done obviously, it's one of those games where you will get your ass handed.
You can also leave and explore a bit more, that should give you the chance to find better jades / get stronger.
Despite being underpowered, I beat the boss after multiple attempts and sighed in relief.

Then that fucker started his phase #2.

2t1ddy.jpg
 
Game is ok.

Way too much dialogue though. I don't know why you would make a game with such fun combat and then bore players to death with Godawful exposition.

No one cares about the shitty story.
 
Started playing it and it does have some pacing issues at the start but it picks up a few hours in. First boss fight was hard but fair. I mastered the parry and it became super easy. Only negative is that I cant teleport between nods except base and back which makes exploring stuff u missed...annoying. Maybe it'll be possible later? Its kinda stupid cuz theres a cutscene that literally says you could teleport between nods, but you cant.
 
Great OP.

I've learned to be wary of this sort of game. They often look great, and on paper they have everything that I like. But when it comes to it something often doesn't click like it should. I've let a few of these sorts of games unfinished.
 
The part I like the most about metroidvanias are exploration and combat. How is the former?
Exploration is standard Metroidvania I would say, it's not the main strength of the game even if it is quite pleasant.

There are secrets to discover, different "biomes", platforming, locked progression via items/abilities, etc.
It's not the type of game where you feel lost in a vast world. Environmental storytelling is quite good though, and complements the story well. All the areas have a purpose.
Backtracking happens but it's quite lean compared to Hollow Knight for example.
 
Last edited:
Nine Sols is a really cool game! I'm still getting adjusted to the combat system of this game, and I can say with conviction that my current issues with this aspect of the game is solely because of my scrubiness (😄). Anyway, a lot of features and options in Nine Sols along with level designs and gameplay instantly reminds me of Prince of Persia The Lost Crown, which I still play on occasion. In fact, in the Options screen for Nine Sols I changed the map of a few buttons on my controller to match those of said PoP TLC.
 
It also has some 3d modeling in the background at times. Game looks great.
I dunno. Watched the trailer again and it just looks kinda souless and "flat" if that makes sense? Just not doing it for me I'm afriad. I do love myself a bit of Hollow Knight, so will maybe pick this up further down the line during a deep sale
 
I think i will pass. Indie games like this aint my things.

it's way too saturated these days. And mostly dev who choose metroidvania doesn't even understand metroidvania. Even as far as i know, lot of devs never play metroid and castlevania.

And one of the reason why lot of publishers denied metroidvania, they are too focused on combat and forgot exploration and combat should be almost equal

MV genre is one of the hardest to develop. Since required check and quality control
IMO Metroid Prime is very hard to develop, it requieres attention to the whole map layout and level design. Then again RPGs like Gothic are also hard to develop.
 
Think I'll have to give it up. My reflexes are nowhere fast enough on the first boss. Been at it two hours now and only got second phase twice in all that time.
 
Think I'll have to give it up. My reflexes are nowhere fast enough on the first boss. Been at it two hours now and only got second phase twice in all that time.
Nothing wrong in giving story mode a try. It enables you to set the damage dealt and damage received multipliers as you see fit.

As you get used to the mechanics of the game, you can set the multipliers back to normal. Or keep them in the way it's most fun for you.
 
Nothing wrong in giving story mode a try. It enables you to set the damage dealt and damage received multipliers as you see fit.

As you get used to the mechanics of the game, you can set the multipliers back to normal. Or keep them in the way it's most fun for you.

Oh! I didn't realise there was a way to make it easier. I'll go and have a look, thanks.
 
I got stuck on the first 'Sol' boss. It's really hard. As someone who has finished the entire From catalog solo/melee, I'm about to quit. My pride won't let me play on story mode. The terrible story(so far) and uninteresting game world also make it hard for me to continue. I think I'll give up. By the way, the gameplay is truly amazing.
 
I got stuck on the first 'Sol' boss. It's really hard. As someone who has finished the entire From catalog solo/melee, I'm about to quit. My pride won't let me play on story mode. The terrible story(so far) and uninteresting game world also make it hard for me to continue. I think I'll give up. By the way, the gameplay is truly amazing.
You mean Goumang? You can try to separate the two guards by running at the edge of the screen since one is slow and the other is fast. Dealing with both of them at the same time can be a pain the ass.
 
I think ChoosableOne is referring to General Yingzhou.

ChoosableOne ChoosableOne - All I can say is that you have to parry Yingzhao's vertical slashes as he charges toward you. And you have time your parry attacks just right. But do not try to parry his charging lunge. Jump over or dodge to avoid this attack. And you cannot forget to go on the offensive yourself and get in as many strikes as you can on Yingzhao whenever he charges toward you. Good luck! Don't give in to that piece of shit General! 👍
 
I got stuck on the first 'Sol' boss. It's really hard. As someone who has finished the entire From catalog solo/melee, I'm about to quit. My pride won't let me play on story mode. The terrible story(so far) and uninteresting game world also make it hard for me to continue. I think I'll give up. By the way, the gameplay is truly amazing.

I'm the opposite, I can't play the souls games whatsoever but I've managed to get to the final Sol on this game. Unfortunately that really is one step too far for me.
 
I think ChoosableOne is referring to General Yingzhou.

ChoosableOne ChoosableOne - All I can say is that you have to parry Yingzhao's vertical slashes as he charges toward you. And you have time your parry attacks just right. But do not try to parry his charging lunge. Jump over or dodge to avoid this attack. And you cannot forget to go on the offensive yourself and get in as many strikes as you can on Yingzhao whenever he charges toward you. Good luck! Don't give in to that piece of shit General! 👍
I killed that bastard!
Dance Reaction GIF


Second phase was hard but I just ran away from his red jumping attack. I think the input delay made it a bit harder since I was playing via remote play. Now it's time for the other bosses!
 
I'm throwing down w/Eigong after giving this another go.

This time around I really appreciated how well it humanizes the bosses. Each one is unique, despite the classic Mega Man setup. Exploration is decent, but combat feel is excellent. The bosses this time around, while still tough, didn't pummel as with the virginal playthrough. A lot of fun air dashing/parrying to be had.
 
I'm throwing down w/Eigong after giving this another go.

This time around I really appreciated how well it humanizes the bosses. Each one is unique, despite the classic Mega Man setup. Exploration is decent, but combat feel is excellent. The bosses this time around, while still tough, didn't pummel as with the virginal playthrough. A lot of fun air dashing/parrying to be had.

The Eigong battle is so good, probably my favorite boss battle from this gen.
Feels similar to the final boss in Sekiro in that it's really challenging but fair, and requieres you to have mastered the various systems and core mechanics of combat.

Did you go for the true ending with the powered up version of her?
 
The Eigong battle is so good, probably my favorite boss battle from this gen.
Feels similar to the final boss in Sekiro in that it's really challenging but fair, and requieres you to have mastered the various systems and core mechanics of combat.

Did you go for the true ending with the powered up version of her?
I agree. When I first played the game, she felt reminiscent of Isshin. I could only make it to her 2nd form in my first playthrough before I threw in the towel.

This second go around I can consistently make it to her 3rd form, but not enough to survive long enough just yet. I'll keep dancing with her for a while. I'm not used to getting stuck at bosses for days, hours sure, so this is a different feeling, kind of reminds me of being stuck with a game when I was a little kid, where then I would spend DAYS with a boss. As an adult this hasn't really happened. Ishiin took me hours sure, but Eigong may take me days.
 
It reminds me of the first time you fight Sans in Undertale. But it's all subjective of course. At least here you have the first two rounds to get you focused for the 3rd.

What triggers the 3rd phase? Did you have to save the humans?
 
What triggers the 3rd phase? Did you have to save the humans?
Yes, you have to prioritize saving the humans, and you need to:
  • Give all artifacts to Shuanshuan
  • Deliver all poisons to Shennong and complete his sidequest
  • Find the Rhizomatic Bomb and give it to Kuafu
With that you will get to fight True Eigong. It sounds like a lot but you will find most things naturally if you explore around.
 
Rolled credits.

It's funny, before being washed with the feeling of accomplishment, I felt pity. Eigong's lifebar in Phase 3 is like that of Phase 1, it's shorter than Phase 2, and I felt like there were ample opportunities to punish her. In the end, I really enjoyed this fight. Looking back, I think what I had trouble with the first playthrough was that it wasn't clear to me which red attacks you should dodge versus which you should counter. I'm glad I figured it out for myself and didn't consult the internet. This definitely reminded me of the Isshin fight. Similarly there, I felt pity toward the end, as you master the fight and whittle down their lifebar.

I'll give the boss rush a try but I'm so glad I was able to finally return and finish this one. I wonder where Red Candle goes from here. I hope they make another meaty game, perhaps a survival-horror.

Cheers
 
Top Bottom