In the ever-growing realm of action RPGs, Nine Sols has emerged as a captivating title, drawing heavy comparisons to the Soulslike genre thanks to its challenging combat mechanics, atmospheric world-building, and intense difficulty. Developed by Red Candle Games, the creators behind Detention and Devotion, Nine Sols stands out not only due to its gameplay, but also due to its cultural influences, rich story, and striking visuals. While the game offers plenty of rewarding experiences for players who enjoy a good challenge, it also presents some pitfalls that may be a turn-off for certain audiences. In this review, we’ll delve into both the strengths and weaknesses of Nine Sols, as well as examine how it resonates with its growing player base.
The Strengths of Nine Sols
1. Atmosphere and Visuals: A Stunning World
One of the standout features of Nine Sols is its visual design. The game takes place in a beautifully dark, atmospheric world that pulls heavily from traditional Eastern mythology, with a clear emphasis on the combination of ancient history and dark fantasy. The art style is inspired by East Asian cultures, blending intricate details with minimalist elements to create a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. The review is written by a fan of platformer games at Vex 8
From the majestic temples and eerie forests to the intimidating bosses that await players, the environments are crafted with care and attention to detail. Each location feels alive, filled with intricate designs and beautiful lighting, which gives every area a distinct identity. Whether you’re navigating through the narrow, treacherous passages or marveling at the towering architecture of a forgotten temple, the world-building in Nine Sols leaves an impression that’s difficult to ignore.
2. Combat: A Soulslike Symphony of Precision
Nine Sols delivers a combat system that will satisfy fans of the Soulslike genre. It requires precision, patience, and, above all, a sharp sense of timing. The protagonist, known as the “Nine Sols,” is thrust into battles that will require players to dodge, parry, and attack with flawless execution. The combat feels deliberate and rewarding, with each successful hit or parry giving you a sense of accomplishment.
The game has a unique combat mechanic called “Soul Siphon,” which allows the player to absorb the essence of defeated enemies and use it to empower their abilities. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy to battles, encouraging players to think carefully about their actions. Additionally, the game’s boss fights are memorable, offering tough yet fair challenges that test both reflexes and tactical thinking.
3. Storytelling: Mythology Meets Dark Fantasy
The narrative of Nine Sols is rich and steeped in mythology. The story revolves around a lone warrior who embarks on a quest to reclaim stolen Sols and confront a malevolent force that threatens to engulf the world. The game’s writing draws from folklore, with a heavy focus on themes of loss, vengeance, and redemption. Players are introduced to various factions, gods, and spirits, each with their own backstories that tie into the greater narrative.
The story is delivered in a non-linear fashion, leaving much to interpretation and discovery. This method of storytelling, while engaging for those who appreciate lore-heavy games, can also be a bit confusing for players who prefer a more direct plotline. Nonetheless, the dark and melancholic tone of the game makes for an immersive experience, leaving players craving more as they uncover the mysteries of the world.
4. Boss Fights: A Core Element of the Game
Boss fights are undoubtedly the heart of Nine Sols. From the moment you face your first massive enemy, it’s clear that the game takes inspiration from the brutal yet satisfying encounters found in other Soulslike games. The difficulty of these fights is no joke, but they are also the most rewarding aspect of the game. Each boss has distinct phases, requiring you to adapt your strategy and learn from your failures.
The design of the bosses, as well as their movesets, are impressive, with every encounter feeling like a unique challenge. Defeating them grants a real sense of accomplishment, especially when you manage to topple one after repeated attempts.
The Weaknesses of Nine Sols
1. Difficulty: A Double-Edged Sword
For fans of hardcore challenge, Nine Sols offers a perfect level of difficulty. However, for those who are not accustomed to the demanding nature of Soulslike games, the game may prove to be too frustrating. While challenge is a key component of the genre, the difficulty in Nine Sols can sometimes feel punishing, with some sections of the game requiring near-perfect execution to progress.
The constant need to restart from checkpoints, coupled with the unforgiving nature of the combat, can make some players feel disheartened. While many will find this difficulty exhilarating, it might be a barrier for others who are looking for a more accessible experience.
2. Slow Progression and Grinding
While progression in Nine Sols is designed to feel satisfying, some players have noted that the grinding involved can be quite tedious. The game’s reliance on collecting resources to upgrade weapons, abilities, and stats often leads to repetitive gameplay, especially in the earlier stages. The constant backtracking and the need to farm resources can detract from the overall experience, making the game feel somewhat monotonous at times.
This slow progression may feel like a hindrance for players who prefer a faster-paced, more immediate form of reward. While it is a common feature in many Soulslike games, it’s still worth mentioning as a potential drawback for those not looking to invest hours of grinding.
3. Storytelling Challenges: Disjointed Narrative
While the story in Nine Sols is steeped in intriguing lore, it does suffer from some narrative disjointedness. The game often leaves players to piece together its complex story through environmental storytelling and obscure dialogue, which can be frustrating for those who prefer a clearer and more cohesive plot. The game’s reliance on cryptic messages and fragmented lore means that important details can easily be missed, leaving some players scratching their heads about the larger narrative.
The lack of direction can be confusing, especially when the stakes are so high and the story has the potential to be much more engaging if it were presented more clearly.
Player Reception: What Fans Are Saying
The reception of Nine Sols has been largely positive, with many players praising its visual design, challenging combat, and immersive world-building. Fans of Dark Souls and similar games will find much to appreciate, as the game offers a level of challenge that feels familiar yet fresh. The bosses, in particular, are frequently cited as one of the game’s strongest features, providing thrilling encounters that keep players on the edge of their seat.
On the other hand, the difficulty level is a polarizing aspect. While hardcore gamers appreciate the challenge, some players have expressed frustration with the steep learning curve and the occasional repetitive nature of the gameplay. The lack of a more forgiving difficulty option has been cited as a missed opportunity for broadening the game’s appeal to a wider audience.
Conclusion: A Love Letter to Soulslike Fans
Nine Sols is a captivating and visually stunning entry into the Soulslike genre, offering a challenging and rewarding experience for those who enjoy intricate combat mechanics and lore-driven worlds. Its rich story, beautiful aesthetics, and intense boss battles are the highlights of the game, while the difficulty and slow progression can sometimes feel overwhelming. For players who are ready to embrace the grind and tackle difficult challenges, Nine Sols will undoubtedly be a memorable journey. However, for those seeking a more forgiving experience, the game’s punishing difficulty may be a deterrent.
Overall, Nine Sols is a bold step forward in the Soulslike genre, offering a distinctive blend of Eastern mythology and dark fantasy. With its exceptional world-building, engaging combat, and deep lore, it’s a title that will be appreciated by those who enjoy a challenge, but it may not be for everyone.