Nine Sols

🔥 What is Nine Sols

Nine Sols is a hand-drawn, lore-rich 2D action-platformer developed by Red Candle Games. It blends fast-paced, Sekiro-inspired deflection-based combat with side-scrolling exploration across interconnected “taopunk” environments, a unique fusion of Eastern mythology and cyberpunk aesthetics. Players control Yi, a cat-like Solarian warrior on a vengeful quest to defeat the nine rulers of his world aboard the gigantic island-ship New Kunlun. The game emphasizes precise parrying, energy-charged special attacks, grappling movement, and cinematic storytelling.

👉 Features of Nine Sols

Lore-Driven Taopunk World

Set in a sci-fi East Asian-inspired universe, Nine Sols combines Taoist philosophy with futuristic themes. The story revolves around Solarians, mysterious virus outbreaks, and philosophical tensions, unfolding in a richly detailed world filled with symbolism and myth.

Precision Parry-Focused Combat

Combat is built around a dynamic parry system. Players must master perfectly timed deflections to absorb energy (Qi), which fuels powerful dash-through attacks and explosive talisman strikes.

Fluid 2D Platforming and Movement

Yi can double jump, wall-jump, dash in air or on ground, and use a grappling hook to traverse intricate levels. New movement abilities unlock as players progress, following a Metroidvania-inspired design that rewards exploration.

Stunning Hand-Drawn Presentation

Nine Sols showcases vibrant hand-drawn visuals and stylized environments. Cutscenes are delivered in a graphic novel style, enhancing the game’s narrative and emotional weight.

Boss Rush Mode

Players can access a boss rush challenge called “Battle Memories,” allowing them to re-fight major bosses and test their combat proficiency.

Rich Narrative and Atmosphere

The game’s story is conveyed through animated scenes, lore notes, and environmental design. Themes of rebellion, divine authority, and sacrifice drive a compelling narrative arc.

Gameplay

Connected Metroidvania Structure

The world of New Kunlun is interconnected and unlocks progressively. Exploration is nonlinear, and secrets are hidden behind ability-gated paths, encouraging backtracking and map mastery.

Intense Boss Gauntlet

Yi must face the Nine Sols, powerful rulers with distinct patterns and abilities. Boss fights are cinematic and demand mastery of the game’s core mechanics, especially parrying and positioning.

Challenging Risk-Reward Mechanics

Perfectly timed parries generate Qi, enabling special moves. However, mistimed deflections drain stamina and leave players vulnerable, making every combat decision a gamble.

Game Mechanics

Parry, Dash, and Talisman System

The combat loop focuses on building Qi through parries, then spending it on special attacks and talisman detonations. Dashing through enemies opens new attack windows and resets momentum.

Ranged and Melee Variety

Yi uses melee combos and a divine bow with various arrow types. Ammo must be reloaded at camps, requiring players to manage resources strategically during extended fights.

Upgrade System

Players earn experience and collect Jade chips to enhance skills. These are slotted into limited slots, allowing for custom builds and emphasizing thoughtful character development.

Resource and Health Management

Dying causes the loss of Jin (currency) and experience, which can be recovered if players reach their corpse. Health restoration is limited, pushing players to learn enemy patterns and conserve resources.

Graphics of Nine Sols

Visual Storybook Aesthetic

The game employs a colorful, painterly style that blends modern animation with classical 2D design. Backgrounds and characters are detailed and expressive.

Cinematic Scenes and Presentation

Animated cutscenes and in-engine sequences punctuate key moments. These scenes enhance the emotional gravity and immerse players in the world of Nine Sols.

Polished Performance

Built in Unity, the game runs smoothly on PC and consoles. Visual fidelity is maintained even during fast-paced combat and complex animations.

Pros and Cons

✔️ Pros

• Exceptional parry-based combat that feels precise and rewarding
• Unique and vivid taopunk art direction
• Rich, thematically layered storytelling
• Deep upgrade and customization options
• Added replay value through boss rush mode

❌ Cons

• Exploration can sometimes feel disorienting without clear direction
• Cutscenes and dialogue cannot be skipped, which can frustrate during retries
• High difficulty curve may deter casual players
• Some tonal inconsistencies in narrative and humor