Nine Sols · IDC Games

In a genre as overcrowded as the Metroidvania, standing out is no easy feat. However, Nine Sols , developed by R

In a genre as overcrowded as the Metroidvania, standing out is no easy feat. However, Nine Sols, developed by RedCandleGames (Detention, Devotion), manages to do so with a very distinct identity. This isn't just another Hollow Knight clone; it’s an experience that draws from Sekiro-style technical combat, blends it with a classic Metroidvania structure, and wraps it in an aesthetic and narrative deeply inspired by Taoism, science fiction, and Eastern mythology.

Nine Sols doesn't aim to be complacent. It is a demanding game, serious in tone, and obsessed with precision. From the very first fight, it makes one thing clear: you won't win by button-mashing. You win by reading your enemy, mastering the parry, and understanding the rhythm of combat. It’s a bold proposition that places player mastery at its very core.

Gameplay: the religion of the parry

The heart of Nine Sols is its parry-based combat system. Although the game offers standard attacks, special abilities, and evasion manoeuvres, the absolute key lies in blocking at the exact moment. Executing a perfect parry does more than just negate damage—it breaks the enemy's posture, creating clear windows for a counterattack.

This approach turns every encounter into a tense, calculated duel. Enemies have well-defined yet aggressive patterns, forcing you to maintain constant focus. There is no room for messy improvisation here; every fight is a lethal dance where timing is everything.

As you progress, the game introduces increasingly complex variations: enemies that combine physical and energy attacks, multi-phase bosses with deceptive patterns, and situations that test both your reflexes and your adaptability. The result is a combat system that is deeply satisfying when mastered, but highly punishing if you slip up.

Metroidvania design: measured exploration and verticality

Structurally, Nine Sols follows the classic pillars of the Metroidvania genre: a vast interconnected map, routes that unlock as you gain new abilities, and a non-linear progression that invites exploration and backtracking.

The level design is intelligent and exceptionally well-balanced. Each zone introduces new threats, platforming challenges and secrets that reward the curious player. While the map isn't excessively large, it is highly optimized, featuring well-placed shortcuts and a constant sense of spatial coherence.

Verticality plays a major role, especially in sections that blend precise platforming with combat. Jumping, dashing and chaining movements feels fluid, yet always remains under the shadow of the game's high stakes: a single mistake can quickly send you back to the last checkpoint.

Progression and abilities: growth through mastery

Nine Sols focuses on a progression system that isn't just about numbers, but about your growth as a player. Even so, there are upgrade systems to expand your capabilities: new techniques, passive buffs, and active abilities that modify your combat style.

These upgrades don't break the game’s balance; they enrich it. No ability replaces the parry; instead, everything revolves around enhancing or complementing it. This reinforces the game's identity and prevents it from turning into a soulless hack-and-slash.

The checkpoint and healing systems are designed to maintain tension. Healing is neither instant nor free, and you will often have to decide whether to push forward or retreat to safety. This constant decision-making is part of the game’s DNA.

Narrative: revenge, fallen Gods, and sci-fi

One of the most compelling aspects of Nine Sols is its narrative. Set in a science-fantasy world with strong Taoist influences, the game puts you in the shoes of Yi, a warrior who returns to face the Nine Solarians—divine rulers of an advanced and corrupt civilization.

The story explores themes like immortality, sacrifice, guilt and rebellion against deified figures. It isn't always presented explicitly; instead, it unfolds through dialogue, key cutscenes, and environmental storytelling, demanding the player’s full attention.

The tone is serious, melancholic, and at times, brutal. There is no light humour or constant comic relief. Everything is permeated by a sense of decay and inevitable conflict, which fits perfectly with the game’s difficulty and combat style.

Art direction: eastern tradition meets futuristic aesthetics

Visually, Nine Sols is spectacular. Its art style blends traditional Eastern art, ink strokes, and Taoist motifs with futuristic settings and advanced technology. This contrast works wonders, creating a unique visual identity within the genre.

The characters are designed with immense personality, especially the bosses, who radiate power, threat and symbolism. The animations are fluid and precise—a fundamental requirement for a game where timing is everything.

Environments range from ancient temples to high-tech facilities and decaying landscapes, always maintaining an aesthetic coherence that bolsters immersion.

Sound and music: tension and solemnity

The sound design perfectly complements the experience. The soundtrack is restrained, atmospheric and solemn, reinforcing moments of exploration and elevating during major boss fights.

Sound effects are particularly crucial in combat. Every attack, block, and parry provides clear feedback, allowing the player to react with precision. In Nine Sols, sound becomes just another tool for survival.

Difficulty: demanding but fair

Nine Sols is not an easy game, nor does it pretend to be. Its difficulty may remind players of titles like Sekiro or Hollow Knight at their toughest, but it always feels fair. Every death is usually the result of a clear mistake rather than poor game design.

The learning curve is steep but rewarding. As you master the parry, the game transforms: what once seemed impossible begins to feel manageable. That sense of genuine progress is one of its greatest achievements.

Conclusion: a Metroidvania for those seeking mastery

Nine Sols is one of the most solid and personal entries in the modern Metroidvania landscape. It doesn’t try to please everyone, but those who connect with its technical approach, parry-based combat, and dark narrative will find a memorable experience.

It is a game that demands respect, patience, and attention, but rewards you with intense combat, a unique aesthetic, and a story rich in symbolism. An essential title for those looking for something deeper and more challenging within the genre.