Summary
The Metroidvania sub-genre of action platformers has been experiencing something of a renaissance in the last few years, but Red Candle Games’Nine Solsis the kind of pivotal entry that only comes around once every so often. As fans continue to wait forHollow Knight: Silksong,several other developers have stepped in to try their hands at crafting the next big Soulslike/Metroidvania hybrid, with some of them even coming close to the same level of quality as Team Cherry’s critically acclaimedHollow Knight. ButNine Sols' arrival feels less like a salve for the absence ofSilksongand more like a triumphant return for Red Candle Games and an essential Metroidvania in its own right.
Red Candle Games has traditionally tried its hand at the survival horror genre, developing and releasing noteworthy titles likeDetentionand thenDevotion.Devotionwas subject of controversythanks to its veiled criticisms of the Chinese government, leading to Steam eventually delisting the title entirely.Nine Solsis Red Candle Games' first major title in 7 years, and the level of passion inherent in its design, mechanics, and storytelling point to it being a new gold standard in the Metroidvania sub-genre and the exact kind of title capable of outflankingSilksong.
Nine Sols' Soulslike Influences Come From the Other End of the FromSoftware Spectrum
Classic Metroidvania entries likeCastlevania: Symphony of the Nightwould end up becoming one of many titles influencing the development ofDark Soulsand the pioneering of the mechanics and elements of what are now known as Soulslikes.
It makes perfect sense that the Soulslike genre would come full circle and influence Metroidvania design, with several of the most critically acclaimed and beloved Metroidvania titles owing a debt of gratitude tothe FromSoftware catalogand Hidetaka Miyazaki. But where most Metroidvanias tend to pull from eitherDark SoulsorBloodborne,Nine Solsdefinitively wears its love forSekiroin every aspect of its gameplay.
Combat inNine Solsis the exact kind of deflection andparry-heavy swordplay fromSekiroandLies of P, but that it works as well as it does in 2D is a testament to the amount of polish and thought that have gone intoNine Sols' balance and fluidity of movement. Traversal is another area in whichNine Solsborrows liberally fromSekiro, with the design and layout of its interconnected map placing a greater emphasis on verticality and encouraging the player to use the handy grappling hook they have access to right from the game’s outset.
The Arrival of Nine Sols Couldn’t Have Been More Perfectly Timed
2024 is already shaping up to be one of the most stacked years for Metroidvanias, withNine Solsjoining other critically acclaimed and noteworthy releases in the genre such asPrince of Persia: The Lost Crown,Ultros,Animal Well, and many others. February 2024 also marked 5 years since theofficial announcement ofHollow Knight: Silksong, with the hype surrounding the potential release of what might be the most highly anticipated Metroidvania title of all time now reaching a fever pitch.Nine Sols' arrival as a competing Soulslike/Metroidvania hybrid and one of the many landmark releases in the Metroidvania subgenre positions it asSilksong’s best alternative.
Between its intricate hand-drawn visuals and fluid animations, interesting and varied level and map design, engaging and challenging combat, and compelling sci-fi narrative,Nine Solsis the full package as far as Metroidvanias are concerned. It’s clear that a lot of passion has gone into every aspect of the game, and its arrival hot on the heels of some of the best Metroidvania titles in years could potentially tee up Team Cherry for a home run announcement andrelease ofHollow Knight: Silksong. It may be a competing title, butNine Sols' success could prove that a rising tide lifts all ships.
Nine Sols
WHERE TO PLAY
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of Asian fantasy, 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.StoryIn New Kunlun, hero Yi has awakened the 9 rulers of this forsaken realm. To defeat the 9 Sols in the deserted city.“Becomes one with the way of Tao…”New Kunlun, the Solarian’s last sanctuary, has remained quiet for centuries. Inside this vast realm, the ancient gods left mortals with a promised land that is forever protected by the 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.Follow Yi on his vengeful quest against the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm, and obliterate any obstacles blocking your way in Sekiro-lite style combat. Explore in unique “Taopunk” setting that blends cyberpunk elements with Taoism and far eastern mythology. Unravel the mysteries of an ancient alien race and learn about the fate of mankind.
