Review: Nine Sols | Xbox

I’ve played my fair share of Metroidvanias over the years (and even started making one), but rarely has one grabbed me quite like Nine Sols. Red Candle Games’ latest offering blends Sekiro-inspired combat with gorgeous hand-drawn visuals to create something truly special – a game that deserves far more attention than it’s currently getting.

Nine Sols puts you in the paws of Yi, a feline warrior betrayed and left for dead by the titular Nine Sols – the rulers of New Kunlun. After being saved and nursed back to health, Yi embarks on a revenge mission that will test both your reflexes and your patience.

Parry or Perish

Let’s not mince words – Nine Sols is properly challenging. The combat system revolves around perfectly timed parries that would make FromSoftware proud. When you first start playing, you’ll likely die… a lot. But stick with it, and you’ll discover one of the most satisfying combat systems in any 2D game.

I found myself yelling with delight after finally conquering Lady Ethereal after what felt like my hundredth attempt. The boss fights are masterfully designed multi-stage affairs that constantly force you to adapt your strategy. Just when you think you’ve got a boss figured out, they’ll change tactics and send you back to the drawing board.

A World Worth Exploring

The game’s environments blend traditional Chinese aesthetics with futuristic cyberpunk elements to create a unique “Taopunk” setting. Each area feels distinct and bursting with personality, from lush grottos to neon-soaked cityscapes. The hand-drawn art style is simply gorgeous, with fluid animations bringing the world to life.

As you progress, you’ll unlock new abilities that open previously inaccessible areas – classic Metroidvania stuff, but implemented with care and precision. The map is large enough to feel expansive without becoming tedious to traverse.

An Emotional Journey

Despite its cute characters, Nine Sols tackles some surprisingly dark themes. The story unfolds through a mix of dialogue, cutscenes and collectible lore items. Yi’s relationships with characters like Shuanshuan (an orphaned human child) add emotional depth to what could have been a straightforward revenge tale.

I was genuinely surprised by how invested I became in learning more about each Sol’s backstory and their connection to Yi. The narrative expertly balances moments of humour with gut-wrenching revelations.

Nine Sols isn’t perfect – the platforming could be more ambitious, and some may find the Eastern-influenced soundtrack jarring – but these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an exceptional game.

If you’re willing to embrace the challenge and immerse yourself in its unique world, Nine Sols offers one of the most rewarding gaming experiences of the year. It stands proudly alongside genre greats, and I can’t wait to see what Red Candle Games does next.