Nine Sols is a 2D action-platforming adventure from Red Candle Games, and the game merges fast-paced combat with exploration and world-building that draws inspiration from Taoist mythology and futuristic cyberpunk design. The story takes place in New Kunlun, a sprawling civilization once ruled by nine divine beings known as the Sols. You play as Yi, a warrior who is tasked with hunting down the Nine Sols and uncovering the truth behind their downfall.
Exploration in Nine Sols is one of the central elements, and the game's world is filled with hidden chambers, shortcuts, and secrets. As you progress, you'll unlock new abilities that allow you to reach previously inaccessible areas. When it comes to combat, it is heavily focused on parries and counterattacks. Instead of attacking constantly, you have to time your movements carefully. Each enemy type and boss has specific patterns that you can learn over time, but the fights test your reflexes and timing of moves. Winning with a boss gives you new abilities and upgrades that expand your combat options and allow new approaches to exploration.
The graphics in Nine Sols are based on hand-drawn 2D environments filled with mechanical structures and intricate details. The soundtrack blends traditional Chinese instruments with ambient electronic music, creating an atmosphere that feels both mystical and futuristic. You can buy and download Nine Sols on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.
Why Should I Download Nine Sols?
Nine Sols has an intricate combat system that is also about mastering your moves and their precision. You can't just mindlessly attack enemies; the whole idea is to learn their patterns and respond with well-timed counters. The more you play, the more confident you become in your timing, which makes each victory feel even better.
The game is set in New Kunlun, and the world of Nine Sols feels vast, with each area having a distinct tone and purpose. From ruined temples with neon lights to mechanical cities overgrown with plants, every environment tells a story. As you explore those locations, you can find secrets that aren't just collectibles, because they reveal fragments of a story that deepen your understanding of your mission.
The narrative in Nine Sols explores such themes as faith, power, and the relationship between creation and destruction. The Sols were once revered as gods, but their pursuit of immortality destroyed the balance of the world. Your journey is not just about revenge, but also about uncovering what went wrong in the divine order.
Nine Sols uses a Metroidvania structure, which means every ability you unlock changes how you can progress. At first, you'll move carefully through limited paths, but as you gain new powers, like wall runs, mid-air strikes, or energy-enhanced jumps, you begin to see how interconnected the world truly is. It makes sense to go back to previous locations, as you can follow new routes and find new secrets that can hide powerful upgrades or artifacts.
While Nine Sols can be demanding, the gameplay is pretty fair, where every failure teaches you something new about timing, strategy, or the world itself. The game uses hand-drawn designs and animations that combine traditional symbols with futuristic technology. All in all, the game is not just an action-packed title, but also one that forces you to think about different themes hidden in its story. Nine Sols was released to Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch as a paid title.
Is Nine Sols Free?
No, Nine Sols is a paid game that you can buy on the marketplaces of different platforms it was released on. You can find it on Steam, the PlayStation Store, the Nintendo Store, and the Xbox Store. On Steam, you can get the game solo or as part of a bundle with other games. If you have the Xbox Game Pass, you can play the game with no additional cost.
What Operating Systems Are Compatible with Nine Sols?
You can play Nine Sols on computers with either Windows 10 or 11, or with macOS 10.13 or higher. The game is also available on PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S. At the moment, there are no plans to release the game on mobile devices.
What Are the Alternatives to Nine Sols?
Hollow Knight: Silksong is a 2D action-adventure Metroidvania that's a sequel to the first game in the series. The game still has a massive map, non-linear exploration options, and abilities that you need to gain to unlock new areas, but it also brings in new tools for exploration. It's a perfect game for skilled players, as it has difficult bosses you need to defeat and learn their fighting patterns. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Rain World is a survival platformer where you play as a small creature called a Slugcat trying to survive between predators and in harsh weather. The game has an AI system that randomizes battles and encounters with other characters, and you can buy the game in a standard version or in a deluxe edition. You can get it for Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist is a dark fantasy action RPG that tells the story of Lilac, a girl exploring a ruined world with corrupted spirits. Combat requires you to focus on precision and timing, while the story is built around emotional responses and a deep atmosphere. The game is a paid title that you can download on Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
