As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for side-scrolling action titles, I have to say that Nine Sols has left me absolutely spellbound. Having played countless games from different genres and eras, it’s not often that a game comes along that manages to stand out as a truly exceptional experience.
2024 will be etched in my memory for numerous reasons, but what stands out most is the impressive performance of studios like Shift Up and Game Science. These developers demonstrated their mettle in the action genre with “Stellar Blade” and “Black Myth: Wukong”, holding their own against some formidable competition.
After earning a heap of praise on PC from Steam gamers (with an Overwhelmingly positive rating) and critics alike, I’m stoked to say that the action-packed adventure game Nine Sols has now made its way onto consoles! If you’re into this genre, crave epic combat sequences, or find the storyline captivating, trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this mind-blowing experience.
The depicted regions show creativity and attention to detail. Each main character oversees a distinctive ‘region’ or sector, and they each display unique methods when governing these areas.
In this tale, we follow Yi, a formidable warrior who was deceived by the nine ruling figures known as the Nine Sols in the Tiandao Council of New Kunlun. Despite being left for dead, some enigmatic force called Primordial Roots miraculously sustains his life. Eventually found by Shuanshuan from a neighboring village, they develop a bond while Yi recuperates. However, when Shuanshuan is selected for a ritualistic sacrifice, Yi resumes his vengeful journey, aiming to eliminate the Nine Sols and acquire their Sol Seals.
There’s a lot more depth to this story than initially appears, with flashbacks of Yi’s sister during their youth, insights into the council’s origins, and other intriguing details about the Eternal Cauldron project. At first, the wealth of lore can be overwhelming, but it becomes clearer as you delve deeper into the story, understanding why Yi is so driven to reclaim the Sol Seals. The character development is well-done, particularly the contrast between Yi’s interactions with Shuanshuan and the Nine Sols. It also offers moments of introspection and humor, like Shennong consuming poison or Shanhai 9000’s aloof demeanor, without ever derailing the main plotline.
Fundamentally, the game’s core elements revolve around exploration and battle. If you’re familiar with similar genre games, you’ll notice that the gameplay pattern is quite consistent – traverse through different areas, discover hidden treasures and enhancements, acquire a skill, conquer a boss, and leverage the new ability to access fresh locations. Occasionally, you might stumble upon areas sealed off, requiring a novel approach, but venturing into out-of-the-way spots could lead to valuable rewards, such as currency called Jin, which can be used for purchasing Jades that offer passive advantages. This is a proven mechanic, and Nine Sols effectively employs it.
The portrayed areas are richly detailed and creative. Each leader governs a distinct “region” uniquely, as demonstrated by their different management styles. For example, the Agricultural Zone presents numerous dilapidated facilities and gives off an eerie, zombie-esque vibe of persistence (a hint at things to come, if not a prediction).
In contrast to Sekiro, when an enemy’s posture is broken in this game, there’s no execution mechanic. Instead, the character Yi accumulates Qi Charges, which can be utilized later to place a talisman that detonates after a brief period, causing significant damage.
Despite initially seeming less grandiose, the points where levels interconnect often provide a sense of anticlimax. However, they are still rich in exploration opportunities, such as mini-bosses, challenging platforming segments, hidden nodes, and treasure chests to unlock. The one complaint I harbor is that some of them (cough, Cortex Center) can be relentless at times with their environmental perils and adversaries.
As I delve deeper into this game, I’ve noticed an impressive array of adversaries I’m up against. From common guards wielding swords and spears, to advanced drones and Wardogs, there’s no shortage of enemy types. Each one poses unique threats to my character, Yi.
Speaking as an enthusiast, let me delve into another crucial aspect of this game: the combat system. Yi’s repertoire includes a standard attack sequence, which later evolves into firing arrows with the Azure Bow and executing powerful, damage-boosting heavy strikes. He also has the skill to parry, but timing is everything; a precise parry cancels out the attack entirely, while a slight misstep only lessens the impact, becoming risky when dealing with rapid combos. The adversaries, on the other hand, possess unblockable Crimson Attacks that aren’t normally parriable. To counter these, you must perform a Tai-Chi Kick mid-air, a maneuver that momentarily staggers them.
In contrast to Sekiro, there’s no execution move after an enemy’s posture is broken. Instead, Yi accumulates Qi Charges, which can be utilized to affix a talisman that detonates after a brief period, causing significant damage. The more Qi charges amassed, the greater the damage inflicted. Enhancing your skills offers more control over these, such as setting off the talisman earlier (which may be beneficial against numerous enemies). Jades can also aid in this pursuit, as they can disable enemies adorned with talismans to create some breathing space.
It’s clear as day that “Nine Sols” is exceptional. Every aspect, from its visuals and combats to its environments, has been finely tuned, adhering to a consistent vision that resonates consistently.
Initially, it can be tough to grasp the timing for parrying, especially when facing numerous opponents. However, Nine Sols’ combat style transitions effectively between strategic encounters and desperate fights. The initial skirmish against a mini-boss might not go your way, but as you learn their patterns and adapt swiftly, attacks become more targeted and accurate. This is particularly evident in boss battles, which all boast unique mechanics, breathtaking sights, and robust challenges.
If you’re seeking an engaging gaming experience beyond exceptional combat, boss battles, and exploration, then the game “Nine Sols” is worth checking out for its stunning visuals. Each frame features hand-drawn artwork, with remarkable character and enemy designs, and smooth animations that bring everything to life. The environmental aesthetics are equally impressive, using lighting effects to create different moods – from a sense of enigma to downright terror.
The soundtrack is stunningly beautiful – it blends traditional Chinese opera singing and classic instruments with rapid techno rhythms and distortions, a combination that seems improbable yet fits perfectly (especially during combat scenes). To call the visual aesthetics exceptional would be an understatement; even the comic book-style panels leading up to some boss fights are remarkable.
It’s clear by now that Nine Sols is really exceptional. Every aspect, from the visuals, battles, to the environments, are meticulously crafted, adhering to a consistent vision that echoes throughout. Although the plot might be difficult to grasp at first, it remains intriguing, and an in-game glossary assists in keeping track of everything. The level of difficulty may not suit everyone, but there’s a Story Mode to regulate the amount of damage dealt and sustained.
Nine Sols is definitely worth checking out, offering an unusual adventure that doesn’t skimp on any aspect. It doesn’t merely catch your attention as an appealing side-scrolling action game with lovable characters, challenging boss battles, and a strong gameplay system, but as one of the top games in its genre in recent years.
This game was reviewed on PlayStation 5.
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2024-12-02 20:11