A Review by MJ Dark
From the moment I first vanquished the Soul Master in Hollow Knight, it reminded of why I love the Metroidvania genre. That battle was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a triumphant leap from my seat when I thought victory was mine—only to be plunged into a heart-pounding second round. It was a defining moment in my gaming history, one that set the bar for future games of this genre.
Despite delving into numerous titles since then, none captured the essence of Hollow Knight’s allure—until Nine Sol’s emerged from the shadows during Steam Next Fest 2023. Developed by the creators of the chilling first-person horror games Detention and Devotion, Nine Sol’s marked a bold departure from their previous work. After sampling the demo, I was hyped; and the game ascended to the top of my Steam Wishlist.
Fast forward to 2024, and Nine Sol’s has made its grand debut on Steam. But what exactly is Nine Sol’s? It’s a Metroidvania masterpiece, heavily inspired by the likes of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Hollow Knight.
Narrative Arc
In Nine Sol’s, you embody the legendary hero Yi, embarking on a vengeful quest against the titular Nine Sol’s who left you for dead. The narrative unfolds from a deceptively simple premise into a rich tapestry of intrigue. You discover Yi’s noble mission to eradicate the Tianhuo virus plaguing the cat-like Solorians. In a desperate bid to save your people, you construct a VR-powered cryogenic machine, powered by the intellect (Brains) of humans. The silent cutscenes that punctuate the story are nothing short of cinematic
brilliance, drawing you deeper into the game’s world.
Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay intertwines Hollow Knight’s exploration with Sekiro’s intense combat. Starting with basic slashes, you’re gradually introduced to intricate parrying and dashing techniques. Yi’s unique dash move, which tags enemies with a totem for one-hit executions, adds a strategic layer to battles. While the enemy patterns could benefit from greater diversity, the combat remains engaging and rewarding.
Visual and Audio Presentation
Nine Sol’s is a visual feast, especially on a 4K OLED display. The hand-drawn animations are a testament to the artistry behind the game. Boss battles are presented with a nostalgic kung-fu film aesthetic, complete with grainy visuals and a soundtrack that echoes the epic duels of Ghost of Tsushima. The score is equally impressive, enhancing the overall experience.
Accessibility and Difficulty
For those wary of the ‘souls-like’ label, fear not. Nine Sol’s offers a story mode that balances challenge with accessibility, ensuring enjoyment for both hardcore and casual players alike. I tackled the game on standard difficulty and found it to be a fair test of skill, with only a couple of bosses posing a significant threat.
Final Verdict
Nine Sol’s is an essential play for any Metroidvania enthusiast. It’s a rare gem that compelled me to achieve 100% completion, including the discovery of a secret boss. While the main story can be completed in 18-25 hours, I invested a full 40 hours to fully immerse myself in the game’s universe, engaging with every character and preparing meticulously for each boss encounter. Nine Sol’s is not just a game; it’s a journey—one that rekindles the magic of discovery and the thrill of combat that first captivated me with Hollow Knight
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