‘Nine Sols’ Review (PS5)
There’s been a lot of chatter around Nine Sols ever since it first landed on PC, with many quick to throw around comparisons to Hollow Knight and even label it a “masterpiece.” That’s a dangerous bar to set. But now that the game has made its way to PS5, the question is simple: does it live up to the hype, or buckle under the weight of expectation?
The answer, as it turns out, sits somewhere in between admiration and frustration.
Developed by Red Candle Games, Nine Sols introduces players to a striking “Taopunk” world – a fusion of Taoist philosophy and cyberpunk aesthetics that feels genuinely fresh. You play as Yi, a stoic Solarian warrior betrayed by his own kind and left for dead, only to be rescued by the very beings his people once exploited. What follows is a revenge tale layered with philosophy, morality, and a slow-burning exploration of identity.
It’s a compelling premise, but one that isn’t always told in the most engaging way. The story leans heavily on environmental storytelling, logs, and extended dialogue sequences. While the lore is undeniably rich, it can feel like the game is holding back rather than pulling you in. Characters often say less than they should, and pacing issues in the narrative mean emotional beats don’t always land as effectively as they could. That said, there’s enough intrigue here to keep you pushing forward – even if it’s more curiosity than emotional investment driving you at times.
Where Nine Sols truly shines is in its presentation. This is a stunning game. Every frame looks like it could be lifted and hung on a wall, blending hand-drawn artistry with a cold, industrial sci-fi edge. The contrast between serene, almost spiritual environments and grotesque, oppressive machinery gives the world a unique identity. It’s beautiful, unsettling, and consistently memorable.
The same praise extends to the audio design. The soundtrack leans into its Eastern influences, complementing the world perfectly and giving boss encounters a rhythmic intensity that elevates the action. It’s one of those rare cases where sound and gameplay feel completely in sync.
Speaking of gameplay, combat is the beating heart of Nine Sols – and it’s not here to hold your hand.
Heavily inspired by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the game’s combat system revolves around precision parrying rather than button-mashing. You can dodge, sure, but the real depth lies in mastering deflections, building energy, and unleashing explosive talisman attacks at just the right moment. It’s a system that feels incredible when it clicks… and brutally punishing when it doesn’t.
Enemies hit hard. Bosses hit harder. And while the game is fair in its design, it demands patience, timing, and a willingness to fail repeatedly. This is not a hack-and-slash experience; it’s more like a carefully choreographed dance where one missed step can cost you everything. When you finally overcome a tough encounter, though, the sense of satisfaction is immense.
That said, the difficulty can sometimes tip into frustration. Certain mechanics – like airborne parries or dealing with multiple enemies in visually busy environments – can feel overwhelming, especially when the game’s detailed foreground elements occasionally obscure the action. It’s not game-breaking, but it does lead to moments where deaths feel more irritating than instructive.
Exploration follows a more traditional Metroidvania structure, with a sprawling, interconnected map that gradually opens up as you unlock new abilities. Wall-running, grappling, double jumps: it’s all here, and it works well. Backtracking is encouraged, though not always enjoyable, thanks to a map system that feels a little lacking in clarity and a general absence of guidance. Some players will love the freedom; others may find themselves wandering aimlessly more often than they’d like.
Upgrades come via skill trees and a flexible “jade” system that allows you to customise Yi’s abilities. It adds a welcome layer of strategy, particularly in boss fights, where experimenting with different builds can make a real difference. Still, no amount of upgrades will let you brute-force your way through – skill always takes priority.
There’s also a central hub populated by a small but likeable cast of characters, offering a breather from the relentless combat and a chance to soak in more of the game’s world-building. It’s a nice touch that helps break up the intensity, even if some of the writing occasionally misses the mark.
Ultimately, Nine Sols is a game of contrasts. It’s beautiful but brutal, thoughtful yet sometimes frustrating, mechanically tight but occasionally overwhelming. It may not reach the near-mythical heights of the games it’s often compared to, but it absolutely earns its place in the modern Metroidvania conversation.
This is a game that demands your time, your patience, and your willingness to adapt. If you meet it halfway, you’ll find an experience that’s as rewarding as it is challenging.
Nine Sols is a striking, demanding Metroidvania that doesn’t always hit perfection, but comes impressively close.
***½ 3.5/5
Nine Sols is set for a PS5 release on April 24th.
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