Nine Sols for Windows

Quick summary

Nine Sols is a 2D action-platformer from RedCandleGames that combines intricately drawn visuals with a dark Eastern-fantasy setting. Players take control of a resurrected hero and fight through a corrupted realm to take revenge on nine tyrannical deities. The game blends precision melee combat with traditional platforming challenges and demands precise timing from the player.

World and narrative

Set in New Kunlun, a once-sacred refuge for the Solarians, the story follows Yi, an ancient champion reawakened by a child’s mistake. The land has long been dominated by nine powerful beings who allowed their people to suffer under neglect and cruelty. As Yi, you traverse a taopunk landscape — a fusion of cybernetic elements and Taoist-inspired myth — as you hunt down each of the ruling Sols and uncover the realm’s tragedies.

Core gameplay systems

• Platforming and traversal remain central, with classic jump-and-run sections interwoven with combat arenas.
• A timing-based deflection/parry mechanic rewards precise counters and opens opportunities for devastating reprisals.
• Magical talismans and dash-slash moves let you close gaps and chain attacks into aggressive combos.
• Expect a steep learning curve: the combat’s depth and timing emphasis can be unforgiving for newcomers.

Combat feel and influences

The gameplay evokes the intensity of modern “soulslike” and precision-action titles: encounters are fast, brutal, and require reading enemy patterns. Visuals and pacing echo hand-crafted metroidvania-style games, while the parry/deflect system shares lineage with precision-parry action games. The result is a fluid mix of offensive momentum and defensive timing, where well-executed counters frequently turn the tide of battle.

Characters, upgrades, and progression

Throughout the journey you’ll meet a cast of supporting figures who provide lore, upgrades, and access to new abilities or technologies. Interacting with these characters unlocks new talismans, passive improvements, and occasionally equipment that changes how you approach fights and exploration.

Visual presentation

The game features detailed hand-drawn animations and manga-inspired cinematic scenes that emphasize dramatic moments. The art direction highlights a moody, ruined world contrasted with ornate character designs and slick action animations.

Who should play it

• Players who enjoy demanding, timing-focused melee combat and reward-based learning will find a lot to love.
• Those who prefer more forgiving or casual platformers may find the parry-heavy systems stressful or punishing.

Alternative recommendation

Consider Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus (paid) if you want a different take on Eastern-themed action-platforming. Compared to Nine Sols, it offers a distinct pacing and approach to movement and combat while retaining thematic similarities.

Final notes

Nine Sols is a visually striking and mechanically deep action-platformer that rewards patience and mastery. Its combination of hand-crafted art, mythic storytelling, and a high-skill combat system creates a memorable but sometimes challenging experience.