Nine Sols: Acclaimed Soulslike on Steam Sale

Reiner Knizia

Prolific and award-winning board game designer with a PhD in mathematics, known for elegant game mechanics.

Nine Sols, a game that has earned a rare 92% score on PC Gamer, is currently featured in a significant Steam sale. As a dedicated player who immersed myself in its 28-hour journey, I wholeheartedly endorse this title. It’s a remarkable experience that stands out in the soulslike genre, comparable to the acclaimed Lies of P: Overture.

Dive into the Action: Nine Sols on Sale

This week, a golden opportunity awaits gaming enthusiasts: Nine Sols is available on Steam at a striking 60% discount, bringing its price down to an attractive $12/£10. This special offer is valid until May 18th. For this price, players gain access to a captivating 20-hour adventure that solidly positions itself among the elite Sekiro-inspired titles. It’s a creation from RedCandleGames, a studio previously celebrated for its atmospheric horror games, a heritage evident in the dark, intense, and profoundly unsettling narrative of New Kunlun. Unlike many protagonists in soulslike games, the feline-like character Yi in Nine Sols possesses a distinct personality. The unraveling of the game’s central mysteries and Yi's transformation from a rage-filled avenger to a more profound figure is genuinely engaging and forms the emotional core of the experience. Beyond its narrative depth, the gameplay itself is exhilarating. For those who relish parry-centric combat, Nine Sols offers one of the finest implementations of this mechanic. Its appeal extends to fans of titles like Hollow Knight and Silksong, given its similar intricate design. While it may not feature as many boss encounters as Silksong, the quality and impact of each boss battle are unparalleled. The game also introduces innovative mechanics, such as the Unbounded Counter—a feature where players must precisely release the block button to deflect attacks. This adds an additional layer of skill and strategic depth to boss confrontations, requiring players to anticipate enemy moves with precision. Furthermore, the game boasts an exceptional soundtrack, enhancing the overall immersive experience. This limited-time offer makes Nine Sols an unmissable title for anyone seeking a challenging, story-rich, and mechanically satisfying gaming experience.

This game serves as a brilliant example of how narrative depth can elevate the soulslike genre beyond just challenging combat. The development of Yi's character, coupled with the rich storytelling, transforms what could be a typical action game into a truly memorable journey. It reinforces the idea that even in genres known for their difficulty, a compelling story and innovative mechanics can create an unforgettable experience, inviting players to not only conquer challenges but also to invest emotionally in the world and its characters.