Nine Sols

Nine Sols, also known as Nine Sols: A Taoist Tail, is a 2D action-platformer that blends fast-paced combat with a unique “Taopunk” style. Developed by Red Candle Games, it mixes cyberpunk aesthetics with Eastern mythology and Taoist philosophy. You play as Yi, a hero on a mission to take down the nine divine rulers of a mysterious world. The game challenges your reflexes and strategy without drowning you in lore. Intrigued yet? Let’s break it down.

Gameplay and Combat

The combat in Nine Sols is all about skill, timing, and quick reactions. It’s often compared to Sekiro because of its focus on deflecting and countering attacks.

• Deflection-focused melee combat — you’ll need to parry, dodge, and strike with precision.
• Long-range attacks with a bow add variety to your approach.
• Strategic use of magical talismans spices up fights.
• Boss battles test your pattern recognition and patience. Lesson learned: always carry a spare sword.

Exploration and Setting

Set in New Kunlun, a world where sci-fi meets tradition, the environment is visually stunning with hand-drawn art and manga-style animations. The areas connect smoothly, making exploration feel natural rather than tedious.

• Discover secrets and hidden paths that enrich the story.
• Talk to quirky NPCs to unlock upgrades and new skills.
• Enjoy a setting that combines ancient mysticism with futuristic elements — a rare combo.

Visuals and Style

If you like games that look like moving manga panels, Nine Sols delivers. The hand-drawn artwork stands out with detailed animations and captivating cutscenes. It doesn’t just tell a story — it shows it beautifully.

What You Should Know

• Not for casual button-mashers — combat demands focus.
• Expect a moderate learning curve but rewarding gameplay.
• Story and setting add flavor without overwhelming the action.
• Available as a free download, which is pretty cool.

Need a challenge? You got it. Nine Sols offers an action-packed ride with just enough story to keep things interesting. If you like tight combat mechanics with a splash of Eastern mysticism, this might be your next go-to. Just don’t blame me if you end up obsessed with perfecting that bow shot.