Visuals
The visuals in Nine Sols are solid. While a few areas stand out as especially beautiful, most environments are functional rather than visually striking. The art direction supports the tone well, but it rarely takes center stage.
Combat
Combat is the game’s defining feature and its greatest strength. Unlike other Metroidvanias, Nine Sols emphasizes parrying over dodging, drawing a closer comparison to Sekiro than to Hollow Knight. The mechanics feel fluid and responsive, and mastering the timing of parries is both satisfying and essential. Boss fights are a major highlight, with the final boss standing out as a particularly memorable encounter. Some attacks can feel visually misleading, hitting the player despite appearing to miss, but focusing on parrying rather than dodging largely resolves this issue. The challenge is high, but rarely feels unfair.
Story
The narrative is stronger than expected and offers some interesting themes and worldbuilding. However, the way it is presented lacks impact. The storytelling does its job but is not especially engaging or memorable.
Sound
The soundtrack is serviceable and supports the gameplay well. While it never detracts from the experience, it also fails to deliver standout tracks that stay with the player afterward.
Level Design
Although technically a Metroidvania, the game leans heavily toward linearity. Exploration plays a lesser role than in genre staples, which may disappoint some fans. However, the structured progression supports the intense combat focus and ensures a steady ramp-up in difficulty.
Verdict
9 out of 10
Nine Sols is a hidden gem with outstanding combat that sets it apart from other Metroidvanias. While its story and visuals are modest, the gameplay is strong enough to carry the entire experience. A must-play for fans of challenging 2D action games.
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