Info about Nine Sols:

Official game description:
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of Asian fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.
Story
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In New Kunlun, hero Yi has awakened the 9 rulers of this forsaken realm. To defeat the 9 Sols in the deserted city.  
“Becomes one with the way of Tao…”  
New Kunlun, the Solarian’s last sanctuary, has remained quiet for centuries. Inside this vast realm, the ancient gods left mortals with a promised land that is forever protected by the sacred rituals, yet the truth of this world remains unknown to most. Everything changes when Yi, a long forgotten hero from the past, is awoken by a human child.  
Follow Yi on his vengeful quest against the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm, and obliterate any obstacles blocking your way in Sekiro-lite style combat. Explore in unique “Taopunk” setting that blends cyberpunk elements with Taoism and far eastern mythology. Unravel the mysteries of an ancient alien race and learn about the fate of mankind.  
Features
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**2D Sekiro-lite Combat:** Slash, deflect, charge into enemies and blow them up with the Taoist talisman! Each fight combines fast, brutal action sequences with classic platforming mechanics.  
**Intriguing Boss Fight:** Ready yourself to fight the vicious ancient guardians and gruesome creatures. Be patient and utilize every move in your arsenal, mix up with Yi’s godly bow to defeat these larger than life figures.  
**Taopunk Setting:** When cyberpunk clashes with Taoism, melding sci-fi elements with eastern mythology/fantasy, the experimental genre of Taopunk was born.  
**Exploration:** Traverse in the interconnected regions of New Kunlun. Discover secrets, piece together the story behind Yi’s revenge.  
**Aids from inhabitants:** Meet interesting NPCs of this world and interact with them to receive upgrades, gain new abilities, and discover useful technology.  
**Hand-drawn Environments/Animations and Manga:** Nine Sols is filled with meticulous hand-crafted, anime style landscapes, sprite based hand-drawn animations, blending with Japanese manga inspired cutscenes.  
Red Candle Games
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From the creators of award-winning psychological horror games Detention and Devotion, comes Red Candle Game’s latest title Nine Sols. The studio aims to deliver a stylized action platformer that’s cohesive and complementary to its lore-rich narrative. It’s an ongoing, most ambitious project from this indie studio.

Release date: 28 May, 2024

Categories: Action Platformer, Real-time Combat, Tactical Combat, Metroidvania, Single-player Story, Exploration, Character Progression, Multiple Endings


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Satisfying and essential parry mechanic (weight 0.96): The parry mechanic is a central and well-executed aspect of the combat system, drawing comparisons to Sekiro.  Perfect parries are satisfying and effective, while imperfect parries offer a degree of forgiveness. Mastering parrying is essential for success and enhances the overall combat flow.
- Challenging, fair, rewarding combat (weight 0.94): The game features challenging but fair combat that requires players to learn enemy patterns and master parrying mechanics. The difficulty is well-balanced, and deaths feel like a learning opportunity rather than the game's fault. The game rewards experimentation and skill-based play, with a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon defeating bosses.
- Unique and appealing world design (weight 0.62): The game features a unique and well-realized world that blends cyberpunk elements with traditional Taoist and Chinese mythology, creating a distinct aesthetic and atmosphere. The art style is visually appealing, with detailed environments, character designs, and animations that enhance the storytelling.
- Combines familiar elements uniquely (weight 0.15): The game draws inspiration from other popular Metroidvanias and Soulslikes, such as Hollow Knight and Sekiro, but maintains its own unique identity. It successfully combines elements from these games while introducing new ideas and mechanics, resulting in a fresh and engaging experience.
- Exceptional and memorable boss fights (weight 0.12): The boss fights are a major highlight, offering unique challenges and requiring players to master the game's mechanics. The final boss is particularly well-designed and provides a satisfying culmination of the player's skills. The music during boss fights is also exceptional, enhancing the intensity and emotional impact of the encounters.
- Impactful and memorable endings (weight 0.06): The game's endings are impactful and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the player. The story explores deep themes and features plot twists that add to the emotional resonance of the experience. The music during the ending credits is particularly noteworthy.
- Rewarding exploration, helpful map (weight 0.05): The game features a helpful map system that constantly updates to show new areas and loose ends. The game rewards exploration and makes it easy to find collectibles without being tedious. The game also has good replayability.
- Excellent and atmospheric soundtrack (weight 0.04): The game features a well-composed and atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. The music is particularly effective during boss fights, creating a sense of intensity and excitement. The ending credits song is also highly praised.
- Unique and well-designed bosses (weight 0.04): The game's bosses have unique designs, attack patterns, and backstories, making them memorable and more than just obstacles. The bosses are well-crafted in terms of design and narrative, with each having a different gameplay style.
- Enjoyable and well-designed platforming (weight 0.04): The game features enjoyable platforming elements that are well-integrated into the level design. The movement feels tight and responsive, making exploration and traversal satisfying. New abilities encourage players to revisit areas and rethink obstacles, adding depth to the gameplay.
- Polished and well-optimized experience (weight 0.04): The game is polished and runs well, with few bugs interfering with the gameplay. The overall satisfaction with the game is very high, and it is considered a masterpiece by some reviewers.
- Unique and interesting setting (weight 0.03): The game features a unique and interesting setting that blends sci-fi and wu-xia elements, dripping with Chinese mythology and aesthetics. The story is well-detailed and engaging, with a good quality and a captivating mystery.
- Smooth and responsive controls (weight 0.03): The game features smooth and responsive controls, making movement and combat feel fluid and satisfying. The animations are well-executed, adding to the overall polish of the game.

Common complaints:
- Unforgiving, unbalanced difficulty; frustrating deaths (weight 0.51): The game's difficulty is a major point of contention. Many reviewers found the game to be brutally difficult due to enemy attack patterns, limited invincibility frames, and the need for precise parrying. Some also noted that the placement of checkpoints and the mechanics of retrieving lost currency upon death added to the frustration.
- Linear level design; poor map (weight 0.36): Many reviewers felt that the game's level design was too linear for a Metroidvania, lacking the sense of exploration and discovery found in other games in the genre. The map system was also criticized for being unhelpful or lacking key features.
- Tedious backtracking, limited fast travel (weight 0.32): Reviewers frequently criticized the game's world design and traversal mechanics. The lack of early access to fast travel, the restrictive nature of the fast travel system (often requiring a return to a central hub), and the tedious backtracking contribute to a less enjoyable exploration experience.
- Problematic specific boss encounters (weight 0.24): Some specific bosses, such as Lady Butterfly, were singled out for being particularly frustrating due to their multi-phase designs, confusing mechanics, or inconsistent hitboxes.
- Poorly explained mechanics (weight 0.21): Some reviewers found the game's mechanics to be poorly explained, leading to confusion and frustration. This includes mechanics such as summoning characters or understanding the effects of certain items.
- Short length, high price (weight 0.18): Some reviewers felt that the game's length was short for its price, and that it lacked replayability due to its linearity and limited content.
- Missing quality-of-life features (weight 0.1): The game lacks certain quality-of-life features, such as a New Game+ mode, clear guidance for collectibles, and the ability to skip cutscenes on repeat playthroughs, which detracts from the overall experience.
- Unmemorable soundtrack (weight 0.08): Some reviewers found the game's soundtrack to be unmemorable or ill-fitting, failing to enhance the overall experience.
- Inferior to Hollow Knight (weight 0.04): Some reviewers made direct comparisons to Hollow Knight, noting that this game falls short in terms of exploration, level design, and overall quality.

Gameplay feedback:
- Parry-focused combat, Sekiro-inspired (weight 0.27): The core combat revolves around a parry system, drawing heavy inspiration from Sekiro, but with unique mechanics like internal damage and talisman usage. Mastering parrying is essential for survival and progress, as it builds Qi for powerful talisman attacks. While the parry window is generous, the game demands precise timing and memorization of enemy attack patterns, with different parry types for various attacks.
- Customizable builds via Jades/Skills (weight 0.25): The game offers a variety of customization options through the Jade system (similar to Hollow Knight's charms), a skill tree, and different arrow types for the bow. These systems allow players to tailor their playstyle, experiment with builds, and adapt to different combat situations. However, some reviews suggest that certain Jades and skills are more useful than others, potentially limiting build diversity.
- Linear Metroidvania world design (weight 0.14): The game incorporates Metroidvania elements such as interconnected levels, ability-gated progression, and backtracking, but it leans towards a more linear experience compared to games like Hollow Knight. The map design facilitates exploration and rewards players with upgrades and secrets, but some reviewers found the exploration less captivating than the combat.
- Varied gameplay: puzzles, stealth (weight 0.02): Beyond the core combat and exploration, the game includes a variety of additional elements such as platforming challenges, puzzles, stealth sections, and mini-boss encounters. These elements provide a change of pace and add depth to the gameplay experience, with some reviewers highlighting the boss fights as a particular strength.
- Pattern recognition, boss phases (weight 0.02): The game emphasizes learning enemy attack patterns and timing parries, requiring players to adapt to different enemy behaviors. Boss fights often have multiple phases with evolving attack patterns, demanding a methodical approach and rewarding players for mastering the combat system. This focus on pattern recognition and precise execution is a key element of the game's challenge and appeal.
- Adjustable difficulty, high skill-ceiling (weight 0.02): The game offers multiple difficulty options, including a story mode for players who want a less challenging experience. The standard difficulty is considered high, comparable to Dark Souls, and requires mastering the parry mechanic and learning enemy attack patterns. This allows players to tailor the game's challenge to their skill level and preferences.
- Inconsistent level design quality (weight 0.02): While the game's map design is praised for its beauty and creativity, some reviewers found the level design itself to be bland or uninspired. The platforming elements are generally considered decent but not a primary focus, and the overall exploration experience may not be as engaging as the combat.
- Hollow Knight comparisons (mixed) (weight 0.01): The game draws comparisons to Hollow Knight in terms of character building and map structure, but some reviewers found the charm system less interesting and the movement clunkier. The combat is more aggressive and precision-focused than Hollow Knight's, emphasizing parrying over dodging.
- Decent sidequests, potential monotony (weight 0.01): The game features sidequests that are generally easy to find and intuitive to complete, adding depth to the world and characters. However, some reviewers found the main game to be lengthy and repetitive, with the constant need to kill enemies becoming monotonous over time.
- Solid, standard movement abilities (weight 0.01): The game's movement abilities are standard for the genre, including double jumps, air dashes, and charged attacks, and are well-implemented. The platforming feels fluid and responsive, and the abilities complement each other effectively in both combat and exploration.
- Multiple endings, completion requirements (weight 0.01): The game features multiple endings, with the 'good' ending often requiring a high degree of completion, such as collecting all items and completing all quests. This encourages thorough exploration and engagement with the game's content, but may also necessitate multiple playthroughs to achieve full completion.
- Souls-like death/currency loss (weight 0.01): The game incorporates a 'Souls-like' death mechanic where players lose experience and money upon death, requiring them to retrieve it from their death location. This adds a layer of risk and reward to exploration and combat, encouraging players to be cautious and strategic in their approach.
- Revenge plot, high execution demand (weight 0.01): The game's main goal is to defeat the Nine Sols, driven by the protagonist's revenge, and demands memorization of enemy movements and precise execution. Some reviewers compare the game's difficulty and focus on perfection to titles like Devil May Cry or Megaman Zero.

Performance notes:
- Excellent and optimized performance overall (weight 0.04): The game generally exhibits excellent performance, running smoothly on various hardware configurations, including the Steam Deck and lower-end PCs. Many reviewers reported stable frame rates, optimized performance, and a lack of significant bugs or technical issues. Some even highlight the game's flawless performance and optimization.
- Occasional bugs and technical issues (weight 0.03): While generally stable, some players have reported occasional crashes, bugs (like audio cutouts and hitbox issues), and noticeable asset pop-in. Additionally, the game doesn't pause when Alt+Tab is used, and cutscenes cannot be paused, which can be problematic.
- Noticeable loading times impact pacing (weight 0.02): Some reviewers found the loading screens between areas and long travel animations (elevators, trams) to be somewhat lengthy, which negatively impacts the game's pacing. This was noticeable even with the game installed on an NVMe SSD.
- BGM can cause eye strain (weight 0.01): The background music can be distracting due to the amount of visual information on the screen. Lowering the BGM volume can help reduce eye strain and make it easier to hear important sound cues during gameplay.
- Inconvenient revive/teleport system (weight 0): The game has long runs between revive points and many bosses, and teleportation is restricted to teleporting back to home base first.
- Laptop heats up significantly (weight 0): The reviewer's laptop heats up significantly after 30 minutes of playing, comparable to Persona 5 Strikers.
- Inconsistent parry window (weight 0): The parry window in standard mode seems to vary based on the frame rate and hardware used.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended; worth the cost (weight 0.44): The game receives overwhelmingly positive recommendations, with many reviewers calling it a "masterpiece" and a GOTY contender. Reviewers highlight the game's high quality, satisfying gameplay, and unforgettable experience, making it worth the time and money. Many reviewers express strong positive emotions and a desire for more content.
- Similar to Hollow Knight/Sekiro (weight 0.27): Many reviewers compare the game to Hollow Knight and Sekiro, noting similarities in gameplay and difficulty. Some recommend it to fans of those games, while others caution against expecting a similar experience. Some reviewers suggest playing Hollow Knight first to get familiar with the genre.
- Consider sale, story mode (weight 0.1): Some reviewers suggest buying the game on sale due to the limited content or potential for frustration. Others advise switching to story mode if the difficulty becomes too overwhelming. A few reviewers strongly advise against playing the game, calling it a waste of time.
- Challenging, adjustable difficulty (weight 0.05): The game's difficulty is a significant point of discussion, with some reviewers finding it challenging but rewarding, while others recommend using story mode to alleviate frustration. Reviewers suggest that the game is accessible to both casual and hardcore players due to the adjustable difficulty.
- Compelling story and characters (weight 0.04): Reviewers praise the game's story, characters, and world-building, noting that they are memorable and well-paced. Some recommend reading all dialogue and lore to enhance the ending's impact. Many reviewers consider the game a hidden gem that deserves more attention.
- Good alternative to Silksong (weight 0.02): The game is recommended as a good alternative for those waiting for Silksong. Reviewers suggest that it can help fill the void left by the unreleased game.
- Anticipation for RedCandleGames' future (weight 0.02): Reviewers express high praise and anticipation for future games from RedCandleGames, comparing them to SuperGiantGames. They note that this game is especially impressive considering it is RedCandleGames’ first entry into this genre.
- Worth the price on sale (weight 0.01): The game is worth the price if it's on sale. The reviewer supports the original price of 650 yuan.
- Stylish, underrated, fun to play (weight 0.01): The game is described as lively, stylish, and cool. The game is underrated and deserves more love and support.
- Support the developers (weight 0.01): The reviewer recommends playing the game to support the developers and potentially fund a Kuafu Visual Novel DLC. The reviewer bought the game at full price to support the developer, whose previous game was pulled from Steam.
- Positive Steam Deck experience (weight 0.01): Playing the game on the Steam Deck was a very positive experience. Consider waiting for the physical version to resell if you don't like it, or play less than 2 hours on Steam for a refund.
- Acceptance of life's realities (weight 0.01): The game is for people sick of the toxic positivity slop modern life seems to love slapping people with; life isn't always sunshine and roses, and to be complete in the Tao is a recognition and acceptance of our lives, good and bad.
- Cyberpunk aesthetic and music (weight 0.01): The game's music complements its old-school Asian cyberpunk aesthetic. The game is a cyberpunk at its core due to the themes, conflicts, and contrasts it explores.
- Negative ratings due to issues (weight 0): The reviewer rated the game -2/10 due to the jailbreak level and butterfly platforming. The reviewer rated the game -5/10 for trolling and torturing players with the Lady Ethereal fight. The reviewer rated the game -10/10 due to the paper bomb interruption issue. These points show signs of review bombing.

Other player notes:
- Unique "Taopunk" aesthetic and setting (weight 0.08): The game features a unique "Taopunk" aesthetic, blending Taoism, cyberpunk, sci-fi, and Chinese mythology. This combination creates a distinctive atmosphere and setting that sets it apart from other games in the genre. The world, characters, and story are heavily inspired by these elements.
- Inspired by Sekiro, Hollow Knight (weight 0.07): The game draws inspiration from other popular titles like Sekiro and Hollow Knight, particularly in its combat and exploration mechanics. While comparisons are inevitable, reviewers note that Nine Sols brings its own unique elements to the metroidvania formula. Some reviewers went into the game with the mindset of proving it was worse than Hollow Knight.
- Complex story, mixed reception (weight 0.05): The game's story explores themes of morality, mortality, betrayal, and the consequences of seeking eternal life, drawing from Chinese mythology and Taoist philosophy. While some find the narrative engaging and well-crafted, others find it confusing, generic, or that it gets in the way of the gameplay. The story revolves around the protagonist Yi's quest for revenge and uncovering the mysteries of the past.
- Bloody and violent content (weight 0.03): Despite its cute aesthetic, the game contains significant amounts of blood, gore, and violence, with some scenes being disturbing or unsettling. This contrast between the visuals and the violent content may be off-putting to some players. Players should be aware of the potential for gruesome imagery.
- Multiple endings, short playthroughs (weight 0.01): The game features multiple endings, but they can be achieved within a relatively short amount of time, sometimes requiring only two playthroughs. The game provides a save rollback before the ending split, making it easier to experience both endings in a single playthrough. There is at least one achievement that requires a second playthrough.
- Limited number of bosses (weight 0.01): The game features a customizable boss replay mode, allowing players to re-challenge bosses. However, some reviewers felt that the limited number of bosses (9) was a drawback, limiting the extended enjoyment of the game's atmosphere and exploration. Bosses sometimes appear randomly in previously visited areas.
- Review bombing incident (weight 0): The game was review bombed, seemingly due to it being developed by a Taiwanese studio. This is not a reflection of the game's quality. The game uses Japanese readings for names, but the Taiwanese Mandarin pronunciation gives a better impression of the characters.

Emotions:
No emotions}