Nine Sols

Nine Sols is a 2D action-adventure game where players embark on a revenge journey to defeat nine Sols. Players must attack and jump across horizontal platforms, absorbing enemy attacks to accumulate energy and unleash various skills. They can also utilize agile movement to perform diverse maneuvers such as running, jumping, and double jumping. Skillful maneuvering helps players defeat enemies, earn rich rewards, and continuously develop their character. As players defeat the nine Sols, collect their marks, and deepen their interactions with other NPCs, different endings will be determined. Can you help Minecraft achieve the true ending?

Modes of Nine Sols:

Standard Mode: For players seeking challenges and enjoying the fun of combat and exploration.Standard mode has the default scaling of player damage, as well as enemy health and damage values.On Standard players are given an option to irreversably switch to Story Mode through Gameplay options menu, which will affect game achievements (only affects an achievement related to beating the game on Standard Mode).

Story Mode: For players who want to fully enjoy the story.You can dynamically adjust damage multipliers in the settings.Story mode includes sliders to dynamically adjust damage multipliers in the settings (accessible in Gameplay options menu at any time).By default, the modifiers are set to 150% Attack Multiplier and 25% Injury Multiplier.Attack Multiplier: 100%: 1000% dealt damage (up to 10 times the damage). The Azure Bow is affected twice by this multiplier, resulting in up to 100 times the damage;Injury Multiplier: 1%: 100% taken damage from attacks. Continuous low damage such as by fire will still be noticeable as its duration isn't affected.These sliders can be varied continuously within their allowed range, and are only limited in precision by pixel resolution.Players are still able to get Achievements in Story Mode and are only locked out from getting Fight Through Hardship, obtained for finishing Nine Sols on Standard Mode.Since Red Candle Games is primarily known for story-driven games, their player base, along with many others, may not be accustomed to such challenging gameplay. Story Mode allows a broader audience to explore the Nine Sols universe and enjoy its intriguing plot. Story Mode is also a stretch goal of 6,000,000 NTD (achieved) for the Nine Sols Crowdfunding Project.

Battle Memories: Battle Memories (previously, Memories of Battle) is a boss rematch mode that unlocks after reaching any of the Endings.Currently, Battle Memories allows the player to refight 8 Sol bosses with all of the skills, jades and equipment unlocked. Bosses have higher health and damage, the effect is bigger on the early bosses.

Features of Nine Sols:

Engage in Dynamic Combat: Nine Sols introduces players to an adrenaline-pumping combat system that takes cues from the intricate, skillful fighting found in games like Sekiro. Every encounter requires precision and timing; mastering the art of slashing, deflecting, and dashing is essential for survival in this unforgiving environment. Players will find themselves engaged in frenetic battles, where the fluidity of attacks and responses can turn the tide in an instant. With a continuation of relentless enemies refusing to yield, Yi must employ strategic moves and devastating talisman attacks that not only demonstrate her combat prowess but also unlock additional layers of storytelling as players uncover the power behind each talisman she wields.

Explore a Vast Interconnected World: The realm of New Kunlun is expansive, filled with interconnected regions that beckon exploration at every turn. Players will traverse beautifully designed landscapes that overflow with environmental storytelling—each area dripping with atmosphere and uniqueness. The level design encourages both exploration and backtracking, allowing players to uncover hidden paths, secret treasures, and lore that illuminate the origins of the Nine Sols and the forsaken realm. Expect to encounter a variety of biomes, from sun-drenched temples adorned with relics of old, to shadowy forests echoing whispers of ancient spirits. Every corner of this world has a story to tell, enticing players to seek out the unseen and unravel the narrative woven within.

Boss Battles That Challenge and Inspire: As Yi ventures forth, her path leads to formidable opponents known as the Nine Sols, each representing a unique challenge that tests players' mastery of the combat system. These colossal bosses are not merely obstacles but rather characterful antagonists with their own rich backstories and motivations. The encounters are designed to be epic showdowns—each battle is a dance of strategy, requiring players to learn the intricacies of their foes’ attack patterns and exploit their weaknesses. The thrill of conquering these titans brings a sense of achievement that resonates long after the dust settles.

The Significance of Talisman Powers: Integral to Yi's journey are the talismans she collects, each infused with distinct abilities that can turn the tide in combat. These mystical artifacts not only provide offensive strength but also offer defensive strategies that players must learn to utilize effectively. The process of gathering and experimenting with different talismans adds depth to gameplay, as players can customize their approach to encounters. Deciphering the lore behind these talismans also enriches the experience, unveiling ancient powers that tie into the overarching narrative and Yi’s personal vendetta against the Nine Sols.

Useful Tips of Nine Sols:

Don't Forget To Visit The Pavilion: As players make their way through the various Zones in the game, they should always remember to stop back in at the Four Seasons Pavilion. Not only is this a safe zone, but it's also a key location for getting important items. They'll have the opportunity to interact with the key NPCs, advance their personal quests, and sometimes obtain important items from them.It's also where they can recycle items for Jin and buy upgrades. By frequently stopping in at the Pavilion, players won't miss out on key events in the story and will always have a chance to upgrade their equipment as needed to beat the next enemy they come across.

Master Dodging: One of the most crucial moves players will learn during the tutorial phase of the game is how to dodge. While parrying is effective and, with the right upgrades, can reflect projectiles back at the enemy, Yi can only do it in so many situations. Eventually, parrying too much could kill him.Dodging is an effective strategy that allows Yi to slip by an enemy attack to gain a better footing. Out of the danger zone, players can recoup and move back in to take their own strike at the enemy. Alternatively, a well-timed dodge can allow for a powerful Shadow Strike to deal massive damage.

Internal Versus Direct Damage: In Nine Sols, there are two types of damage: internal and direct damage. Both Yi and his enemies receive both. Direct damage is any type of damage that cannot be healed without a healing item. Internal damage can build up, and so long as Yi doesn't take any additional damage, it will heal on its own over time.To make it easier to succeed in battle, players can pick up different types of Jades that help prevent the effects of internal damage. Some Jades even bestow healing following a successful parry.

Don't Neglect The Azure Bow: After players reunite with Kuafu, they'll be rewarded with the Azure Bow. This secondary weapon is crucial to Yi's survival and should be regularly upgraded. Players will need Dark Steel to complete the upgrades, making this material a must-find whenever Yi is out and about.The Azure Bow can help Yi get out of some pretty tight spots. It's powerful enough to knock out groups of weaker enemies, which can be a game-changer when Yi is surrounded. Another bonus is its disruptive effects against stronger enemies, as it can interrupt their attacks mid-move.

Don't Charge Into Groups Of Enemies: It can be very tempting to charge headlong into a group of enemies when Yi has been on a successful run. But that group of enemies could easily be his downfall. It's incredibly easy to become overwhelmed by even a small group of enemies. Each type has its own attack pattern, and trying to keep track of them all at once can be a bit of a struggle.So, when players approach an area of high activity, it's best to take a few seconds and evaluate the situation. Developing a strategy before rushing in can prevent the devastating loss of Jin and EXP. Eventually, tackling multiple enemies at once won't be so challenging, but at the start, patience is the key to success.

Player Comments of Nine Sols:

I'm seeing a lot of unfair negative reviews about this game, which bothers me because Nine Sols deserves a bigger audience. Make no mistake, this is a difficult game. Parry mechanics aren't for everyone, and that's totally fair, but so many of these complaints about feeling weak are solved with a couple points in the skill tree, or just some basic game progression. People who haven't gotten past the second area are complaining about a lack of features the game hasn't introduced yet. Players stuck at early bosses are calling the combat unresponsive. 'Git gud' is a really obnoxious sentiment to hear during gruelling boss fights, no doubt, but I really encourage people to give this game a chance, take it slow, and push through some of the difficult opening hours. If it still feels really unforgiving, then play on story mode. You can adjust damage values in the settings mid-game. Yes, you won't get that achievement, but who cares? This is a singleplayer game, play how you want.

Every boss, miniboss, and tough enemy that kicks your ass initially will eventually become second nature, especially as the difficulty curve flattens out, you get more upgrades, and most importantly, you learn the game more. Explore every corner, and don't hoard your money. Remember spots on the map to come back to later. Switch your Jades out for different situations. During new encounters, just play passive and learn the moveset. The talisman mechanic is very important, and finding moments to slap paper on enemies will pay off, doubly so if you use it to reposition. A Jade you get early that makes talismans stun enemies will help you get used it, but learn to keep a mental tab on how many you have as you deflect attacks and gain more charges. Experiment with the different types you get later, and find one that suits your playstyle.

Every boss makes use of the parry mechanic, so if that's not your cup of tea, I wouldn't recommend the game to you, but if you've played Sekiro, you'll feel right at home here. The final boss of a game hasn't made me feel like such a baller since The Glock Saint himself. It's cocaine. That other Steam review is right - it's cocaine. The bosses in this game are tightly designed, with the great animation work showing off their tells before each attack. It's cocaine. You'll find yourself getting into a flow state where you're picking up patterns and learning how to counter each and every move. It's cocaine. Don't get discouraged from dying - it's part of the game, and you're expected to. But with a bit of patience and some quick reactions, this game CAN be mastered. It's cocaine.

The visuals are just stunning. I haven't played a metroidvania this pretty since the Ori games, and both the Taopunk aesthetic and manga panels during key moments really give it a sense of style that adds to the already engaging story. The chilling opening sequence hooked me and made me want to discover what was going on in the massive facility you find yourself in. Fair warning to people drawn in by the charming character designs - the game has some dramatic tone shifts, and you will go from picking up bubble tea rations to exposed intestines in the span of a room. The atmosphere is also very eerie as you blitz through cyborg guards and mutated freaks to an absolute banger of a soundtrack full of chimes and distorted wailing. I personally could not get enough of it. I harpooned the backs of dragons and hid in storage containers filled with human meat and marvelled at the creative choices on display here. Did I mention the lovingly hand-drawn animations? It's all gorgeous.

The game has built a rich world, with a lot of history before the time you start the game, and many characters are absolutely ancient. Each Sol (boss) runs a sector of the facility, and part of the fun as you go throughout their level is finding out how they've adapted (or contributed) to the crisis going on at the moment as your angry little rationalist hamster clashes philosophies with them and generally talks some mad Taoist. Some of my favorite bits in this game come from when a Sol decided to introduce a new gameplay mechanic in their level - or completely switch genres in one case. The strongest of these segments come in the first two thirds of the game, but each level has a unique twist that makes for some interesting platforming.

If you're a lore enjoyer like me, there's a lot to dig into here. You'll find loads of entries detailing the facility's many ethically questionable processes. You'll learn about dynasties, families and religious groups in power who had a hand in shaping the current world. You'll stumble on recorded hologram meetings that help put a timeline on the web of events that went on before the game's story. That's without even mentioning all the Taiwanese myths and symbolism inspiring this game that I'm too culturally stupid to catch.

Final Verdict:

Nine Sols suits players who want demanding battles tied to a clear revenge story and a distinct world. Set in New Kunlun, the plot follows Yi as he hunts nine rulers of a forsaken realm. The game blends cyberpunk ideas with Taoist and far eastern mythology to build a Taopunk backdrop. Additionally, it keeps a lore heavy tone for users who like to learn history through environments and characters. Players searching for Nine Sols APK can check core information here before installation.