Nine Sols: A Unique Approach to Action Platformer Gaming
In the bustling world of video games, where countless genres battle for the attention of gamers, a game needs a unique twist to stand out. “Nine Sols,” a recently released 2D action-platformer, offers just that. While drawing on familiar elements from traditional action platformers, “Nine Sols” introduces distinct gameplay mechanics that set it apart.
Cyberpunk Metroidvania with a Twist
“Nine Sols” is set in a cyberpunk world brimming with vibrant visuals and engaging lore. Players control Yi, a high-ranking official from an alien species known as Solarians. Unlike the adorable protagonist from “Stray,” Yi is a fierce warrior with a grim purpose. After being thrown into the human realm and nursed back to health by a young boy named Shuanshuan, Yi develops a newfound sympathy towards humans. This sets the stage for an epic journey back to the Solarian realm to restore its past glory.
On the surface, “Nine Sols” follows the traditional Metroidvania framework. Expect a massive map filled with obstacles, enemies, and gates that can only be unlocked after defeating certain bosses and acquiring specific abilities. However, it’s the distinctive combat system that truly differentiates “Nine Sols” from other action platformers.
Mastering the Parry
Where “Nine Sols” diverges sharply from its predecessors is its emphasis on parry-based combat. Unlike traditional action games that offer a variety of combat styles and skill trees, “Nine Sols” focuses primarily on mastering the parry or counter-attack movement. This means players must time their defenses perfectly against enemy attacks. A misjudged parry, even by half a second, can spell defeat.
This parry-centric approach can be challenging for players accustomed to more straightforward combat mechanics. Traditional action platformers might permit players to rely on different tactics, such as ranged attacks or stealth approaches. In “Nine Sols,” however, there is no escaping the necessity of perfect timing. The skill tree in “Nine Sols” mostly enhances the effectiveness of parries rather than offering alternative combat paths, making it crucial for players to adapt to this style.
The Allure of Story and Presentation
What keeps players coming back, despite the steep learning curve, is the game’s compelling story and stunning cut scenes. The narrative unfolds like a graphic novel, with each new revelation about Yi’s past motivating players to persevere through challenging boss fights and tricky platforming sections.
For example, while navigating the labyrinthine levels filled with slimy green snakes and hidden traps, players are continuously rewarded with snippets of lore that provide deeper insight into Yi’s character and the world around him. These narrative rewards create a strong incentive to master the game’s combat mechanics and push forward, despite the repeated failures.
A Game for the Determined
“Nine Sols” is perhaps not the ideal starting point for newcomers to the genre due to its high difficulty. However, the satisfaction of mastering its parry mechanic is immensely rewarding. For many players, this sense of achievement could act as a gateway to tackling other challenging games, possibly even paving the way to the notoriously difficult “souls-like” genre.
The game is currently available on Windows and MacOS platforms and is best experienced with a controller. Priced at Rs 1,300 on the Steam store, it offers hours of challenging gameplay, making it a worthwhile purchase for fans of the genre.
If you’re looking for an action platformer that tests your skills while immersing you in a beautifully crafted story, “Nine Sols” might just be the game you need to try next.
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