Yi Nine Sols: Taopunk Odyssey of Vengeance

In the vast and ever-expanding universe of video games, a title emerges periodically that doesn't just offer entertainment but presents a profound experience, a fusion of artistry, narrative depth, and challenging mechanics. Nine Sols, developed by the acclaimed Taiwanese studio Red Candle Games, is precisely such a phenomenon. While the game is officially titled Nine Sols, its protagonist, Yi, is so central to its identity and narrative that many players and discussions naturally gravitate towards the moniker Yi Nine Sols. This action-platformer stands as a testament to indie game development, delivering a "Taopunk" world that masterfully marries ancient Eastern philosophy with the gritty, high-tech aesthetics of cyberpunk. Released for Windows and macOS on May 29, 2024, and later for consoles on November 26, 2024, Nine Sols quickly garnered "Overwhelmingly Positive" reviews on platforms like Steam, captivating a global audience with its unique vision and punishingly rewarding gameplay. From the creators known for their impactful psychological horror games, Detention and Devotion, Red Candle Games took a bold leap into a new genre with Nine Sols. This transition from narrative-driven horror to a combat-focused Metroidvania was not without its challenges, yet the studio delivered a product that reviewers have hailed as "one of the best modern 2D games ever made" and "the best combat Metroidvania since Hollow Knight." The game is a lore-rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection-focused combat, inviting players to embark on a journey of Asian fantasy.

The world of Nine Sols is a captivating tapestry woven from seemingly disparate threads: the philosophical depth of Taoism, the futuristic allure of cyberpunk, and the rich tapestry of Far Eastern mythology. This unique blend has been coined "Taopunk" by its creators, Red Candle Games, and it serves as the foundation for the game's immersive setting, New Kunlun. Imagine a vast, self-sustaining island spaceship, New Kunlun, which serves as the last sanctuary for the Solarians—a race of anthropomorphic, cat-like beings. For centuries, this realm has been protected by sacred rituals, yet beneath its tranquil surface lies a dark truth, shrouded in advanced technology and ancient secrets. The inspiration behind Nine Sols runs deep, drawing heavily from the myth of Hou Yi, the legendary archer who shot down nine suns to save the Earth. This foundational myth is not merely a stylistic choice but permeates the very core of the protagonist, Yi, and his vengeful quest. It's a journey that challenges conventional notions of good and evil, science and spirituality, forcing both the character and the player to navigate a morally ambiguous landscape. As one critic noted, the game masterfully integrates difficult gameplay with a phenomenal narrative and an art style rooted in Daoist mythology, making it a strong contender against genre giants like Hollow Knight and Dead Cells. At the heart of New Kunlun's plight lies the Tianhuo virus, a devastating affliction that has plagued the Solarians for centuries. Facing no cure, the Ten Sols, the ruling elite of their society, conceived the "Eternal Cauldron Project." This radical initiative involved resting Solarians in a virtual reality system known as the Soulscape, aiming to delay the virus's progression while a cure was sought. However, the sheer processing power required for such a vast simulation came at a terrifying cost: the brains of intelligent lifeforms, specifically kidnapped humans (dubbed "Apemen") from a distant "Pale Blue Planet" (presumably Earth). These humans were then raised in simulated realities like Peach Blossom Village, unaware of their grim purpose as a living power source. It's within this dystopian framework that the story of Yi Nine Sols truly begins. Yi, once a Solarian of high standing, holding the Sol Seal of Innovation, was instrumental in the Eternal Cauldron Project. Yet, a profound betrayal by his mentor, Eigong, and the other Sols left him for dead. His miraculous survival, aided by the ancient Fusang roots, a plant integral to Solarian technology and survival, sets the stage for his epic return. Awakening centuries later, Yi finds himself amidst the very "Apemen" he once helped to harvest, eventually befriending a human child named Shuanshuan. This unexpected bond ignites Yi's vengeful quest, as he seeks to confront the remaining Nine Sols, dismantle their tyrannical rule, and uncover the full, horrifying truth behind the Eternal Cauldron Project and his own betrayal.

The gameplay of Nine Sols is undeniably its beating heart, characterized by "Sekiro-inspired deflection-focused combat" that demands precision, timing, and strategic thinking. If you've ever played Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, you'll instantly recognize the emphasis on parrying and countering enemy attacks to break their posture and open them up for devastating blows. However, Nine Sols translates this demanding mechanic into a stunning 2D action-platformer, creating a unique and deeply satisfying combat loop. As Yi, players possess a versatile arsenal. Your primary weapon is a spectral blade, used for slashing and engaging in close-quarters combat. Beyond basic attacks, the true depth lies in Yi's ability to deflect. A perfectly timed parry not only nullifies incoming damage but allows Yi to absorb and accumulate "Qi"—a vital energy resource. This accumulated Qi is then used to unleash powerful Taoist talismans. By dashing through opponents, Yi can attach these talismans, which can then be charged and detonated for significant damage. It's a system that rewards aggression and defensive mastery in equal measure; as one review highlights, "you will not survive just dodging attacks... you have to get good and learn how to parry attacks, or you will die often and you will ragequit the game." Adding a fascinating layer of complexity to the combat system is the concept of "Internal Damage." When Yi performs an imprecise parry—one that's slightly too early—he takes Internal Damage, represented by a red section on his health bar. This damage is not immediate, but it becomes direct damage if Yi takes another hit before he can recover. It’s a subtle yet brilliant mechanic that encourages flawless parries, as even a near-miss can chip away at your health if you're not careful. Conversely, Yi can inflict Internal Damage upon enemies, typically by attaching talismans, performing Tai-Chi Kicks when enemies glow green, or executing an Unbound Counter. This "purple section" on enemy health bars doesn't disappear when they're hit by regular attacks, necessitating specific actions like the Qi Blast ability to convert it into actual, direct damage. This distinction between direct and internal damage for both player and enemy fosters a rhythm of combat that feels fresh and strategic, pushing players to truly understand enemy attack patterns and Yi's full moveset. While parrying is central, Yi's abilities extend further. He wields a "godly bow" for ranged combat, perfect for thinning out crowds or interrupting specific enemy attacks. Movement is fluid and expansive, allowing Yi to run, jump, double jump, wall jump, dash both on the ground and in the air, climb, wall run, and even grapple. These traversal options are not just for platforming; they are integral to combat, enabling evasive maneuvers and tactical positioning during intense boss encounters. Progression in Nine Sols follows a Metroidvania structure. As you explore the interconnected regions of New Kunlun, you unlock new abilities and upgrades. These often grant access to previously inaccessible areas, deepening the sense of discovery and encouraging backtracking. You'll encounter intriguing NPCs who offer valuable upgrades, new skills, and even advanced technology, all contributing to a deeper understanding of Yi's mysterious past and the world around him. For example, players can invest skill points to unlock different "Spell Styles" for their talismans, such as "Water Flow" for automatic detonation or "Full Control" for manual, charged detonations, allowing for diverse strategic approaches. Each improvement can be a "game changer," emphasizing thoughtful resource management and strategic build choices. The difficulty in Nine Sols is frequently highlighted by critics. It's described as "brutal, punishing, and exacting," yet simultaneously "extremely rewarding." The game constantly introduces new foes and complex boss fights that push your combat abilities to the limit. Reviews mention that even after hours of play, the game remains challenging, with some "ragequit" moments, but always fair. This demanding yet equitable difficulty curve is a hallmark of the Souls-like genre, and Nine Sols successfully integrates it into a 2D experience, making victory feel earned and incredibly satisfying.

Beyond its compelling narrative and challenging gameplay, Nine Sols distinguishes itself with a truly breathtaking art style. The game is meticulously "hand-drawn," featuring stunning 2D environments and fluid, sprite-based animations that are deeply inspired by anime and manga. This artistic choice is not merely aesthetic; it imbues the world of New Kunlun with a vibrant, almost living quality, enhancing the "Taopunk" fusion of ancient mysticism and futuristic technology. Every frame in Nine Sols feels purposeful, a testament to the dedication of Red Candle Games. The transition from ornate East Asian architecture to dystopian industrial runoff and hellish cybernetic factories is seamless, creating a visually cohesive yet diverse world. Cutscenes and story moments are often presented in a manga-style comic strip format, using color and composition to heighten emotional impact and deepen narrative immersion. This blend of traditional hand-drawn artistry with modern animation techniques creates a visually stunning experience that has been widely praised as "gorgeous," "beautiful yet disturbing," and a "feast for the eyes." The art style alone serves as a powerful draw, inviting players to lose themselves in this unique and meticulously crafted universe.

One of the standout features of Nine Sols is its "lore-rich" narrative. Red Candle Games, with its background in creating narrative-driven experiences, poured significant effort into crafting a deep and compelling storyline that unfolds through a variety of mediums. Players piece together the overarching plot through character dialogue, scattered lore items, flashbacks to Yi's past, and the aforementioned manga-style cutscenes. The narrative explores complex themes, such as the inherent conflict and eventual intertwining of science and spirituality. The Solarians' reliance on human brains for their virtual reality system, the Tianhuo virus, and Eigong's desperate pursuit of immortality, all contribute to a morally gray world where "logic is unable to traverse the morass of the moral gray in which most of the world exists." Yi's journey for revenge is not a simple hero's quest; it's a deeply personal odyssey that forces him to confront his own past complicity and the horrifying implications of Solarian society. The story expands beyond the game itself. A prequel manga, The Way of Lear, was published before the game's release, introducing characters like Chien and Shanhai 9000 and detailing a world ravaged by a widespread pandemic. This commitment to world-building demonstrates Red Candle Games' ambition, creating a universe that players can explore and delve into even outside of active gameplay. The depth of the lore invites speculation, discussion, and multiple playthroughs to uncover all its nuances, making Nine Sols a truly engaging narrative experience.

Nine Sols has been met with widespread critical acclaim, earning "generally favorable" reviews on Metacritic and an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating on Steam, with 95% positive reviews from over 26,000 users. Reviewers consistently praise the game's challenging yet fair combat, its captivating "Taopunk" setting, and its profound, lore-rich narrative. Many critics draw parallels to beloved titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Hollow Knight, and Katana Zero, but emphasize how Nine Sols carves out its own distinct identity. Rock Paper Shotgun, for instance, stated that Nine Sols was "a 2D Sekiro-like so good it converted me to an entire genre," highlighting its ability to make players feel "invincible" despite its "absurd difficulty." GameSkinny lauded Red Candle Games for crafting a "stunning and diabolical title all in one," while Hardcore Gamer commended its "dynamic, fluid and meticulously crafted" combat system. The game's success is not just anecdotal; Nine Sols has received several prestigious awards, including the Indie Game Award for Best Narrative at the International Taipei Game Show Bitsummit 2024, a Final Nominee for Best Audio at Siegel Gamescom 2024, and the Discovery Award at SXSW Sydney Laurel Games Festival 2023. More recently, it won "Best Game" at the 2025 gamescom latam BIG Festival in Brazil, further cementing its global appeal and critical recognition. For a small, independent studio of just 12 employees, previously known for a different genre, Nine Sols represents a remarkable achievement. It demonstrates Red Candle Games' versatility and commitment to crafting high-quality, impactful gaming experiences. The creative director, Shihwei (Vincent) Yang, explained that shifting to a gameplay-focused title was a way to "rejuvenate our creative spirit" and "reach a broader, international audience." This strategic pivot paid off, allowing them to deliver a story deeply rooted in Taiwanese cultural identity and Eastern mythology to a worldwide stage.

In an era where many games chase fleeting trends, Nine Sols stands as a testament to the power of a strong artistic vision, meticulously crafted gameplay, and a narrative that dares to be complex and thought-provoking. The journey of Yi, the vengeful hero of New Kunlun, is more than just a quest to slay the Nine Sols; it's an exploration of betrayal, the consequences of unchecked technological ambition, and the enduring human (or Solarian) spirit. The game's blend of intense, parry-based combat with fluid platforming and a rich Metroidvania world ensures that Nine Sols remains engaging from start to finish. Every successful deflection, every talisman detonation, and every new ability unlocked feels earned, forging a deep connection between the player and Yi's struggle. As the game celebrated its first anniversary in May 2025, its impact on the indie gaming scene and its place among the best 2D action-platformers are already solidified. For newcomers, preparing for the challenge is key. The initial hours of Nine Sols can be punishing, but persistence unveils a truly rewarding experience. The game’s design encourages learning from every defeat, mastering its combat “dance,” and slowly unraveling the dark secrets of New Kunlun. It’s a journey that, much like Yi’s own awakening, will stick with you long after the final Sol has fallen. The depth of the lore, the subtle nuances of its characters, and the sheer satisfaction of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds contribute to a game that resonates on multiple levels. It’s a prime example of how video games can be both profoundly entertaining and deeply artistic, weaving together ancient philosophies and futuristic dystopias into a singular, unforgettable adventure. Whether you're a seasoned Metroidvania veteran or a newcomer intrigued by its unique "Taopunk" premise, Nine Sols offers a compelling experience. Its critical success and dedicated fanbase are clear indicators of its quality and its potential to be remembered as a modern classic. Red Candle Games has not only crafted a masterful game but has also demonstrated the incredible talent and creativity that thrives within the indie development scene. The tale of Yi and the Nine Sols is one that will undoubtedly continue to captivate and challenge players for years to come.