Deal | Steam’s lowest price: Hidden gem for fans of Hollow Knight and Sekiro – 95% positive reviews
In Nine Sols, players step into the role of Yi, an ancient warrior who awakens after centuries of slumber in New Kunlun – a world that blends Far Eastern mythology with forgotten alien technology. On a quest to uncover the truth behind the Sols, nine god-like tyrants, Yi explores crumbling monasteries, toxic industrial zones and hidden sanctuaries. Along the way, he encounters enigmatic locals and faces off against a range of deadly foes, from ancient machines to corrupted monks. The game features hand-drawn 2D visuals, stylish anime-inspired cutscenes and a raw, deliberate sense of brutality. Combined with a powerful soundtrack, Nine Sols delivers a rich and immersive atmosphere.
Clearly inspired by Sekiro, Nine Sols features a combat system that favors precision over brute force. Button mashing won’t get you far – success depends on quick reflexes, sharp observation and perfect timing. Every enemy attack can be parried to build Qi energy, which Yi channels into powerful special moves. A well-timed parry not only blocks damage but also opens the enemy up for a punishing counter. The game blends this tactical combat with a carefully crafted Metroidvania structure. As you progress, talisman powers unlock new abilities for both combat and traversal, while Qi upgrades boost the impact of special attacks. The world is interconnected from the beginning, encouraging backtracking as new skills reveal secret paths, optional boss fights and hidden areas waiting to be discovered.
Reviews: Tough but rewarding, with just a few drawbacks
Nine Sols was developed by RedCandleGames and released in May 2024. At launch, IGN’s German review praised the game for its demanding combat, impressive visuals and captivating story, which is easy to follow yet keeps players intrigued with its mysterious undertones. Unlockable abilities allow for different play styles, adding depth and replay value to the experience.
While Nine Sols received high praise overall, reviewers noted a few minor flaws. The hitboxes aren’t always precise, which can make vertical parries feel inconsistent. Additionally, the game offers few true platforming challenges – a possible letdown for fans of titles like Hollow Knight. Despite its minor flaws, the game's strengths earned it a 9 out of 10 from IGN. On Metacritic, Nine Sols holds a Metascore of 84 and a User Score of 8.5. Steam users are even more enthusiastic: 95% of over 24,000 reviews are positive.
40% discount on Steam
Nine Sols is normally priced at around $30 on Steam, but until May 12, it’s available at a 40% discount – bringing the price down to under $18. While the deal might not seem extraordinary at first, it's the best offer yet. According to SteamDB, the highest previous discount was 30%, last seen during the Spring Sale in March, making this the lowest price to date.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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