While the world collectively counts the days (and memes) until Hollow Knight Silksong surfaces, another Metroidvania adventure has quietly swooped in to steal the spotlight. Nine Sols, the latest offering from Taiwanese indie studio Red Candle Games, delivers a razor-sharp blend of Sekiro-style swordplay and lush, hand-drawn worlds. And right now? It’s available for its lowest-ever price on Steam—a tempting 40% off, through May 12 ($17.99/£14.99).
Precision Combat Meets Stunning Art
From the very first swing, Nine Sols makes its intentions clear: this is a game where your parries matter and your reflexes are the difference between glory and an unceremonious respawn. The combat owes a clear debt to FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice—deflections and counters are the name of the game. Even early skirmishes demand focus, but every successful riposte feels like a small masterpiece.
But swordplay isn’t all Nine Sols has in its arsenal. Its world is a sprawling, interconnected labyrinth, dotted with secrets, alternate routes, and environmental storytelling that rivals the best in the genre—think Hollow Knight or Ori and the Blind Forest. The hand-drawn backdrops don’t just set the mood; they invite exploration at every turn.
A Bold Step for Red Candle Games
Known for atmospheric horror gems like Detention and Devotion, Red Candle Games has taken a daring step into action-platformers. Nine Sols hooks players instantly with a dramatic, genre-twisting introduction. From there, it’s a gauntlet of tense boss duels, clever platforming, and branching paths that practically beg for repeat runs.
Performance is top-notch on both PC and Steam Deck. Controls are tight and responsive—a must when a single mistimed parry can spell disaster. It’s tough, but never unfair, and there’s an undeniable thrill in mastering its demanding combat loops.
Acclaim and Accessibility
With over 24,000 Steam reviews and a sky-high 95% positive rating, Nine Sols is already a darling among Metroidvania fans. The current 40% discount makes it more accessible than ever—perfect for anyone craving a deep, challenging adventure while waiting for Silksong’s eventual arrival.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Red Candle Games |
| Release Date | May 29, 2024 |
| Genres | Metroidvania, Action-Platformer, Soulslike |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), Steam Deck |
| Steam User Rating | 95% Positive (24,000+ reviews) |
| Discount Price | 40% off until May 12 ($17.99/£14.99) |
Should You Play Nine Sols?
Is Nine Sols the next indie classic to stand beside Hollow Knight and Celeste? Only time will tell. But its blend of punishing swordplay, labyrinthine exploration, and jaw-dropping art is pure adrenaline for genre diehards. If you live for that perfect parry and love getting lost in a beautifully hostile world, don’t let this one pass you by. Just be warned: it might haunt your dreams long after the final boss is dust.
TL;DR: Nine Sols is a sublime fusion of Sekiro’s high-stakes combat and Metroidvania exploration, and it’s the perfect fix for anyone craving a challenge in 2025.