Nine Sols

The main pros of the game

• Stunning Art and Visuals: Players consistently praise the hand-drawn art style and graphics, noting it as a standout feature of the game.
• Engaging Combat System: The parry mechanics are highlighted as satisfying and rewarding, with many players enjoying the challenge of mastering them. Combat is often compared to Sekiro, and many find it exhilarating once they get the hang of it.
• Rich Story and Lore: The narrative is described as deep and engaging, with well-developed characters and a compelling plot that resonates with players. The integration of Taoist philosophy adds depth to the story.
• Challenging Boss Fights: The game features numerous bosses that are considered well-designed and challenging, providing a sense of accomplishment upon defeating them.
• Good Soundtrack: The music and sound design are frequently mentioned as enhancing the overall experience, with memorable tracks that fit the game's atmosphere.

The main cons of the game

• High Difficulty Level: Many players find the game to be extremely challenging, particularly the final boss, which some describe as unfairly difficult. This can deter casual gamers or those not accustomed to high-difficulty titles.
• Combat Mechanics Issues: Some reviews mention that the parry mechanics can feel finicky or inconsistent, leading to frustration. Certain players feel that the combat doesn't always align with their expectations based on Sekiro.
• Linear Exploration: Several users express disappointment with the exploration aspect, noting that the game feels more linear than expected for a Metroidvania. The lack of diverse environments and repetitive design elements are also criticized.
• Quality of Life Issues: Players mention issues such as poor hitbox detection and lack of i-frames during attacks, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• More Exploration and Secrets: Some players wish for a greater emphasis on exploration typical of Metroidvanias, including more secrets and varied environments.
• Improved Combat Feedback: Suggestions include better visual feedback for parrying and clearer enemy hitboxes to enhance the combat experience.
• More Diverse Boss Mechanics: A few reviews express a desire for bosses to have more varied mechanics, with some feeling that certain bosses were less engaging compared to others.
• Additional Difficulty Options: While there is a "Story Mode," some players feel that more nuanced difficulty settings could help accommodate a wider range of skill levels without detracting from the challenge.

Summary

• In summary, Nine Sols is celebrated for its beautiful art, engaging combat, and rich storytelling, but it faces criticism for its high difficulty, linear exploration, and some mechanical inconsistencies.

Summary generated on: October 9, 2025