Nine Sols

Hand drawn 2D action in a Taopunk fantasy world

Nine Sols is a Windows action platformer built around precise combat, striking 2D art, and an Asian fantasy setting with a cyberpunk edge. It places you in New Kunlun, the last refuge of the Solarian people, where an awakened hero named Yi sets out to challenge the nine powerful rulers known as the Sols.

The game’s main appeal is its blend of exploration, platforming, and demanding fights. Movement and combat are fast, but the design encourages patience rather than button-mashing. Yi can attack with magical talismans, dash into danger, and use a timing-based deflection system to turn enemy pressure into openings. When the rhythm clicks, battles feel sharp and rewarding, especially because successful parries can help you avoid damage while setting up stronger counters.

Visually, Nine Sols stands out. Its hand-drawn animation gives the world a crafted, storybook quality, while manga-style scenes help frame key moments in the journey. The Taopunk setting, mixing Taoist mythology with dystopian technology, gives the adventure a distinct identity and helps separate it from more traditional fantasy platformers.

There is also a steady sense of progression. Along the way, side characters can help Yi gain upgrades, learn new abilities, and uncover useful technology for combat. This gives exploration a practical purpose beyond simply moving from one boss encounter to the next.

The main drawback is difficulty. The deflection-focused combat can be unforgiving for players who prefer casual platforming or simple attack patterns. Mistimed reactions may lead to frustration, and the game expects you to learn enemy behavior carefully.

Nine Sols is best suited to players who enjoy challenging 2D action, stylish world-building, and combat systems based on timing and mastery. If you are looking for an easygoing platform game, it may feel intense. If you want a beautiful, demanding adventure with a strong identity, it is a compelling choice.