‘Nine Sols’ Proves We No Longer Need ‘Silksong’

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As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation that seems to linger without end for Hollow Knight: Silksong. It’s been six long years since Team Cherry unveiled their exciting plan to expand their cherished Metroidvania universe with a standalone sequel, focusing on the life and adventures of Hornet in a fresh, unexplored landscape.

A span of six years has passed since any development updates were given by Team Cherry, suggesting that perhaps some internal matters are being addressed. However, as of now, there’s no new information to disclose. It would certainly bring comfort to their devoted followers if they could offer some reassurance.

Currently, I’d like to share that even though Hollow Knight: Silksong has been delayed for five years, other games have stepped up to dominate the Metroidvania genre. Some people prefer titles such as Ender Lilies or the revamped Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. For my personal preference, it’s Red Candle Games’ Nine Sols that I find captivating.

The game caught me off guard as I found myself deeply engrossed within its captivating universe; if you haven’t experienced Nine Sols yet, I strongly advise approaching it without prior knowledge. Keep in mind, some minor spoilers follow.

The Metroidvania Genre Keeps Moving

Through Nine Sols, it’s become evident that Silksong is no longer essential. The extended period since Silksong was announced without a confirmed release date has given other game developers an opportunity to create distinctive versions of the Metroidvania genre. These new games have reached a level of quality and creativity equal to or surpassing Hollow Knight.

Titles such as Blasphemous and Videogamedunkey’s ANIMAL WELL have firmly established themselves as powerful brands within a competitive market, while Nine Sols continuously demonstrates that the Metroidvania genre is continually advancing.

Meanwhile, Silksong’s prolonged development time has caused fans to lose interest.

The Parrying Is Addicting

nine battles within Sols echo the style and swiftness of Hollow Knight, yet they present a unique twist: a parrying mechanic reminiscent of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice by FromSoftware.

In a 2D game like Nine Sols, I’ve never encountered a more seamless implementation of a parrying mechanic. Every fight necessitates strategic thought and precise timing when pressing the parry keys. From basic adversaries to bosses boasting fifty distinct move sets, mastering the parry system transforms you into a skilled dodger.

I must say, the fighting in this game is remarkably smooth and intuitive. After completing it, I almost felt divine, ready to take on the game’s bosses again using the ‘Boss Replay’ mode like a deity returning for another challenge.

Cyberpunk Meets Taoism

What initially captivated me about Hollow Knight was the enigmatic allure of Hallownest – an insect-ridden world teeming with decayed remains and silky webbing left behind by bugs. As I delved deeper into this mysterious place, its complex history and lore unfolded further.

Similarly to Hollow Knight, Nine Sols manages this too. Although its narrative structure is more straightforward compared to Hollow Knight’s branching plotlines, I found myself captivated by Nine Sols due to its compelling sci-fi backdrop. Known as “Taopunk” by its creators, Nine Sols seamlessly merges East Asian motifs with a grim cyberpunk future. The story unfolds on a distant planet light years away from Earth, focusing on our characters’ interstellar journey.

Initially, a few hours pulled me right in, surprising me as the game delved deeply into science fiction themes. Once I got there, I was completely hooked.

Fantastic Boss Fights

Similar to typical Metroidvania games, Nine Sols features a challenging lineup of bosses that may have you considering tossing your controller in defeat. On one occasion, I found myself engaged in battle with a late-game boss for almost an entire day, and the sense of frustration was undeniable. However, through persistence, I learned its attack patterns, honed my skills, and persevered, only to encounter an even more demanding obstacle ahead.

One aspect of the game I admire greatly is its steep increase in challenge level, which I find particularly appealing as a lover of challenges. Unlike Hollow Knight, Nine Sols’ battle system demands expertise in both parrying and dodging, rather than offering the more straightforward dodge mechanics.

I found an abundance of things to love in Nine Sols. In my initial playthrough, which took roughly 30 hours, I didn’t manage to complete all the side missions. Despite this, the game provided an extraordinary adventure that successfully overshadowed the anticipation for Silksong.

Team Cherry is putting in a lot of effort on the follow-up to their critically acclaimed game, which warrants recognition. However, wouldn’t it be nice if fans received some form of confirmation now and then?

nine games, such as Nine Sols, have stepped up to fill the gap left by Silksong’s delay. I eagerly anticipate the arrival of additional Metroidvania-style games that innovate and expand upon the genre, while still looking forward to the eventual release of Silksong.

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2025-03-14 14:14