It’s no secret thatthe Metroidvania genre is filled with an array of classic titles, from the critically acclaimedMetroidseries to other major indie successes likeAxiom Verge. While these genre-defining games are certainly worth trying out, a more recent indie title could be just whatHollow Knightfans have been looking for. This game not only shares many similarities with the best parts ofHollow Knightbut also offers an experience that’s unique in its own right, showing the potential that future Metroidvania titles could take advantage of.
Why Hollow Knight Fans Should Play Nine Sols
Both Games Have Many Similarities
Having initially beenreleased on PC earlier this year,Nine Solswas thrown back into the spotlight thanks to a console and Xbox Game Pass release on November 26th. The game has received a multitude of positive reviews, and it’s not difficult to see why.Nine Solsoffers an intense, thrilling cyberpunk adventure filled with fluid, acrobatic combat, alongside beautiful visuals, immersing the player in its truly dystopian world. These elements combine to make for an exciting experience that any fan of the Metroidvania genre should try out.
Hollow Knight: Silksong Could Be Xbox Game Pass’s Biggest Wild Card
Being announced as a day one exclusive for Xbox Game Pass, the release of Silksong would be a major draw for attention from fans of the series.
However,Nine Solsmight appeal to fans ofHollow Knightspecifically, as the title takes some clear inspiration from the latter’s more memorable features to make for a better overall experience. For example,Nine Solsincludes a plug system that, similar toHollow Knight’s badges, grants the player a range of different effects, upgrades, and abilities. The huge range of plugs that can be obtained via exploration or purchase offers the player a satisfying sense of progression throughoutNine Sols’s campaign, which is one ofHollow Knight’s greatest attributes.
Nine Solsalso takes inspiration fromHollow Knight’s difficulty. Every enemy inNine Solshas its own set of vicious moves that the player must learn to dodge and counter to avoid losing huge amounts of health. The game’s many bosses are especially merciless, with fast and powerful attacks that the player won’t see coming on their first few attempts. Add that to the inclusion of corpse running, putting the player’s earnings at risk upon death, andHollow Knightfans have a game that expertly balances the same sense of challenge, fear, and accomplishment that made Team Cherry’s game such a thrill to play.
How Nine Sols Is Different From Hollow Knight
Nine Sols Benefits From A More Involved Narrative
WhileHollow Knightfans will be compelled to try outNine Solsdue to their many similarities, the game’s true appeal comes in the things it does tostand out from other Metroidvanias.Nine Solsrevels in its far more diverse and acrobatic combatcompared to what players might see inHollow Knight, with each new ability obtained becoming an essential part of Yi’s moveset. Players are encouraged to master each new ability and learn the best way to combine them together, especially as enemies become more powerful and challenging, resulting in a far more engaging combat system than games likeHollow Knighthad offered.
Nine SolscitesSekiroas a major combat inspiration, with an aggressive parry system that resemblesSekiro’s deflection mechanic.
However,Nine Solsarguably shines best with its more involved narrative. Contrary toHollow Knight’s less-involved approach to storytelling,Yi’s thirst for revenge is a central focus during the player’s journeythrough New Kunlun. These feelings of anger and betrayal that fuel Yi’s violence are perfectly contrasted with the meaningful connections players will make with other characters. There’s a clear internal conflict that Yi experiences over his previous beliefs and attitudes that resonates with the player, creating a heartfelt and emotional story as a result.
10 Best Story-Driven Games Of All Time, Ranked
Players might pick up a title for any number of reasons, but these video games have such compelling stories that truly stand the test of time.
Nine Solsis a fantastic addition to the Metroidvania genre that expertly combines elements from other titles while adding its own features to craft a unique experience.Hollow Knightfans are sure to get a kick out ofNine Sols’s many borrowed elements that will help to pass the time beforeHollow Knight:Silksongfinally makes another appearance. The game’s stunning visuals and gripping narrative are what will convince players to stick around all the way to the end, however, resulting in a captivating indie title onXbox Game Passthat pushes the genre in an exciting and promising direction.
