Nine Sols

Play it on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC

Current goal: Get out of the abandoned mines

Nine Sols is a 2D Sekiro-like that combines exploring serpentine levels with parry-heavy combat in which timing and precision are everything. It’s by Taiwan-based Red Candle Games, which made the 2019 cult-horror hit Devotion, and shows an impressive range for the young indie studio. Its action is spot-on and its world is both beautiful and evocative, utilizing a Taopunk aesthetic to great effect both visually and lore-wise.

I played it a bunch when it debuted on PC earlier this year and have started over again on PS5 now that its console ports are out (Nine Sols is on Game Pass as well). It feels like something of a sleeper GOTY contender. Despite scoring no nominations at The Game Awards 2024, I’m expecting to see it on more than a few end-of-year lists. There have been a ton of great story and puzzle-driven indie games this year, but Nine Sols really scratches that 2D action itch. — Ethan Gach