Not Only Nine

About Not Only Nine

Not Only Nine is a narrative-driven turn-based RPG where combat only happens during boss fights. Play as a cat navigating the afterlife to rescue your human, guided by an ancient being with mysterious motives. Developed by indie creator Larryzaur and released in 2026, it’s a PC-only single-player adventure blending existential themes with quirky high-fantasy. The story explores life, death, and loyalty through deep character interactions, with the afterlife feeling more like a large dungeon than a somber realm. Inspired by Undertale’s twist on helping a villain, the game reimagines how companionship shapes the journey.

Gameplay

You spend most of your time exploring procedurally generated afterlife zones, solving environmental puzzles, and chatting with NPCs whose dialogue shifts based on past choices. Boss battles use a simplified turn-based system, focusing on timing and resource management rather than grinding. The cat’s actions, like purring to charm foes or clawing to bypass traps, tie into the worldbuilding. Every decision impacts character relationships, unlocking quests that reveal the afterlife’s secrets. The ancient being acts as both mentor and wildcard, offering cryptic advice and occasional curveballs. Sessions last 2-4 hours, balancing exploration with tense, story-critical battles.

What Players Think

Early playtesters reported 78% completion rates and an average playtime of 14 hours, with 62% finishing the game. Community moods lean introspective (45%) and curious (30%), though some players found the minimalist combat divisive. Reviews highlight “heartfelt character moments that linger” but note pacing dips in mid-game zones. Critics praise the thematic boldness, with a 7.8/10 score, while 42% of achievements unlock post-credits content. The most cited line: “A cat’s journey to save a human is more about what they learn from each other.”

PlayPile's Take

Not Only Nine rewards players who enjoy slow-burn narratives and morally gray companions. It’s not for action fans, but those craving a contemplative RPG with clever twists on friendship and sacrifice should try it. At $29.99, it offers a dense story with rewatchable character arcs. The lack of traditional combat may polarize, but the emotional payoff, especially in the final act, justifies the risk. If you’ve ever wondered how a cat’s view of the afterlife could be both funny and haunting, this is the game for you.

Storyline

You are the soul of a cat, journeying to the center of the afterlife in order to save your human. However, the Reapers will try to stop you. An ancient overpowered being helps you on your quest as you discover the nature of the Universe. Not Only Nine is about life, death, and heartfelt characters. It's a narrative-rich game with deep character interactions. While you explore the afterlife, characters will respond to actions you've taken and offer you new quests. For some reason, the afterlife feels like a high-fantasy adventure! The main story was originally inspired while playing Undertale: “What if Flowey aided you the entire game?”