Nine Sols' “Taopunk” Identity Sets it Apart From Other Souls-Like Platformers

Nine Sols, Red Candle Games' 2D souls-like platformer, is poised for a console release on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. Producer Shihwei Yang recently highlighted the game's unique features, differentiating it from other titles in the genre.

Nine Sols' Distinctive Art and Combat: A Standout Success

Inspired by Eastern Philosophy and Gritty Cyberpunk Aesthetics

Nine Sols' upcoming console launch prompted co-founder and producer Shihwei Yang to discuss the game's distinctive elements. Its gameplay, visuals, and narrative are rooted in a unique "Taopunk" aesthetic, blending Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, with cyberpunk elements.

The game's visual style draws inspiration from 80s and 90s anime and manga, such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell. Yang explained, "As fans of ‘80s and ‘90s Japanese anime and manga, cyberpunk classics like 'Akira' and 'Ghost in the Shell' heavily influenced our art direction. We blended futuristic technology with a nostalgic yet fresh artistic flair."

This artistic vision extends to Nine Sols' audio design. Yang described the fusion of traditional Eastern sounds with modern instrumentation, creating a unique soundscape. He stated, "We aimed for a distinctive soundscape by combining traditional Eastern sounds and modern instruments. This blend gives Nine Sols a unique identity, grounding the atmosphere in ancient roots while maintaining a futuristic feel."

But beyond the compelling visuals and sounds, Nine Sols' combat system truly showcases this unique blend. Yang described the development process: "We found our rhythm, creating settings that resonated with Taoist philosophy and cyberpunk energy. However, designing the combat system proved extremely challenging."

Initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, the team realized this approach didn't align with Nine Sols' vision. They rejected the typical platformer formula, opting for a deflection-heavy 2D action game. Yang explained, "We found inspiration in Sekiro's deflection system, which resonated with our vision. However, we focused on the quiet intensity and focus of Taoist philosophy, using an opponent’s strength against them."

This deflection-heavy combat system, while innovative, presented significant challenges. Yang noted, "It's a rarely explored mechanic in 2D, requiring numerous iterations. After much trial and error, it finally clicked."

This unique combat system, combined with the narrative, naturally incorporated themes of nature versus technology, and the meaning of life and death. Yang concluded, "Nine Sols carved its own path, and we guided it as it found its voice." The game's compelling gameplay, captivating visuals, and intriguing narrative create a truly unique experience.