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

Red Candle Games' upcoming 2D souls-like platformer, Nine Sols, is poised to hit Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles soon! Producer Shihwei Yang recently highlighted the game's unique features, setting it apart from the crowded souls-like genre.

Nine Sols' Distinctive Art and Combat: A Winning Combination

A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Grit

Ahead of next month's console launch, Yang discussed Nine Sols' distinctive identity, born from a blend of Eastern philosophy (particularly Taoism) and cyberpunk aesthetics—a concept they term "Taopunk."

The game's visual style draws heavily from 80s and 90s anime and manga, such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell. This influence is evident in the futuristic cityscapes, neon lights, and the seamless integration of technology and humanity. "Our love for classic Japanese anime and manga, especially cyberpunk works like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, heavily informed Nine Sols' visual development," Yang explained. "We aimed for a futuristic aesthetic with a nostalgic yet modern feel."

This artistic vision extends to the audio design. The soundtrack blends traditional Eastern instrumentation with modern sounds, creating a unique atmosphere. "We wanted a distinctive soundscape, so we fused traditional Eastern music with modern instruments," Yang stated. "This blend gives Nine Sols a unique identity, grounding the futuristic setting in ancient roots."

Beyond the captivating visuals and audio, Nine Sols' combat system is where the "Taopunk" concept truly shines. Yang described the development process as challenging: "We found our rhythm, balancing Taoist philosophy with cyberpunk energy. But just as we thought we could relax, the gameplay presented a major hurdle—designing the combat system."

Initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, the team quickly realized this approach didn't align with their vision. They rejected the typical platformer formula, opting instead for a unique deflection-focused system. "We discovered Sekiro's deflection system, which perfectly resonated with our vision," Yang revealed.

However, instead of aggressive, counter-attack focused combat, Nine Sols embraces the calm intensity of Taoism. The combat system rewards players for deflecting attacks and maintaining composure, utilizing an opponent's strength against them. This unique approach proved challenging to implement in a 2D setting, requiring numerous iterations. "It's a rarely used mechanic in 2D, and perfecting it took countless attempts," Yang admitted. "But finally, everything clicked."

"As the pieces came together, the narrative evolved organically," Yang continued. "Themes of nature versus technology, and the meaning of life and death, emerged naturally." The game's development felt almost organic, with the developers guiding the story as it took shape.

Nine Sols' compelling gameplay, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking narrative have left a lasting impression. For a more in-depth look at the game, check out our full review (link below)!