Nine Sols Stands Out in Souls-Like Genre with Unique "Taopunk" Identity

Nine Sols: A Taopunk Souls-like Platformer Unlike Any Other

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

A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics ("Taopunk")

Yang emphasizes Nine Sols' "Taopunk" identity, a blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and cyberpunk aesthetics. The game's visual style draws inspiration from 80s and 90s anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, featuring futuristic cityscapes, neon lights, and a fusion of technology and humanity. This aesthetic extends to the audio design, incorporating traditional Eastern instrumentation with modern elements to create a unique soundscape.

Innovative Deflection-Based Combat

Initially inspired by games like Hollow Knight, Nine Sols' development team shifted gears, finding inspiration in Sekiro's deflection system. However, Nine Sols' combat system differs significantly, emphasizing balance and using an opponent's strength against them, aligning with Taoist principles of harmony and non-violence. This deflection-heavy approach, rare in 2D games, required extensive iteration to perfect.

The unique combat system, coupled with the compelling visuals and narrative exploring themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death, creates a truly distinctive gaming experience. The game's development journey reflects a unique creative process, where the core gameplay mechanics and philosophical themes intertwined organically to shape the final product.