Taopunk Souls-Like: Nine Sols Redefines Genre

Red Candle Games' upcoming 2D souls-like platformer, Nine Sols, is poised to make a splash on Switch, PS, and Xbox consoles. Producer Shihwei Yang recently highlighted the game's unique selling points, differentiating it from other titles in the genre.

Nine Sols: A "Taopunk" Masterpiece

Nine Sols' distinctive identity stems from its "Taopunk" aesthetic – a fusion of Eastern philosophy (particularly Taoism) and cyberpunk visuals. This blend informs the game's art style, audio design, and combat mechanics.

Drawing inspiration from classic 80s and 90s anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, Nine Sols boasts a visually striking world of futuristic cities, neon lights, and advanced technology. "Our love for '80s and '90s Japanese anime and manga, especially cyberpunk classics like 'Akira' and 'Ghost in the Shell,' heavily influenced Nine Sols' visual style," Yang explained. "We aimed for a futuristic aesthetic with a nostalgic, fresh feel."

This aesthetic extends to the game's soundtrack, which creatively combines traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instrumentation. "We sought a unique soundscape by blending traditional Eastern sounds with modern instruments," Yang shared. "This creates an atmosphere that feels both ancient and futuristic."

Beyond its captivating visuals and audio, Nine Sols' combat system truly sets it apart. While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, the developers found the approach didn't align with their vision. They ultimately adopted a deflection-heavy system reminiscent of Sekiro, but with a crucial twist.

Instead of aggressive, counter-attack focused combat, Nine Sols emphasizes the quiet intensity and balance found in Taoist philosophy. The game rewards players for skillfully deflecting attacks and maintaining composure, creating a unique and challenging gameplay experience. "Developing this deflection-heavy style in 2D was challenging," Yang admitted. "It required numerous iterations, but ultimately, it all came together."

This innovative combat system, combined with the game's compelling narrative exploring themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death, results in a truly unique gaming experience. Nine Sols' carefully crafted gameplay, captivating art, and thought-provoking story create a memorable adventure.