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

Red Candle Games' Nine Sols, a 2D souls-like platformer, is poised to hit Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles soon. Producer Shihwei Yang recently highlighted the game's unique identity, distinguishing it from other titles in the genre.

Nine Sols' Distinctive "Taopunk" Aesthetic and Combat System

A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Grit

Ahead of Nine Sols' console launch next month, Yang discussed the game's innovative approach. Nine Sols blends Eastern philosophy, particularly Taoism, with cyberpunk aesthetics, creating a unique "Taopunk" style.

The game's visual design draws heavily from 80s and 90s anime and manga classics like Akira and Ghost in the Shell. Yang explained, "Our love for '80s and '90s Japanese anime and manga, particularly cyberpunk masterpieces like 'Akira' and 'Ghost in the Shell,' profoundly shaped Nine Sols' visual style. We aimed for a blend of futuristic technology and artistic flair, both nostalgic and contemporary."

This artistic vision extends to the audio design, incorporating traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instrumentation. Yang stated, "We sought a distinctive soundscape, fusing traditional Eastern sounds with modern instruments. This creates a unique atmosphere, grounding the game in ancient roots while simultaneously projecting a futuristic feel."

Beyond its captivating visuals and sounds, Nine Sols' combat system truly showcases its "Taopunk" identity. Yang described the development process: "We initially found a rhythm, creating a setting aligned with Taoist philosophy and cyberpunk's gritty energy. However, the gameplay presented a significant hurdle: designing the combat system."

Initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, the team soon realized this approach didn't align with Nine Sols' vision. They rejected the established platformer formula, opting instead for a deflection-heavy 2D action game. Yang explained, "We returned to the game's core concepts, discovering a new direction. We stumbled upon Sekiro's deflection system, which resonated deeply."

Instead of aggressive, counter-based combat, Nine Sols embraces the quiet intensity of Taoist philosophy. The combat system "rewards players for deflecting attacks and maintaining balance," utilizing an opponent's strength against them. Yang acknowledged the challenges of implementing this "deflection-heavy" mechanic in a 2D context, requiring numerous iterations to perfect.

This unique combat system, coupled with the overarching narrative, further solidified Nine Sols' identity. Yang noted, "Themes of nature versus technology, and the meaning of life and death, naturally emerged. Nine Sols seemed to forge its own path, and we were simply guiding its voice."

Nine Sols' compelling gameplay, striking visuals, and intriguing narrative have garnered significant attention. [Link to review could be inserted here].