Nine Sols: A Unique Souls-like Platformer with "Taopunk" Flair

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 identity, setting it apart from the crowded souls-like genre.

Nine Sols' Distinctive Visuals and Combat System

A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics

Ahead of Nine Sols' console launch, Yang discussed the game's differentiating factors. The core of Nine Sols' design—gameplay, visuals, and narrative—rests on its "Taopunk" aesthetic: a compelling blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and cyberpunk elements.

Visually, Nine Sols draws inspiration from iconic 80s and 90s anime and manga like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, capturing their futuristic cityscapes, neon glow, and human-technology synergy. "As fans of 80s and 90s Japanese anime and manga, cyberpunk classics like Akira and Ghost in the Shell heavily influenced our art style," Yang explained. "We blended futuristic technology with a nostalgic yet fresh artistic flair."

This artistic vision extends to Nine Sols' audio design, incorporating traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instrumentation. "We aimed for a distinctive soundscape," Yang stated, "fusing traditional Eastern sounds with modern instruments to create something unique. This blend gives Nine Sols a distinct identity, grounding its futuristic setting in ancient roots."

Beyond its captivating visuals and sounds, Nine Sols' combat system truly embodies its Taopunk identity. Yang described the development process: "We found a rhythm, creating settings that resonated with Taoist philosophy and cyberpunk energy. But then, the gameplay presented a challenge—designing the combat system proved incredibly difficult."

Initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, the team realized this approach didn't fit Nine Sols' tone. They consciously avoided mimicking other platformers, seeking a unique style. "We rediscovered our direction by returning to the game's core ideas. We encountered Sekiro's deflection system, which resonated deeply with us," Yang shared.

Instead of aggressive, counter-attack focused combat, Nine Sols leverages the quiet intensity of Taoism, creating a system that "uses an opponent’s strength against them," rewarding skillful deflection and balance. This "deflection-heavy" system, rare in 2D games, required extensive iteration. "It took countless attempts to perfect. Finally, everything clicked," Yang explained.

This refined gameplay, coupled with the narrative's exploration of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death, shaped Nine Sols' unique identity. The result is a game that feels both meticulously crafted and organically evolved. Nine Sols' compelling gameplay, captivating art, and intriguing story make it a truly standout title.