Taopunk's Unique Flavor Elevates 'Nine Sols'

Nine Sols: A Taopunk Souls-like Platformer That Defies Expectations

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 shed light on what distinguishes this title from the crowded souls-like genre.

A Unique Blend of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics ("Taopunk")

Yang highlights Nine Sols' "Taopunk" identity—a fusion of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and cyberpunk aesthetics. The game's visual style draws inspiration from classic 80s and 90s anime and manga like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, incorporating futuristic technology, vibrant cityscapes, neon lighting, and a blend of human and technological elements. This aesthetic extends to the audio design, which seamlessly merges traditional Eastern instrumentation with modern sounds to create a unique soundscape.

Innovative Deflection-Based Combat

While initial gameplay inspiration came from titles like Hollow Knight, the developers ultimately steered away from traditional platformer mechanics. Instead, they incorporated a deflection system inspired by Sekiro, but with a crucial twist. Nine Sols' combat emphasizes patience and balance, rewarding players for deflecting attacks and utilizing an opponent's momentum against them. This unique approach, rarely seen in 2D games, presented significant development challenges but ultimately proved integral to the game's identity.

The development process organically shaped the narrative, weaving themes of nature versus technology, and the meaning of life and death into the story. The resulting game is a testament to the power of iterative design and a cohesive vision. Nine Sols' compelling art style, engaging story, and innovative combat system combine to create a truly unique and memorable experience.