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

Red Candle Games' upcoming 2D souls-like platformer, Nine Sols, is poised to launch on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. Producer Shihwei Yang recently highlighted the game's unique selling points, distinguishing it from the crowded souls-like genre.

Nine Sols: A "Taopunk" Masterpiece

Eastern Philosophy Meets Gritty Cyberpunk

Ahead of next month's console release, Yang discussed Nine Sols' distinctive blend of gameplay, visuals, and narrative, rooted in their coined term "Taopunk"—a fusion of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and cyberpunk aesthetics.

The game's visual style draws heavily from 80s and 90s anime and manga such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell, capturing the futuristic cityscapes, neon lights, and human-technology synergy. "Our art style is deeply influenced by classic cyberpunk anime and manga," Yang explained, "blending futuristic technology with a nostalgic yet fresh artistic flair."

This aesthetic extends to Nine Sols' audio design, integrating traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instrumentation. "We aimed for a unique soundscape," Yang stated, "fusing traditional Eastern sounds and modern instruments to create an atmosphere both ancient and futuristic."

Beyond its striking visuals and audio, Nine Sols' combat system truly embodies its "Taopunk" identity. Yang described the development process as challenging: "Finding the right gameplay was a major hurdle. Initial inspiration from titles like Hollow Knight proved unsuitable." The team ultimately rejected a conventional platformer approach, opting instead for a deflection-focused combat system inspired by Sekiro.

However, Nine Sols' combat isn't about aggressive counter-attacks. Instead, it emphasizes the quiet intensity and balance inherent in Taoist philosophy, rewarding players for deflecting attacks and maintaining composure. Implementing this unique 2D deflection system proved incredibly demanding, requiring numerous iterations. "It was a rarely explored mechanic," Yang admitted, "but after much experimentation, it finally clicked."

This innovative combat system, coupled with the game's overarching narrative exploring themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death, created a truly unique experience. Nine Sols, according to Yang, "carved its own path." The captivating art, intriguing story, and solid gameplay mechanics combine to deliver a truly remarkable experience.