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 make a splash on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles! Producer Shihwei Yang recently highlighted the game's unique qualities, differentiating it from the crowded souls-like genre.

Nine Sols: A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics

"Taopunk" – Where East Meets Gritty Future

Ahead of Nine Sols' console debut, Yang discussed the game's distinctive "Taopunk" identity – a compelling blend of Eastern philosophies, like Taoism, and the cyberpunk aesthetic. This fusion is evident in every aspect, from visuals and narrative to gameplay.

Nine Sols' visual style draws inspiration from iconic 80s and 90s anime and manga, such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell. The game's futuristic cityscapes, neon lights, and blend of humanity and technology reflect this influence. "Our love for classic Japanese anime and manga, especially cyberpunk works like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, heavily shaped Nine Sols' art," Yang explained. "We aimed for a visual style that felt both nostalgic and innovative, seamlessly merging futuristic tech with artistic flair."

This artistic vision extends to the audio design. The game's soundtrack masterfully integrates traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instrumentation, creating a unique soundscape. "We wanted a memorable soundscape," Yang noted. "By fusing traditional Eastern sounds with modern instruments, we achieved a truly distinctive atmosphere, grounding the game in ancient roots while maintaining its futuristic feel."

Beyond its striking visuals and audio, Nine Sols' combat system is where the "Taopunk" blend truly shines. Yang described the development process as challenging: "We found our rhythm, creating settings that echoed Taoist philosophy and cyberpunk energy. But then, the gameplay presented a new hurdle – designing the combat system."

Initially, the team looked to titles like Hollow Knight for inspiration, but it didn't quite fit Nine Sols' vision. They consciously avoided mimicking other platformers, aiming for a unique experience. "We rediscovered our direction by returning to the game's core ideas," Yang revealed. "We were inspired by Sekiro's deflection system, which resonated deeply with our vision."

However, instead of aggressive, counter-attack focused combat, Nine Sols embraces the quiet intensity of Taoism. The result is a system that "turns an opponent's strength against them," rewarding players for skillful deflection and maintaining balance. This "deflection-heavy" approach presented unique challenges in a 2D context. "It's a rarely explored mechanic in 2D," Yang admitted. "It took many iterations to perfect, but the final result is something we're very proud of."

The game's narrative also evolved organically alongside the gameplay mechanics. Themes of nature versus technology, life, and death emerged naturally. "As everything came together, the narrative amplified," Yang added. "It felt like Nine Sols was forging its own path, and we were simply guiding it."

Nine Sols' unique gameplay, captivating art, and intriguing story have undeniably left a lasting impression. For a more in-depth look, check out our full review (link provided).