Taopunk Innovation: Nine Sols Separates itself from Platformers

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

Nine Sols' Distinctive Style and Combat System

A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics

Ahead of next month's console launch, Yang discussed Nine Sols' innovative approach. The game's core identity, "Taopunk," seamlessly blends Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, with the gritty visuals of cyberpunk.

The game's striking visuals draw inspiration from iconic 80s and 90s anime and manga like Akira and Ghost in the Shell. This influence is evident in the futuristic cityscapes, neon lights, and the seamless integration of technology and humanity. "Our love for '80s and '90s Japanese anime and manga, especially cyberpunk classics like 'Akira' and 'Ghost in the Shell,' heavily shaped our art style," Yang explained. "We aimed for a visual style that's both nostalgic and innovative, blending futuristic technology with artistic flair."

This artistic vision extends to the audio design, with a soundtrack that fuses traditional Eastern musical elements and modern instrumentation. "We sought a distinctive soundscape," Yang stated, "combining traditional Eastern sounds with modern instruments to create something truly unique. This blend gives Nine Sols a distinct identity, grounding its futuristic setting in ancient roots."

Beyond its captivating audio-visual presentation, Nine Sols' combat system is where the "Taopunk" concept truly shines. Yang described the development process: "We found a rhythm, creating environments reflecting Taoist philosophy while embracing cyberpunk's raw energy. But just as we thought we could relax, a new challenge emerged: gameplay. Designing the combat system proved incredibly difficult."

Initially, the team looked to indie classics like Hollow Knight for inspiration, but this approach didn't fully align with Nine Sols' vision. They consciously avoided mimicking other platformers, opting instead for a unique, deflection-focused 2D action experience. "We returned to the game's core concepts to find a new direction. We discovered Sekiro's deflection system, which resonated deeply with us," Yang revealed.

However, instead of aggressive, counter-based combat, Nine Sols emphasizes the quiet intensity and focus inherent in Taoist philosophy. This resulted in a combat system that utilizes an opponent's strength against them, rewarding players for deflecting attacks and maintaining balance. Yang acknowledged the challenges: "This deflection-heavy style is rarely explored in 2D, requiring countless iterations to perfect. Through trial and error, we finally achieved the desired effect."

"As the elements came together, the narrative amplified. Themes of nature versus technology, life, and death organically emerged," Yang continued. "It felt like Nine Sols was forging its own path, and we were simply guiding it."

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