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

Nine Sols: A Unique Taopunk Souls-like Platformer

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 highlighted the game's distinctive features, setting it apart from other titles in the genre.

A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics ("Taopunk")

Nine Sols' unique identity stems from its "Taopunk" aesthetic, a compelling blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and cyberpunk elements. 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 the interplay between humanity and technology. This visual style is complemented by an audio design that fuses traditional Eastern instrumentation with modern sounds, creating a unique and atmospheric soundscape.

Innovative Deflection-Based Combat

The game's combat system is a key differentiator. While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, the developers ultimately opted for a deflection-heavy system reminiscent of Sekiro, but with a crucial twist. Instead of aggressive, counter-attack focused combat, Nine Sols emphasizes the quiet intensity and balance inherent in Taoist philosophy. This results in a combat system that rewards skillful deflection and the strategic use of an opponent's momentum. Developing this unique mechanic, rarely seen in 2D platformers, presented significant challenges, requiring numerous iterations to perfect.

The game's narrative organically incorporates themes of nature versus technology, and the meaning of life and death, further enriching the overall experience. The development process itself seemed to organically guide the game towards its unique identity.

Nine Sols' compelling blend of gameplay, art, and story promises a truly unique and memorable experience.