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

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

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 features, setting it apart from other titles in the genre.

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

Nine Sols' distinctive identity stems from its "Taopunk" aesthetic, a compelling blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and the gritty visual style of cyberpunk.

Inspired by classic 80s and 90s anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, the game's visuals feature futuristic technology, vibrant cityscapes, neon lights, and a seamless integration of humanity and technology. This aesthetic extends to the audio design, which fuses traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instrumentation, creating a unique and immersive soundscape.

Innovative Deflection-Based Combat

While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, Nine Sols' developers ultimately rejected a conventional platformer approach. Instead, drawing inspiration from Sekiro's deflection system, they crafted a unique combat system that emphasizes deflection and balance, rewarding players for skillfully parrying attacks. This mechanic, rarely seen in 2D games, required extensive development and refinement. The combat system reflects the quiet intensity and focus inherent in Taoist philosophy, turning an opponent's strength against them.

This innovative combat system, combined with the game's captivating art style and thought-provoking narrative exploring themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death, creates a truly unique and memorable gaming experience.