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 identity, differentiating it from other titles in the genre.

A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics:

Nine Sols' distinctive style, encompassing visuals, gameplay, and narrative, is rooted in "Taopunk"—a compelling blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and cyberpunk aesthetics.

Inspired by classic 80s and 90s anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, the game's visuals showcase a futuristic world brimming with bustling cities, neon lights, and a seamless fusion of humanity and technology. This aesthetic extends to the audio design, incorporating 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 deviated from traditional platformer mechanics. Drawing inspiration from Sekiro's deflection system, they crafted a combat system that rewards skillful parrying and emphasizes balance, a concept deeply rooted in Taoist philosophy. This "deflection-heavy" approach, rarely seen in 2D games, proved challenging but ultimately yielded a unique and rewarding gameplay experience.

The game's narrative organically evolved alongside its gameplay mechanics, incorporating themes of nature versus technology and the exploration of life and death. The result is a cohesive and captivating experience that stands apart from its contemporaries. Nine Sols' innovative blend of art style, compelling narrative, and unique combat system promises a truly memorable gaming experience.