Nine Sols: A Taopunk Souls-like Platformer That Defies Expectations
Nine Sols, Red Candle Games' 2D souls-like platformer, is poised for a console launch on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. Producer Shihwei Yang recently shed light on what distinguishes this title from the crowded souls-like genre.
A Unique Blend of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics
Nine Sols' distinctive identity, termed "Taopunk," seamlessly merges Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, with the gritty visual style of cyberpunk. Drawing inspiration from iconic 80s and 90s anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, the game's visuals showcase a futuristic world brimming with neon lights and a symbiotic relationship between humanity and technology. Yang emphasizes the deliberate fusion of futuristic tech with a nostalgic yet modern artistic flair.
This aesthetic extends to the game's audio design, blending traditional Eastern instrumentation with modern sounds to create a unique soundscape. The result is an atmosphere that feels both ancient and futuristic.
However, Nine Sols truly shines in its innovative combat system. While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, the developers realized this approach didn't align with their vision. Instead, they incorporated a deflection-heavy system reminiscent of Sekiro, but with a crucial twist. Instead of aggressive counter-attacks, Nine Sols' combat emphasizes the quiet intensity and balance rooted in Taoist philosophy, rewarding players for deflecting attacks and maintaining composure. This unique mechanic, rarely seen in 2D platformers, required extensive iteration and refinement.
This innovative combat system, coupled with the game's compelling narrative exploring themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death, creates a truly unique experience. The game's development organically evolved, with the core ideas shaping the narrative and gameplay in a synergistic manner.
Nine Sols' captivating art style, intriguing story, and innovative gameplay mechanics combine to deliver a truly memorable experience.
