Nine Sols Reimagines Souls-Like Genre with Unique "Taopunk" Identity

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

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 unique features, differentiating it from other titles in the 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 cyberpunk aesthetic. The game's visual style draws inspiration from iconic 80s and 90s anime and manga such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell, capturing the futuristic cityscapes, neon lights, and human-technology fusion characteristic of the genre. Yang emphasizes the deliberate blending of futuristic technology with a nostalgic yet modern artistic flair.

This aesthetic extends to the audio design, which fuses traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instrumentation, creating a unique soundscape that reflects both ancient roots and a futuristic setting.

Innovative Deflection-Based Combat

While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, Nine Sols' gameplay evolved significantly. The developers rejected a conventional platformer approach, opting instead for a deflection-heavy combat system inspired by Sekiro. However, unlike Sekiro's aggressive counter-attack style, Nine Sols' combat emphasizes the quiet intensity and balance inherent in Taoist philosophy, rewarding players for deflecting attacks and maintaining composure. This unique mechanic, rarely explored in 2D games, presented significant development challenges but ultimately became a core element of the game's identity.

This innovative combat system, coupled with the game's captivating visuals and a narrative exploring themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death, creates a truly unique and compelling gaming experience. The result is a game that feels both familiar and refreshingly original.