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:

Nine Sols' unique identity stems from its "Taopunk" aesthetic, a compelling blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and the gritty visuals of cyberpunk. Drawing inspiration from classic 80s and 90s anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, the game's art style seamlessly merges futuristic technology with a nostalgic artistic flair.

This influence extends to the audio design, where traditional Eastern musical elements are interwoven with modern instrumentation, creating a soundscape that's both ancient and futuristic.

Innovative Deflection-Based Combat:

While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, Nine Sols' combat system ultimately diverged, embracing a unique deflection-heavy approach reminiscent of Sekiro. However, instead of aggressive counter-attacks, Nine Sols' combat emphasizes the quiet intensity and balance inherent in Taoist philosophy, rewarding players for deflecting attacks and maintaining composure. This innovative mechanic, rarely seen in 2D platformers, presented significant development challenges but ultimately proved crucial to the game's identity.

The development process organically shaped the narrative, weaving in themes of nature versus technology, and the meaning of life and death. The game's unique blend of gameplay, art, and story creates a truly captivating experience.