Nine Sols Sets Up Unique 'Taopunk' Platform Waypoint

Red Candle Games' upcoming 2D souls-like platformer, Nine Sols, is poised to hit Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles soon! Producer Shihwei Yang recently highlighted the game's unique identity, differentiating it from other titles in the genre.

Nine Sols' Distinctive Art and Combat: A Standout in the Souls-like Genre

A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Grit

Ahead of next month's console launch, Yang discussed how Nine Sols distinguishes itself. The game's core elements—gameplay, visuals, and narrative—are rooted in "Taopunk," a compelling blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and cyberpunk aesthetics.

The game's visual style draws inspiration from iconic 80s and 90s anime and manga, such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell. These sci-fi classics, with their futuristic cities, neon lights, and human-technology fusion, heavily influenced Nine Sols' look. Yang stated, "As fans of '80s and '90s Japanese anime and manga, cyberpunk classics like 'Akira' and 'Ghost in the Shell' were key inspirations. They shaped our visual style, blending futuristic tech with a nostalgic yet fresh artistic flair."

This artistic vision extends to the audio design, with a soundtrack merging traditional Eastern musical elements and modern instrumentation. Yang explained, "We aimed for a distinctive soundscape, fusing traditional Eastern sounds with modern instruments. This creates a unique identity, grounding the atmosphere in ancient roots while remaining futuristic."

Beyond its captivating audio-visual presentation, Nine Sols' combat system truly embodies its Taopunk identity. Yang described the development process: "We found a rhythm, creating settings reflecting Taoist philosophy and cyberpunk's gritty energy. But then, the gameplay presented a major challenge."

Initially, the team looked to indie classics like Hollow Knight for inspiration, but it didn't quite fit Nine Sols' tone. They consciously avoided mimicking other platformers, seeking a unique approach—a deflection-focused 2D action game. Yang revealed, "Returning to the game's core ideas, we discovered a new direction. We encountered Sekiro's deflection system, and it resonated deeply."

Instead of aggressive, counter-based combat, Nine Sols embraces the quiet intensity of Taoism. The resulting system "uses an opponent’s strength against them," rewarding players for deflecting attacks and maintaining balance. However, Yang acknowledged the challenges: "It’s a rarely explored mechanic in 2D, requiring countless iterations. After much trial and error, it finally clicked."

This refined combat system enhanced the narrative, seamlessly integrating themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death. Yang concluded, "It felt like Nine Sols was forging its own path, and we were simply guiding it."

Nine Sols' compelling gameplay, stunning visuals, and intriguing story have created a truly unique experience. For a more in-depth look, check out our full review (link below)!