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 features, differentiating it from other titles in the genre.
A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics ("Taopunk")
Nine Sols' distinctive identity stems from its "Taopunk" aesthetic, a compelling blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and the gritty visual style of cyberpunk. The game's art draws inspiration from iconic 80s and 90s anime and manga like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, capturing the futuristic cityscapes, neon lights, and human-technology fusion characteristic of the genre. This visual style extends to the audio design, incorporating traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instrumentation to create a unique soundscape.
A Deflection-Focused Combat System
While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, Nine Sols' developers ultimately diverged, rejecting a purely platformer-focused approach. Instead, they integrated a deflection-heavy combat system inspired by Sekiro, but with a crucial twist. Rather than aggressive parrying, Nine Sols emphasizes the calm, focused intensity of Taoist philosophy, rewarding players for skillfully deflecting attacks and maintaining balance. This unique mechanic, rarely seen in 2D games, required extensive development and refinement.
The game's narrative organically evolved alongside the combat system, incorporating themes of nature versus technology, and the meaning of life and death. The result is a game that feels both meticulously crafted and organically grown, forging its own unique path within the souls-like genre. Nine Sols' blend of captivating visuals, compelling narrative, and innovative gameplay promises a truly unforgettable experience.
