Nine Sols' “Taopunk” Identity Sets it Apart From Other Souls-Like Platformers

Nine Sols: A Taopunk Souls-like Platformer That Redefines the Genre

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 crowded souls-like genre.

A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics:

Nine Sols' distinctive identity stems from its "Taopunk" aesthetic, a compelling blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and the gritty visuals of cyberpunk.

Inspired by 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. This aesthetic extends to the audio design, which masterfully fuses traditional Eastern instrumentation with modern sounds, creating a unique and immersive soundscape.

Innovative Combat System:

While initially drawing inspiration from titles like Hollow Knight, Red Candle Games ultimately steered clear of typical platformer conventions. Instead, they incorporated a deflection-heavy combat system inspired by Sekiro, but with a crucial twist. Nine Sols' combat emphasizes the quiet intensity and balance inherent in Taoist philosophy, rewarding players for skillful parries and strategic defense. This unique mechanic, rarely seen in 2D games, required extensive development and refinement.

This innovative combat system, coupled with the game's captivating art style and thought-provoking narrative exploring themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death, creates a truly unforgettable gaming experience. Nine Sols carves its own path, a testament to Red Candle Games' creative vision.