"Nine Sols: Taopunk Style Defines Unique Souls-Like Platformer"

Nine Sols, a souls-like 2D platformer developed by Red Candle Games, is set to make waves on the Switch, PS, and Xbox consoles soon! In anticipation of the game's console launch, producer Shihwei Yang has shed light on what makes their title stand out in the crowded gaming landscape.

Nine Sols' Unique Art and Combat Are Its Shining Megastars

Takes Inspiration From Eastern Philosophy and Gritty Cyberpunk

As the console release of Nine Sols approaches next month, co-founder and producer Shihwei Yang has discussed how Red Candle Games' souls-like platformer distinguishes itself from other games released this year. The game's unique identity, "Taopunk," is a fusion of Eastern philosophy, particularly Taoism, and cyberpunk aesthetics, influencing its gameplay, visuals, and narrative.

The visual and artistic design of Nine Sols draws heavily from 80s and 90s manga and anime classics like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, renowned for their futuristic settings, neon-lit cities, and the integration of human and technological elements. "Our team's passion for '80s and '90s Japanese anime and manga led us to draw significant inspiration from cyberpunk classics like 'Akira' and 'Ghost in the Shell,'" Yang explained. "These influences shaped our visual style, creating a blend of futuristic technology with a nostalgic yet fresh artistic approach."

Yang also highlighted how these artistic influences extend to the game's audio design, where traditional Eastern music elements are fused with modern instruments. "We aimed to craft a distinctive soundscape by blending traditional Eastern sounds with contemporary instruments," he said. "This fusion gives Nine Sols a unique auditory identity, grounding it in ancient traditions while embracing a futuristic atmosphere."

Beyond its immersive audio-visual experience, Nine Sols' combat system is where the game's Taopunk identity truly shines. "We were striving to find a balance between the philosophical essence of Taoism and the raw energy of cyberpunk," Yang remarked. "However, developing the combat system presented one of our biggest challenges."

Initially, the team looked to indie classics like Hollow Knight for inspiration, but Yang noted, "We soon realized that this approach didn't align with the tone of Nine Sols." The developers were determined to create something different from other platformers, aiming for a deflection-heavy 2D action game. "It was only when we revisited the core concepts of the game that we discovered a new direction. The deflection system from Sekiro resonated with us," Yang shared.

Rather than focusing on aggressive counterattacks, the Nine Sols team chose to emphasize the quiet intensity and focus rooted in Taoist philosophy. This approach allowed them to develop a combat system that "utilizes an opponent's strength against them."

Nine Sols' combat is designed to "reward players for deflecting attacks and maintaining balance," Yang explained. However, implementing this "deflection-heavy" style in a 2D environment was challenging. "It's an underutilized mechanic in 2D games, and it required numerous iterations to perfect. After extensive trial and error, we finally got it right," he added.

"As we integrated all these elements, the narrative naturally evolved to explore themes like nature versus technology and the essence of life and death," Yang elaborated in the blog. "It felt as though Nine Sols was forging its own path, with us merely guiding it as it found its voice."

Nine Sols' compelling gameplay mechanics, stunning artwork, and engaging narrative have left Game8 thoroughly impressed. To delve deeper into our thoughts on Nine Sols, check out our full review linked below!