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

Nine Sols: A Taopunk Souls-like Platformer That Defies Expectations

Nine Sols, a 2D souls-like platformer from 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 genre.

A Unique Blend of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics

Nine Sols' distinctive identity, termed "Taopunk," seamlessly merges Eastern philosophical concepts, particularly Taoism, with the gritty visuals of cyberpunk. Inspired by iconic 80s and 90s anime such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell, the game's art style blends futuristic technology with a nostalgic aesthetic. This influence extends to the audio design, which fuses traditional Eastern instrumentation with modern sounds to create a unique soundscape.

This "Taopunk" aesthetic isn't merely skin deep; it informs the core gameplay. While initially drawing inspiration from titles like Hollow Knight, Red Candle Games found the combat system required a different approach. They ultimately incorporated a deflection-heavy system reminiscent of Sekiro, but with a crucial twist. Instead of aggressive, counter-attack focused combat, Nine Sols emphasizes the quiet intensity and balance inherent in Taoist philosophy, rewarding players for deflecting attacks and maintaining composure. Developing this unique 2D deflection mechanic proved challenging, requiring numerous iterations to perfect.

This innovative combat system, coupled with the captivating art style and a narrative exploring themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death, creates a truly unique experience. Nine Sols carves its own path within the souls-like genre, offering a compelling blend of challenging gameplay and captivating world-building. The game's distinct visual and auditory elements, combined with its innovative combat system, create a truly unforgettable experience. For a more in-depth look, check out our full review (link to be inserted here).