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

Red Candle Games' upcoming 2D souls-like platformer, Nine Sols, is poised to make a splash on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. Producer Shihwei Yang recently highlighted the game's unique selling points, differentiating it from the crowded souls-like genre.

Nine Sols' Distinctive Style: A "Taopunk" Vision

Nine Sols' core identity, "Taopunk," fuses Eastern philosophy (particularly Taoism) with cyberpunk aesthetics. This blend is evident in every facet of the game.

Inspired by classic 80s and 90s anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, the game's visuals are a striking mix of futuristic technology and a nostalgic artistic style. This aesthetic extends to the soundtrack, which masterfully combines traditional Eastern instrumentation with modern sounds.

The game's combat system is where the "Taopunk" concept truly shines. While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, the developers ultimately steered away from typical platformer mechanics. Instead, they adopted a deflection-heavy system reminiscent of Sekiro, but with a crucial twist.

Rather than aggressive, counter-attack focused combat, Nine Sols emphasizes a more contemplative, balanced approach rooted in Taoist principles. This unique system rewards skillful deflection and strategic play, creating a challenging yet rewarding experience. Developing this system proved challenging, requiring numerous iterations to perfect the 2D deflection mechanic.

The game's narrative organically evolved alongside its combat design, incorporating themes of nature versus technology and the cycle of life and death.

Nine Sols' compelling blend of gameplay, art, and story promises a truly unique experience within the souls-like genre.