Nine Sols: A Taopunk Souls-like Platformer That Defies Expectations
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 identity, setting it apart from other titles in the genre.
A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics
Nine Sols' distinctive style, encompassing visuals, gameplay, and narrative, is rooted in "Taopunk"—a compelling blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and the gritty aesthetic 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 bustling cities, neon lights, and a seamless fusion of humanity and technology. Yang emphasizes the influence of these classics on Nine Sols' artistic direction, creating a visual experience that's both nostalgic and innovative.
This artistic vision extends to the game's audio design. The soundtrack masterfully integrates traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instrumentation, resulting in a unique soundscape that perfectly complements the game's blend of ancient and futuristic themes.
However, it's Nine Sols' combat system that truly showcases the Taopunk fusion. While initially drawing inspiration from titles like Hollow Knight, the developers realized this didn't align with their vision. They ultimately found inspiration in Sekiro's deflection system, adapting it to create a unique mechanic that rewards skillful parrying and emphasizes balance. This deflection-heavy combat, a rarity in 2D platformers, required extensive iteration and refinement.
The development process organically shaped the game's narrative, incorporating themes of nature versus technology, and the cyclical nature of life and death. The game's identity, Yang explains, seemed to emerge organically, with the developers acting as guides rather than sole creators.
The captivating art style, compelling narrative, and innovative gameplay mechanics of Nine Sols create a truly unforgettable experience.
