Nine Sols: A Unique "Taopunk" Souls-Like Platforming Experience

Nine Sols: A Unique Taopunk Souls-like Platformer

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 distinctive features, setting it apart from other titles in the genre.

A "Taopunk" Aesthetic

Nine Sols' unique identity stems from its "Taopunk" aesthetic, a fusion of Eastern philosophy (particularly Taoism) and cyberpunk visuals. Inspired by 80s and 90s anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, the game boasts a striking visual style that blends futuristic technology with a nostalgic, artistic flair.

This aesthetic extends to the audio design, which seamlessly integrates traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instrumentation, creating a soundscape that's both ancient and futuristic.

Innovative Combat System

While initially inspired by games like Hollow Knight, Nine Sols' combat system ultimately diverged. The developers rejected a typical platformer approach, opting instead for a deflection-heavy system inspired by Sekiro. However, Nine Sols' implementation emphasizes the quiet intensity and balance inherent in Taoist philosophy, rewarding players for deflecting attacks and maintaining composure. This unique mechanic, rarely seen in 2D games, required extensive development and refinement.

This innovative combat system, coupled with the game's captivating visuals and narrative exploring themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death, creates a truly unique and memorable gaming experience.

Nine Sols' distinctive blend of art, sound, and gameplay promises a compelling and unforgettable experience for players.