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

Nine Sols: A Unique Taopunk Souls-like Platformer

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

A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics ("Taopunk")

Nine Sols' unique identity stems from its "Taopunk" aesthetic, a compelling blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and cyberpunk visuals. The game's art style draws heavily from 80s and 90s anime and manga, such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell, incorporating futuristic technology, vibrant cityscapes, neon lights, and a seamless fusion of humanity and technology. This influence extends to the audio design, which masterfully combines traditional Eastern instrumentation with modern sounds to create a distinctive soundscape.

Innovative Deflection-Based Combat

The game's combat system is where the Taopunk philosophy truly shines. While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, the developers ultimately steered away from traditional platformer mechanics. Instead, they incorporated a deflection system reminiscent of Sekiro, but with a crucial twist. Nine Sols' combat emphasizes the Taoist principles of balance and using an opponent's strength against them, rewarding players for skillful deflections and maintaining composure. This unique approach, rarely seen in 2D platformers, required extensive development and refinement.

The game's narrative seamlessly integrates themes of nature versus technology, life, and death, organically emerging from the core gameplay mechanics and artistic vision. The result is a cohesive and captivating experience. Nine Sols' blend of compelling gameplay, striking visuals, and a thought-provoking narrative creates a truly memorable gaming experience.