Unveiling 'Taopunk': Nine Sols Stands Out in Souls-Like Genre

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

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 identity, differentiating it from other titles in the genre.

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

Nine Sols' distinctive style, encompassing visuals, gameplay, and narrative, stems from its "Taopunk" aesthetic. This innovative blend fuses the philosophical tenets of Taoism with the gritty cyberpunk aesthetic of iconic 80s and 90s anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell. The game's visual design draws heavily from these influences, seamlessly merging futuristic technology with a nostalgic yet modern artistic flair. This aesthetic extends to the audio design, incorporating traditional Eastern musical elements played with modern instruments, creating a unique soundscape that reflects the game's core themes.

Combat: A Masterclass in Deflection and Balance

While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, Nine Sols' developers ultimately rejected a traditional platformer approach. Instead, they embraced a deflection-heavy combat system, inspired by Sekiro, but infused with the calm intensity of Taoist philosophy. This resulted in a combat system that rewards skillful parrying and maintaining balance, a unique mechanic rarely seen in 2D games. The development of this system presented significant challenges, requiring numerous iterations to perfect.

The game's narrative organically evolved alongside its unique gameplay, incorporating themes of nature versus technology, and the cyclical nature of life and death. The result is a cohesive and compelling experience that stands apart from its contemporaries. Nine Sols' blend of captivating visuals, innovative gameplay, and thought-provoking narrative promises a truly memorable gaming experience.