Nine Sols Shines in Crowded Genre with Unique 'Taopunk' Aesthetic

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, differentiating it from other titles in the genre.

A Unique Blend of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics

Yang emphasizes Nine Sols' "Taopunk" aesthetic, a fusion of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, with cyberpunk visuals. Inspired by classic 80s and 90s anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, the game's art style blends futuristic technology with a nostalgic, yet fresh, 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.

A Deflection-Focused Combat System

While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, Nine Sols' combat system ultimately diverged. Instead of mimicking other platformers, the developers drew inspiration from Sekiro's deflection mechanic, but adapted it to align with Taoist principles of balance and using an opponent's strength against them. This unique approach, while challenging to implement in a 2D context, rewards players for skillful deflection and maintaining composure.

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 distinct and memorable experience. The result is a game that feels both thoughtfully designed and organically evolved. For a more in-depth look, check out our full review (link to be inserted here).