Taoist-Inspired 'Nine Sols' Shines Among Souls-Like

Nine Sols: A Taopunk Souls-like Platformer Unlike Any Other

Red Candle Games' upcoming 2D souls-like platformer, Nine Sols, is poised to launch on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. Producer Shihwei Yang recently shed light on what distinguishes this title from the crowded souls-like genre.

A Unique Blend of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics

Yang describes Nine Sols' core identity as "Taopunk," a fusion of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, with the gritty cyberpunk aesthetic. The game's visual style draws heavily from 80s and 90s anime and manga such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell, capturing the futuristic cityscapes, neon lights, and human-technology symbiosis. This influence extends to the audio design, blending traditional Eastern instrumentation with modern sounds to create a unique and atmospheric soundscape.

Innovative Deflection-Based Combat

Initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, Nine Sols' gameplay evolved significantly. The developers rejected a traditional platformer approach, opting instead for a deflection-heavy combat system inspired by Sekiro. However, unlike Sekiro's aggressive counter system, Nine Sols emphasizes the calm intensity of Taoist philosophy, rewarding players for deflecting attacks and maintaining balance. This unique mechanic, rarely seen in 2D games, required extensive development and iteration.

The development process organically shaped the narrative, weaving themes of nature versus technology, and the meaning of life and death into the storyline. The game's unique blend of compelling gameplay, captivating visuals, and a thought-provoking narrative promises a truly distinct experience. [Link to Game8 review would go here].