Nine Sols' Unique "Taopunk" Aesthetic Blazes New Trail in Souls-like Genre

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

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, setting it apart from the crowded souls-like genre.

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

Yang emphasizes Nine Sols' "Taopunk" foundation—a compelling blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and the gritty visuals of cyberpunk. The game's art style draws heavily from iconic 80s and 90s anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, capturing the futuristic cityscapes, neon lights, and human-technology symbiosis. This aesthetic extends to the audio design, fusing traditional Eastern instrumentation with modern sounds to create a unique and atmospheric soundscape.

Innovative Deflection-Based Combat

While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, Nine Sols' developers quickly realized a different approach was needed. They ultimately incorporated a deflection system reminiscent of Sekiro, but with a crucial twist. Instead of aggressive counter-attacks, Nine Sols' combat 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 platformers, required extensive development and refinement.

This innovative combat system, combined with the captivating visuals and a narrative exploring themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death, creates a truly distinct gaming experience. Nine Sols' unique blend of elements has garnered significant attention, promising a souls-like adventure unlike any other.