"Nine Sols: Taopunk Style Differentiates it from Other Souls-Like Games"

Nine Sols, the eagerly anticipated souls-like 2D platformer by Red Candle Games, is set to make a grand entrance on Switch, PS, and Xbox consoles soon! As the excitement builds towards the console launch, producer Shihwei Yang has shared insights into what makes Nine Sols stand out in the crowded field of gaming titles.

Nine Sols' Unique Art and Combat Are Its Shining Megastars

Takes Inspiration From Eastern Philosophy and Gritty Cyberpunk

In anticipation of Nine Sols' console release next month, co-founder and producer Shihwei Yang discussed how Red Candle Games' souls-like platformer sets itself apart from the competition. Central to Nine Sols' distinct identity is its "Taopunk" concept, a unique fusion of Eastern philosophy, specifically Taoism, with the gritty aesthetics of cyberpunk.

The game's visual style draws heavily from 80s and 90s manga/anime classics such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell, renowned for their futuristic settings, vibrant neon cities, and the intertwining of humanity with technology. "As avid fans of '80s and '90s Japanese anime and manga, we were inspired by cyberpunk masterpieces like 'Akira' and 'Ghost in the Shell' for our art," Yang explained. "These works significantly shaped our visual approach, merging futuristic technology with a nostalgic yet fresh artistic flair."

This artistic influence extends to Nine Sols' audio design as well. Yang highlighted how the game's unique soundscape blends traditional Eastern music with modern instruments, creating a distinctive atmosphere. "We aimed for our sound to stand out, so we combined traditional Eastern sounds with modern instruments to craft a truly unique experience," he stated. "This fusion lends Nine Sols an identity that is both rooted in ancient traditions and forward-looking, enhancing its immersive world."

Beyond its captivating audio-visual presentation, Nine Sols' combat system is where the Taopunk concept truly shines. "We felt we had struck a chord, blending Taoist philosophical ideas with the raw energy of cyberpunk. But then, the challenge of gameplay emerged," Yang revealed. "Crafting the combat system was one of our toughest challenges."

Initially, the team looked to classic indie games like Hollow Knight for inspiration, but Yang noted that "it didn't align with the tone we were aiming for with Nine Sols." The developers were determined not to follow in the footsteps of other platformers, seeking instead to create a deflection-based 2D action game. "It was only when we revisited the core concepts of our game that we found a new path. That's when we discovered the deflection system from Sekiro, which resonated deeply with us," Yang shared.

However, rather than emphasizing aggressive combat, the Nine Sols team opted for a style that embodies the quiet intensity and focus of Taoist philosophy. This approach enabled them to develop a combat system that "utilizes an opponent's strength against them." Nine Sols rewards players for mastering deflection and maintaining balance, though Yang admitted that perfecting this "deflection-heavy" mechanic was no small feat. "It's a rare approach in 2D gaming, and it took numerous iterations to perfect. After much trial and error, it all came together," he explained.

"As we integrated all these elements, the narrative naturally evolved," Yang continued. "Themes such as the clash between nature and technology, and the essence of life and death, seamlessly wove themselves into the story. It felt like Nine Sols was finding its own path, with us simply guiding it along."

Nine Sols' robust gameplay mechanics, combined with its stunning art and compelling narrative, have left Game8 thoroughly impressed. Dive deeper into our thoughts on Nine Sols by checking out our review linked below!