Home News Nine Sols' “Taopunk” identity Sets it Apart From Other Souls-Like Platformers

Nine Sols' “Taopunk” identity Sets it Apart From Other Souls-Like Platformers

Author : Eric Update:Nov 16,2024

Nine Sols' “Taopunk” Identity Sets it Apart From Other Souls-Like Platformers

Nine Sols, a souls-like 2D platformer by Red Candle Games, is storming the Switch, PS, and Xbox consoles soon! Leading up to the game's console launch, producer Shihwei Yang has shared what sets their title apart from the rest.

Nine Sols' Unique Art and Combat Are Its Shining MegastarsTakes Inspiration From Eastern Philosophy and Gritty Cyberpunk

Nine Sols' “Taopunk” Identity Sets it Apart From Other Souls-Like Platformers

Leading up to Nine Sols' console release next month, co-founder and producer Shihwei Yang talked about how Red Candle Games' souls-like platformer title sets it apart from the games we see come out this year. Much of Nine Sols' different aspects, encompassing gameplay, visuals, and story, is grounded in what it calls "Taopunk," a blending of Eastern philosophy, such as Taoism, and the aesthetics of cyberpunk.

The game's visuals and art takes inspiration from 80s and 90s manga/anime such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell, both critically-acclaimed sci-fi works that heavily feature elements of futurism, bustling cities, neon lights, and a marriage between humans and technology. "Since we’re all fans of ‘80s and ‘90s Japanese anime and manga, cyberpunk classics like 'Akira' and 'Ghost in the Shell' became key inspirations for our art development," Yang shared. "These works deeply influenced how we approached the visual style of Nine Sols, blending futuristic tech with an artistic flair that feels both nostalgic and fresh."

These artistic elements also seeped into Nine Sols' audio design, according to Yang, further sharing how the game's distinct music is sounded to the tune of traditional Eastern music elements using modern instruments. "We wanted the soundscape to stand out, so we fused traditional Eastern sounds with modern instruments to create something truly distinct," he said. "This combination gave Nine Sols an identity that sets it apart from other games, making the atmosphere feel both grounded in ancient roots and futuristic at the same time."

Nine Sols' “Taopunk” Identity Sets it Apart From Other Souls-Like Platformers

But apart from the carefully crafted audio-visual representation of its Taopunk world, Nine Sols' combat is where the unique blend of these elements shine. "We thought we had found our rhythm, creating settings that resonated with the philosophical ideas of Taoism while embracing the gritty energy of cyberpunk. But then, just when we thought we could take a breath," Yang started, "another challenge arose: the gameplay. Designing the combat system proved to be one of the most difficult hurdles we faced."

Initially, the studio drew inspiration from classic indie titles like Hollow Knight for Nine Sols' overall gameplay, according to Yang, "but it quickly became clear that it didn’t fit the tone of Nine Sols," he then explained. The Nine Sols developers already knew they didn't want to follow "path of the other great platformers" as they felt it didn't align with what the studio wanted to Achieve and create—a deflection-heavy 2D action game."It wasn’t until we returned to the core ideas of the game that we found a new direction. Around that time, we coincidentally came across the deflection system from Sekiro, and it resonated deeply with us," Yang said.

Nine Sols' “Taopunk” Identity Sets it Apart From Other Souls-Like Platformers


However, instead of harnessing aggressiveness for its fights that depend on countering moves, the Nine Sols team decided to pull from the quiet intensity and focus that's rooted in Taoist philosophy. With this combat design choice, the studio was able to pull off a combat system that "uses an opponent’s strength against them."

Nine Sols features a combat system that "rewards players for deflecting attacks and maintaining balance." However, Yang said that building this "deflection-heavy" style posed its own challenges to Red Candle Games. "It’s a rarely explored mechanic in 2D, and it took countless iterations to get right. Thankfully, after much trial and error, everything finally clicked," he explained.

"As we pieced everything together, the overall narrative also began to amplify. Themes like nature vs. technology and the meaning of life and death naturally found their way into the story," he detailed further in the blog. Strangely enough, it felt like Nine Sols was carving out its own path, and we were merely guiding it as it found its voice."

Nine Sols' solid gameplay mechanic, along with its captivating artwork and intriguing story, are indeed aspects that left Game8 absolutely stunned. You can read more of our thoughts on Nine Sols in our review linked below!

Latest Games More +
Word | 175.4 MB
Dive into the enchanting world of JiangHu, an open-world idle Wuxia RPG that promises an unparalleled adventure. This realm is steeped in the rich traditions of Wuxia and kungfu, inviting you to embark on a journey like no other.In JiangHu, you'll encounter hundreds of sects and a vast array of mart
Sports | 59.10M
Step into the exciting world of Stickman 3D Tennis and become a tennis champion! Engage in thrilling matches against your opponents in quick games or demanding tournaments, utilizing an array of powerful tennis techniques such as the Lob, TopSpin, and Volley. Dive into breathtaking 3D environments a
Role Playing | 672.0 MB
Embark on an enchanting journey with the captivating Kemono girls, joining over 10 million players worldwide in the immersive world of Echocalypse: The Scarlet Covenant!♥All That Belonged To Me, Now Belong To You♥A thrilling new version has been launched, introducing the highly anticipated Oath Syst
Racing | 113.2 MB
Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Traffic Car Racer Arabic - Hajwala, where you'll experience the adrenaline-pumping action of drifting and traffic racing across iconic Arabian streets and cities. Gear up to conquer over 100 races that will test your skills from beginner to professional lev
Educational | 156.1 MB
Introducing the ultimate cake baking game for kids that everyone adores! With stunning 3D graphics and user-friendly controls, you'll feel like you're whipping up real cakes in no time. Step into the world of Little Panda's Cake Shop and embark on your journey to become a master cake maker. Bake an
Adventure | 158.0 MB
Dive into the chilling realm of "Scary Horror World Clown Ghost Game," where every corner of this haunted house experience is steeped in mystery and dread. Are you prepared to tackle a Horror World game that transcends the typical horror escape? Step into the eerie world of Horror and become a ghost
Topics More +
Mar 04,2025 A total of 10
More
Feb 27,2025 A total of 10
More
Dec 31,2024 A total of 10
More
Dec 30,2024 A total of 10
More