Taopunk

Red Candle Games' upcoming 2D souls-like platformer, Nine Sols, is poised to hit Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles soon. Producer Shihwei Yang recently highlighted the game's unique features, setting it apart from other titles in the genre.

Nine Sols: A "Taopunk" Fusion of East and West

Eastern Philosophy Meets Gritty Cyberpunk Aesthetics

Ahead of next month's console launch, Yang discussed Nine Sols' distinctive blend of gameplay, visuals, and narrative, which the developers term "Taopunk." This innovative style fuses Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, with the visual flair of cyberpunk.

The game's visual style draws heavily from 80s and 90s anime and manga classics like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, capturing the futuristic cityscapes, neon lights, and human-technology symbiosis. Yang explained, "Our love for '80s and '90s Japanese anime and manga, especially cyberpunk masterpieces like 'Akira' and 'Ghost in the Shell,' heavily influenced Nine Sols' art direction. We blended futuristic technology with a nostalgic yet fresh artistic sensibility."

This artistic vision extends to the audio design, incorporating traditional Eastern musical elements played with modern instruments. Yang commented, "We aimed for a unique soundscape by fusing traditional Eastern sounds with modern instrumentation. This creates a distinct atmosphere, grounding the game in ancient roots while maintaining its futuristic feel."

Beyond the captivating visuals and sounds, Nine Sols' combat system is where the "Taopunk" identity truly shines. Yang described the development process: "We found a rhythm, creating settings that reflected Taoist philosophy while embracing cyberpunk's gritty energy. But then, the gameplay presented a major challenge."

Initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, the team quickly realized this approach didn't align with their vision. They rejected the typical platformer formula, opting instead for a deflection-focused 2D action game. Yang revealed, "We rediscovered our direction by returning to the game's core concepts. We were inspired by Sekiro's deflection system, which resonated perfectly with our vision."

Instead of aggressive, counter-attack focused combat, Nine Sols emphasizes the quiet intensity and mindful focus of Taoism. The resulting combat system utilizes an opponent's strength against them, rewarding players for deflecting attacks and maintaining balance. Yang acknowledged the challenges of this unique approach: "Deflection is a rarely explored mechanic in 2D, requiring countless iterations. After much experimentation, it finally came together."

This innovative combat system organically enhanced the narrative, incorporating themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death. Yang concluded, "It felt like Nine Sols was forging its own path, and we were simply guiding it to find its voice."

Nine Sols' compelling gameplay, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking narrative have left a lasting impression. For a more in-depth analysis, check out our full review (link to be inserted here).