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

Nine Sols: A Fusion of East and West

“Taopunk”: Where Eastern Philosophy Meets Cyberpunk Grit

Ahead of next month's console launch, Yang discussed Nine Sols' distinctive identity, a blend they term "Taopunk." This innovative concept fuses the philosophical tenets of Taoism with the gritty visual style of cyberpunk.

The game's striking visuals draw inspiration from iconic 80s and 90s anime and manga like Akira and Ghost in the Shell. The futuristic cityscapes, neon lights, and the interplay between humanity and technology are clearly evident. "Our love for '80s and '90s Japanese anime and manga, especially cyberpunk classics like 'Akira' and 'Ghost in the Shell,' heavily influenced Nine Sols' art style," Yang explained. "We aimed for a visual blend of futuristic tech and nostalgic artistic flair—something both familiar and fresh."

This aesthetic extends to the game's audio design, incorporating traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instrumentation. "We sought a unique soundscape," Yang stated, "fusing traditional Eastern sounds with modern instruments to create something truly distinct. This blend gives Nine Sols a unique atmosphere, grounding it in ancient roots while maintaining a futuristic feel."

Beyond its captivating audio-visual presentation, Nine Sols' combat system truly showcases its "Taopunk" identity. "Initially, we drew inspiration from titles like Hollow Knight, but it didn't quite fit Nine Sols' tone," Yang admitted. The team consciously avoided mimicking other platformers, instead aiming for a deflection-focused 2D action experience. "The breakthrough came when we revisited the core game concepts and discovered Sekiro's deflection system—it resonated perfectly," he revealed.

Instead of aggressive, counter-attack focused combat, Nine Sols emphasizes the quiet intensity and balance inherent in Taoist philosophy. The result is a system that "uses an opponent’s strength against them," rewarding players for precise deflections and maintaining composure. Yang acknowledged the challenges of implementing this "deflection-heavy" style in a 2D setting, stating, "It's a rarely explored mechanic, requiring countless iterations to perfect."

The game's narrative also evolved organically alongside the combat design. "Themes of nature versus technology, and the meaning of life and death, naturally emerged," Yang noted. "Nine Sols felt like it was forging its own path, and we were simply guiding it."

Nine Sols' compelling blend of gameplay, art, and narrative has undeniably created a truly unique experience. For a more in-depth look, check out our full review (link below)!