Red Candle Games' upcoming 2D souls-like platformer, Nine Sols, is poised to launch on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. Producer Shihwei Yang recently shed light on what distinguishes this title from its contemporaries.
Nine Sols: A Standout Blend of Art and Combat
Eastern Philosophy Meets Gritty Cyberpunk: The "Taopunk" Aesthetic
In anticipation of next month's console release, co-founder and producer Shihwei Yang highlighted Nine Sols' unique approach. The game's gameplay, visuals, and narrative are rooted in a concept they term "Taopunk"—a fusion of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and cyberpunk aesthetics.
The game's visual style draws inspiration from 80s and 90s anime and manga classics like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, capturing the futurism, vibrant cityscapes, neon lights, and human-technology blend of these influential works. Yang explained, "As fans of '80s and '90s Japanese anime and manga, cyberpunk classics like 'Akira' and 'Ghost in the Shell' heavily influenced Nine Sols' art style. We blended futuristic technology with a nostalgic yet fresh artistic flair."
This artistic vision extends to the audio design, with a soundtrack that blends traditional Eastern music with modern instrumentation. Yang stated, "We aimed for a distinctive soundscape, fusing traditional Eastern sounds and modern instruments. This creates a unique identity, grounding the atmosphere in ancient roots while maintaining a futuristic feel."
Beyond its striking audio-visual presentation, Nine Sols' combat system truly embodies its "Taopunk" identity. Yang described the development process: "We found a rhythm, creating settings that resonated with Taoist philosophy and cyberpunk's gritty energy. But just as we thought we could relax, the gameplay presented a new challenge: designing the combat system."
Initially, the team looked to indie titles like Hollow Knight for inspiration, but Yang noted, "It quickly became apparent that this didn't fit Nine Sols' tone." They consciously avoided mimicking other platformers, seeking a unique direction. The breakthrough came unexpectedly: "We stumbled upon Sekiro's deflection system, and it resonated deeply."
Instead of focusing on aggressive counter-attacks, the team incorporated the quiet intensity of Taoist philosophy, resulting in a combat system that utilizes an opponent's strength against them. This "deflection-heavy" style, while rewarding skillful parrying and balance, presented significant development challenges. Yang explained, "It's a rarely explored mechanic in 2D, requiring countless iterations. But after much trial and error, it all came together."
The cohesive design also impacted the narrative, seamlessly integrating 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 as it found its voice."
Nine Sols' compelling gameplay, captivating art, and intriguing story have impressed critics. For a more in-depth look, check out our full review (link provided).
