Nine Sols: A Unique Taopunk Souls-like Platformer
Nine Sols, a 2D souls-like platformer developed by Red Candle Games, is poised for release on Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. Producer Shihwei Yang recently highlighted the game's distinctive features, setting it apart from other titles in the genre.
A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Aesthetics ("Taopunk")
Yang emphasizes Nine Sols' foundation in "Taopunk," a unique blend of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, and cyberpunk aesthetics. The game's visual style draws inspiration from 80s and 90s anime like Akira and Ghost in the Shell, incorporating futuristic technology with a nostalgic artistic flair. This influence extends to the audio design, which fuses traditional Eastern instrumentation with modern sounds to create a distinctive atmosphere.
Innovative Deflection-Based Combat
The game's combat system presented a significant development challenge. While initially inspired by titles like Hollow Knight, the developers ultimately rejected a traditional platformer approach. Instead, they incorporated a deflection mechanic reminiscent of Sekiro, but with a crucial twist. Nine Sols' combat emphasizes balance and the skillful use of an opponent's momentum, rewarding players for deflecting attacks rather than relying on aggressive counterattacks. This unique mechanic, rarely seen in 2D games, required extensive iteration to perfect.
This innovative combat design, coupled with the game's captivating visuals and narrative exploring themes of nature versus technology and the meaning of life and death, creates a truly unique experience. Nine Sols' distinctive blend of gameplay, art, and story promises a compelling and memorable adventure.
