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, differentiating it from other titles in the genre.
Nine Sols' Distinctive Art and Combat: A Winning Combination
A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Cyberpunk Grit
Ahead of next month's console launch, Yang discussed Nine Sols' distinctive blend of gameplay, visuals, and narrative, rooted in their coined 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, such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell. This influence is evident in the futuristic cityscapes, neon lighting, and the interplay between humanity and technology. "As fans of classic '80s and '90s Japanese anime and manga, Akira and Ghost in the Shell heavily influenced our art direction," Yang explained. "We blended futuristic tech with a nostalgic yet modern artistic flair."
This artistic vision extends to the game's audio design, incorporating traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instrumentation. "We aimed for a unique soundscape by fusing traditional Eastern sounds and modern instruments," Yang stated. "This creates an atmosphere that's both ancient and futuristic."
Beyond the captivating audio-visual presentation, Nine Sols' combat system showcases the "Taopunk" blend most effectively. Yang described the development process: "We found a rhythm, balancing Taoist philosophy with cyberpunk energy. But then, the gameplay presented a significant challenge."
Initially, the team looked to classic indie titles like Hollow Knight for inspiration. However, Yang noted, "it didn't quite fit Nine Sols' tone." They consciously avoided mimicking other platformers, aiming for a unique, deflection-focused 2D action experience. "Returning to the game's core concepts, we discovered a new direction. We encountered Sekiro's deflection system, which resonated strongly."
Instead of aggressive, counter-attack focused combat, Nine Sols emphasizes the quiet intensity and balance found in Taoist philosophy. The resulting system "uses an opponent's strength against them," rewarding players for deflecting attacks and maintaining composure. Yang acknowledged the challenges of implementing this "deflection-heavy" system in a 2D context. "It's a rarely explored mechanic, requiring numerous iterations. But after much trial and error, it finally clicked."
"As the pieces fell into place, the narrative amplified," Yang continued. "Themes of nature versus technology, and the meaning of life and death, emerged organically. It felt like Nine Sols was forging its own path, and we were simply guiding it."
Nine Sols' compelling gameplay, stunning visuals, and intriguing narrative have impressed critics. For a more in-depth look, check out our full review (link below).
