Nine Sols, the eagerly anticipated souls-like 2D platformer from Red Candle Games, is set to launch on Switch, PS, and Xbox consoles soon. In the lead-up to its release, producer Shihwei Yang has shed light on what makes this game stand out in the crowded field of souls-like platformers.

Nine Sols' Unique Art and Combat Are Its Shining Megastars

Takes Inspiration From Eastern Philosophy and Gritty Cyberpunk

As Nine Sols gears up for its console debut next month, co-founder and producer Shihwei Yang discussed how Red Candle Games' souls-like platformer distinguishes itself from other titles released this year. The game's distinct identity, which spans its gameplay, visuals, and narrative, is rooted in what it calls "Taopunk"—a fusion of Eastern philosophy, particularly Taoism, and the gritty aesthetics of cyberpunk.

The visual style of Nine Sols draws heavily from iconic 80s and 90s manga/anime such as Akira and Ghost in the Shell, both of which are renowned for their futuristic settings, vibrant cityscapes, neon lighting, and the integration of humans with technology. "Our team's love for '80s and '90s Japanese anime and manga led us to draw inspiration from cyberpunk classics like 'Akira' and 'Ghost in the Shell'," Yang explained. "These works significantly influenced our approach to the game's visual style, blending futuristic technology with an artistic touch that feels both nostalgic and innovative."

This artistic influence extends to Nine Sols' audio design as well. Yang elaborated on how the game's unique soundtrack combines traditional Eastern musical elements with modern instruments. "We aimed to make the soundscape stand out by merging traditional Eastern sounds with modern instruments, resulting in a distinctive auditory experience," he said. "This blend helps Nine Sols carve out an identity that feels both rooted in ancient traditions and forward-looking into the future."

Beyond its captivating audio-visual design, Nine Sols' combat system is where the game's unique Taopunk elements truly shine. "We believed we had struck the right balance, creating environments that echoed Taoist philosophical ideas while embracing the raw energy of cyberpunk. But the real challenge came with the gameplay," Yang noted. "Crafting the combat system was one of the toughest aspects we had to tackle."

Initially, the team looked to classic indie titles like Hollow Knight for inspiration, but Yang admitted that "it soon became evident that it didn't align with the tone we were aiming for with Nine Sols." The developers at Red Candle Games knew they wanted to create something different from other platformers, aiming for a deflection-heavy 2D action game. "It was only when we revisited the core concepts of the game that we discovered a new path. Around that time, we encountered the deflection system from Sekiro, which resonated deeply with us," Yang shared.

Rather than focusing on aggressive combat, the Nine Sols team chose to emphasize the calm intensity and focus inherent in Taoist philosophy. This approach allowed them to design a combat system that "utilizes an opponent's strength against them." Nine Sols' combat mechanics reward players for deflecting attacks and maintaining balance, though Yang noted that developing this "deflection-heavy" style presented significant challenges. "It's a mechanic rarely used in 2D games, and it required numerous iterations to perfect. After much trial and error, we finally got it right," he explained.

"As we integrated all these elements, the overarching narrative began to take shape," Yang added. "Themes of nature versus technology and the deeper meanings of life and death naturally emerged in the story. It felt as though Nine Sols was finding its own path, and we were simply guiding it as it discovered its voice."

Nine Sols' robust gameplay mechanics, coupled with its stunning artwork and compelling narrative, have left Game8 thoroughly impressed. For more detailed insights into Nine Sols, be sure to check out our comprehensive review linked below!