Nine Sols, an upcoming souls-like 2D platformer developed by Red Candle Games, is set to launch on Switch, PS, and Xbox consoles soon. In anticipation of the game's release, producer Shihwei Yang has highlighted the unique features that distinguish Nine Sols from other titles in the genre.
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 has shed light on what makes Red Candle Games' souls-like platformer stand out in the gaming landscape of 2023. At the heart of Nine Sols is its "Taopunk" identity, a fusion of Eastern philosophy, notably Taoism, and the gritty aesthetics of cyberpunk.
The game's visual style draws heavily from the 80s and 90s manga and anime, with iconic works like Akira and Ghost in the Shell serving as major influences. These classics are renowned for their futuristic settings, vibrant cityscapes, and the intricate relationship between humans and technology. "Our team's passion for 80s and 90s Japanese anime and manga led us to incorporate cyberpunk elements from Akira and Ghost in the Shell into our art," Yang explained. "This approach allowed us to create a visual style that feels both nostalgic and innovative, blending futuristic technology with an artistic touch."
The influence of Taopunk extends beyond visuals into the game's audio design. Yang elaborated on how the soundtrack blends traditional Eastern music with modern instruments to craft a distinctive soundscape. "We aimed to create an audio experience that stands out, merging traditional Eastern sounds with contemporary instruments," he stated. "This unique combination enhances Nine Sols' identity, creating an atmosphere that feels both rooted in ancient traditions and forward-looking."
The game's combat system is another area where Nine Sols' Taopunk identity shines. Yang described the development process as challenging but rewarding. "We wanted to encapsulate the philosophical essence of Taoism alongside the raw energy of cyberpunk," he said. "However, the real challenge was designing the combat system."
Initially, the team looked to indie classics like Hollow Knight for inspiration, but Yang noted that this approach didn't align with Nine Sols' unique tone. "We realized early on that we needed to forge our own path," he explained. The turning point came with the discovery of Sekiro's deflection system, which resonated with the team's vision. Yet, instead of focusing on aggressive counterattacks, Nine Sols emphasizes the calm intensity and focus found in Taoist philosophy.
The resulting combat system in Nine Sols "rewards players for deflecting attacks and maintaining balance," utilizing an opponent's strength against them. Yang admitted that perfecting this "deflection-heavy" style was a significant challenge. "It's a mechanic rarely explored in 2D games, and it required numerous iterations to refine," he said. "But after much experimentation, we achieved the balance we were seeking."
As the various elements of Nine Sols came together, the narrative also evolved naturally. Yang noted that themes such as nature versus technology and the essence of life and death emerged organically. "It felt like Nine Sols was finding its own voice, and we were simply guiding it along," he reflected.
Nine Sols' compelling gameplay, stunning visuals, and engaging story have left Game8 thoroughly impressed. For a deeper dive into our thoughts, check out our full review linked below!
