As we worked through these challenges, we thought we had found our rhythm, creating settings that resonated with the philosophical ideas of Taoism while embracing the gritty energy of cyberpunk. But then, just when we thought we could take a breath, another challenge arose: the gameplay. Designing the combat system proved to be one of the most difficult hurdles we faced.

Mastering the Flow of Combat

Initially, we drew inspiration from classic indie titles like Hollow Knight for the overall gameplay, but it quickly became clear that it didn’t fit the tone of Nine Sols. Following the path of other great platformers didn’t align with what we wanted to achieve.

It wasn’t until we returned to the core ideas of the game that we found a new direction. Around that time, we coincidentally came across the deflection system from Sekiro, and it resonated deeply with us. What if, instead of focusing on aggressive combat, we embraced a system rooted in Taoist philosophy, one that uses an opponent’s strength against them? A system that rewards players for deflecting attacks and maintaining balance? This shift opened a whole new horizon for us.

But building a deflection-heavy 2D action game presented its own challenges. It’s a rarely explored mechanic in 2D, and it took countless iterations to get right. Thankfully, after much trial and error, everything finally clicked.

Finding the Way

Then, everything began to fall into place, piece by piece. Since we’re all fans of ‘80s and ‘90s Japanese anime and manga, cyberpunk classics like “Akira” and “Ghost in the Shell” became key inspirations for our art development. These works deeply influenced how we approached the visual style of Nine Sols, blending futuristic tech with an artistic flair that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

The same went for audio design. We wanted the soundscape to stand out, so we fused traditional Eastern sounds with modern instruments to create something truly distinct. This combination gave Nine Sols an identity that sets it apart from other games, making the atmosphere feel both grounded in ancient roots and futuristic at the same time.

As we pieced everything together, the overall narrative also began to amplify. Themes like nature vs. technology and the meaning of life and death naturally found their way into the story. Strangely enough, it felt like Nine Sols was carving out its own path, and we were merely guiding it as it found its voice. Ultimately, we created a storytelling experience that stands out in the genre, exploring deep philosophical themes through the lens of myth and technology.

A Journey We Can’t Wait to Share

Looking back, creating Nine Sols has been an incredible journey. Now, we’re excited to share this world with you. Whether it’s the deflection-heavy combat, the cyberpunk-inspired art, or the philosophical themes woven into the narrative, we believe there’s something in Nine Sols that will intrigue you.

With Nine Sols launching on November 26, 2024, and available day one with Game Pass, we hope you’ll join us on this refreshing 2D action adventure and discover the world of Nine Sols for yourself.