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Game designer from scratch: 7 steps to professionalism
Find out moreRed Candle Games Review: Pioneers of Taiwanese Horror
The Taiwanese indie studio Red Candle Games, previously not very well known, has recently Red Candle Games has captured the attention of gamers thanks to its unique psychological horror games. While the horror genre remains niche, the studio's games have received high praise and acclaim from players and critics alike. Red Candle Games successfully combines elements of local culture and horror to create unforgettable gaming experiences. Their attention to detail and original approach to storytelling make their projects engaging for a wide audience.
The studio's first project, Detention, was released in 2017 and quickly became popular among players. This 2D sidescroller immerses players in the unique atmosphere of 1960s Taiwan, during the period of political repression known as the White Terror. The game combines elements of horror and adventure, offering players not only a gripping story but also profound social critique. Detention stands out for its art style and sound design, making it an unforgettable experience for all video game lovers.
The developers decided to integrate real historical events into the gameplay, aiming to add emotional depth and evoke a strong response from players. This approach proved successful, as real events are often more shocking and impactful than fictional plots. Using history in games not only entertains but also immerses players in the atmosphere of events, helping them understand the past and its impact on the present.
The plot of Detention focuses on a high school girl who finds herself in a critical situation that leads her to make a fateful decision that affects the lives of those around her. This is not just a horror story, but a profound human drama unfolding against the backdrop of historical events. Detention immerses players in a dark atmosphere where fear, oppression, and the consequences of choice intertwine. Players face moral dilemmas and tragedies, making this game not only engaging but also thought-provoking about important topics.
Detention captured the attention of players thanks to its unique atmosphere and integration of elements of Chinese mythology. The game was successfully adapted into a film, and a sequel series was released on Netflix in 2020. The project was praised for its original setting and immersive gameplay, making it an unforgettable experience for fans of the genre. This success highlights the importance of cultural context in video games and their ability to bridge different art forms.
In 2019, Red Candle Games released its second game, Devotion, which deepens the exploration of Taiwanese culture, setting the action in the 1980s. This first-person 3D horror game draws inspiration from P.T. and touches on important themes such as religious cults and cultural prejudices. Devotion offers players a unique experience, combining a dark atmosphere and a deep storyline, which makes the game significant in the horror genre.
Devotion
Despite its successful launch, Devotion faced significant criticism and censorship due to a controversial element related to the Chinese leader. This led to the game being removed from the Steam platform and limited to sales exclusively on the developer's official website. Such events highlight the importance of considering cultural and political contexts in the gaming industry, as well as the influence of public opinion on content distribution.
Both games, Detention and Devotion, have been deservedly included in the Harvard-Yanjing Library, which is one of the largest collections of East Asian works outside the region. These games not only present a unique cultural context but also highlight the importance of video games as an art form and a means of studying East Asian culture. The inclusion of such projects in academic libraries demonstrates the growing interest in video games as a source of knowledge and cultural heritage.
Nine Sols Review: A New Era for Red Candle Games
In 2024, Red Candle Games unveiled Nine Sols, a major milestone for the company. This ambitious Metroidvania title surprised many, as the studio had previously focused on psychological horror games. Nine Sols promises to immerse players in a unique world filled with gripping gameplay and a compelling storyline. The studio aims to expand its horizons and attract new audiences by combining Metroidvania elements with the signature style and atmosphere for which fans have come to love it.
The transition to a dynamic, large-scale game with exquisite graphics and a complex combat system may seem abrupt, but Nine Sols embodies the signature Red Candle Games atmosphere. The game is rich in references to Chinese and Taiwanese culture, giving the story a unique depth. Every detail of the environment and characters is imbued with cultural elements, creating an immersive experience for players. Complex combat and detailed graphics make Nine Sols not only spectacular but also engaging, captivating and enhancing interaction with the game world.
Nine Sols centers on the Solarians, a highly advanced alien race whose planet Penglai has been infected with a deadly virus. Seeking to save their species, the Tiandao Council of Scientists develops a plan to create an ark. This ark will house some Solarians in cryosleep while the rest search for a cure. This story raises important themes of survival, scientific exploration, and hope for the future.
During hibernation, the Solarians' consciousness is immersed in a virtual reality, which requires significant computing resources. To support this task, the brains of intelligent beings living on a neighboring planet are used, which gives rise to a serious ethical dilemma. This dependence raises important questions about morality and responsibility, as well as the limits of using the intelligence of other beings. Virtual reality, serving as a medium for Solarians, becomes not only a technological achievement, but also a source of deep philosophical reflection on the value of life and consciousness.
In the world of Nine Sols, players will be able to immerse themselves in a fascinating lore revealed through numerous in-game entries and dialogue. For a deeper understanding of Solarian culture and history, Likoris's in-depth YouTube channel is highly recommended. This will help players better understand the storylines and characters, enriching their gaming experience.
Nine Sols's gameplay combines Metroidvania elements with original combat mechanics, including a parry system similar to that of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This combination creates a unique interaction between the player and the game world, requiring them to quickly adapt to challenging conditions. Each fight becomes a true test, requiring strategy and reaction, which makes the game exciting and dynamic.
While Nine Sols has not reached the level of popularity of Hollow Knight, it shows significant potential for growth. Red Candle Games has successfully adapted to a new genre, maintaining its core principles and attracting a new audience, including players from Western Europe and North America. The game offers a unique experience that will interest both platformer fans and newcomers to the genre.
In recent months, our team has been actively working on porting Nine Sols to modern consoles. In anticipation of the upcoming release, we interviewed the developers, who shared their experiences creating the game, discussed the combat mechanics in detail, and shared the challenges they faced during development.
The interview was conducted in English, and we present a prepared translation.
Interview with the Red Candle Games Developers
Let's start with your creative path and the creation of Red Candle Games. How did you come up with this idea? Did all members of your team have experience in game development, or were there specialists from other fields among you? Tell us about your team and its unique approach to creating games, and how the different backgrounds of the members influence the development process.
The history of Red Candle Games began in 2015, when producer Coffey met Light and Henry at a local indie games forum. Their interest in the first prototype of the game Detention sparked the formation of the team. The team members came from various backgrounds: some worked at major Taiwanese game studios, others worked in advertising or visual design. A unifying passion for games became the foundation for the development of the company's first game. Red Candle Games captured the attention of players with its unique concept and deep immersion, earning them a place in the indie market.
In 2015, we began our journey with a small team of six. Over the years, Red Candle Games has grown significantly, and now we have 15 members, including PR and finance professionals. For the development of Nine Sols, we brought in new specialists, including animators and technical artists, which allowed us to create high-quality hand-drawn animation. We continue to grow and develop, striving to create a unique gaming experience.
After creating two successful horror games, Detention and Devotion, you decided to change genres. Was this decision a result of fatigue from repetitive elements or a desire for new creative experiments?
We experienced a feeling of burnout working on monotonous projects. The transition to Metroidvania gave us the opportunity to explore new ideas and attract a wider audience, especially in the Western market. We are confident that a game focused on engaging gameplay will overcome language and cultural barriers, enabling it to achieve international success.
The events surrounding Devotion have had a significant impact on the development of our new project. We carefully analyzed audience reactions and examined the causes of negative consequences. This allowed us to better understand the importance of player feedback and the need to consider cultural aspects in content creation.
We decided to focus on creating an inclusive and respectful gaming experience that would avoid potential misunderstandings. Furthermore, we have strengthened our internal quality control and ethical review processes. This helps us ensure that our project will be received positively and will not provoke controversial reactions.
As a result, the experience gained from analyzing the situation around Devotion has become an important lesson for us, guiding our work and helping us avoid mistakes in the future.
The situation with the Devotion project only strengthened our determination to enter the global market. The transition to Nine Sols was a logical step, as we strive to explore new creative horizons. We recognize that past projects should not overshadow our new achievements, and therefore are ready to focus on creating unique content and innovative solutions that will meet modern market demands.
The Metroidvania genre was chosen for its unique structure, combining elements of exploration, platforming, and role-playing games. This allows for the creation of deep and immersive worlds where players can freely move and discover new areas, which contributes to immersion in the gameplay.
The development process faced certain challenges. One of the main challenges was creating a balanced progression system that would retain player interest throughout the game. It also took a significant amount of time to refine the level design to ensure that it was not only engaging but also logical. Furthermore, the technical challenges of implementing mechanics and optimizing graphics required significant effort.
Despite these challenges, the choice of the Metroidvania genre proved to be justified, as it offers numerous opportunities for creative expression and the creation of an engaging gaming experience.
We initially aimed to create a game focused on engaging gameplay, but during development, it evolved into a Metroidvania with Soulslike elements. One of the key objectives was to surpass the gameplay of Hollow Knight, which has become a true benchmark for us. We strive to offer players a unique experience by combining exciting gameplay mechanics with a deep world and intriguing characters.
We used elements from Sekiro, which gave us the opportunity to create a unique gaming experience that stands out from other games in the genre. This approach allows players to immerse themselves in a world filled with exciting mechanics and innovative gameplay. Our project combines best practices and original ideas, making it appealing to action game fans.
In developing the games, we drew on a variety of inspirations and game mechanics. Among the games that significantly influenced our project were classic and modern hits that set high standards in the gaming industry. We studied gameplay elements, storylines, and art direction to create a unique experience for players. Audience feedback and preferences were also an important source of inspiration, allowing us to better understand the needs and expectations of the target group. Thus, we sought to combine best practices and innovative ideas to offer an engaging and memorable gaming experience.
We drew inspiration from various games, such as Ori, Katana Zero, and Blasphemous, which allowed us to develop a balanced level design. Our project successfully combines platforming and action elements, providing engaging gameplay and dynamic interaction with the surrounding world.
When designing the world map for Nine Sols, we aimed to create a unique and immersive gaming environment. Attention to detail was crucial, ensuring each location was memorable and aligned with the overall concept of the game. We considered various elements, such as the landscape, climate, and cultural characteristics of each region, to provide players with a rich and varied experience. As a result, the world map is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, promoting immersion in gameplay and exploration.
Our approach to world design was diverse. Each zone was developed with both gameplay progression and story elements in mind. This approach resulted in a more organic and engaging world, enhancing player immersion. We strive to create a unique atmosphere, where every detail plays a vital role in the development of the story and interaction with the environment.
Nine Sols stands out among many games thanks to its uniqueness and original approach. We achieved this by combining innovative gameplay with deep storylines and a vibrant visual aesthetic. Every detail of the game, from character design to the environment, was carefully considered to create a unique world that will attract and hold players' attention. We aimed to ensure that Nine Sols not only entertains but also leaves a deep impression on the hearts and minds of players, which is a key factor in our distinctiveness.
We strived to create a unique gaming experience, combining inspiration with our original story and dao-punk setting. This combination helps us stand out from other games and attracts players seeking new experiences and deep immersion.
In Nine Sols, we developed a unique combat system that combines elements of strategy and action. The focus is on dynamic player interactions with the environment and enemies. We've implemented various mechanics, such as dodging, blocking, and counterattacking, allowing players to adapt to each enemy's fighting style. Additionally, a system of character skills and upgrades allows for customization of combat, making each battle unique. We strived to create a fun and deep gameplay experience that will keep players engaged throughout the game.
Developing the combat system is a complex process. We focused on the parry mechanic, which improved the fluidity and responsiveness of controls. This became a fundamental element in creating fights, providing players with a more dynamic and engaging gaming experience.
When determining the difficulty of boss fights, we consider several key factors. First, the combat mechanics are important; they must be thoughtful and varied, allowing players to adapt to different playstyles. Second, we strive to create a balanced level of difficulty so that players feel challenged but not overly frustrated. This is achieved through testing and player feedback, which allows us to determine which elements of the game work and which require refinement.
Challenging yet fair boss fights should give players the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. We include clear visual cues and sound effects that signal upcoming attacks. This gives players a chance to anticipate the boss's actions and develop a strategy. It's also important for players to be able to improve their skills and tactics as they face bosses, making each fight unique and engaging.
Thus, the difficulty of boss fights is built on a combination of mechanic variety, clear feedback, and the opportunity for the player to grow through experience. This creates an engaging gameplay experience that leaves a positive impression and a desire to return.
Challenging yet fair boss fights are built on the principle of balance. Players should feel like they have the opportunity to learn and adapt with each new attempt. We emphasized clearly communicating attack patterns and enemy action sequences, allowing for the development of strategic thinking and skill improvement. This approach not only makes gameplay more engaging but also promotes gradual mastery of mechanics, which in turn increases player engagement.
Creating a Daopunk setting is a fascinating process that explores various key themes, such as Taoist philosophy, human interaction with nature, and the impact of technology on society. A key aspect is the harmony between tradition and modern advances. We explore how Taoist teachings can be adapted to a high-tech world where artificial intelligence and cybernetics are becoming part of everyday life. Furthermore, special attention is paid to issues of ecology and sustainable development, creating a unique atmosphere where nature and technology coexist symbiotically. The influence of spirituality on the individual and society is also explored, opening new horizons for the development of plots and characters in the Daopunk world.
Daopunk is a unique fusion of Taoism and cyberpunk, exploring the profound contradictions between nature and technology. This genre places particular emphasis on themes of life and death, as well as the conflict between traditional values and innovative approaches. These aspects are becoming key in modern society, forcing us to rethink our place in a world where technology is rapidly advancing, yet nature remains an essential aspect of our existence. Thus, Daopunk offers an opportunity to deeply understand the interaction between humans and machines, as well as their impact on the world around them.
In Nine Sols, we carefully integrated cultural references to create a unique atmosphere and emphasize the depth of the story. Every detail, from character design to the environment, reflects the diversity and richness of cultural traditions. We researched various mythologies and folklore to create a multi-layered world that will resonate with players. These references not only enrich the gameplay but also help players better understand the context of events and character motivations. Our goal is to create not just a game, but a holistic cultural experience that will engage players and leave a lasting impression.
In our game, we actively integrated elements of Chinese mythology, including legends and historical figures. This enriches both the story and characters, creating a unique atmosphere and a deep connection with China's cultural heritage. Using mythological motifs allows players to immerse themselves in a captivating world where every action and event has meaning, and the characters become more layered and memorable.
Post-release development of Nine Sols will focus on several key areas. We plan to actively collect user feedback to improve the gameplay and add new features that meet audience expectations.
We will also provide regular content updates, including new levels, characters, and gameplay mechanics, to maintain player interest and attract new audiences. We intend to develop the community around Nine Sols through various events, competitions, and social media interactions, which will help build an active and dedicated player base.
Furthermore, we plan to explore partnerships and collaborations with other developers and brands to expand the game's horizons and offer players a unique experience. Our goal is We're working to make Nine Sols more than just a game, but a full-fledged gaming experience that will evolve with our community.
We're porting Nine Sols to various platforms and plan to regularly update and add new content. We're always open to new ideas and projects that can expand the world of Nine Sols and improve the gaming experience. We strive to make the game accessible to a wider audience and are ready to consider any suggestions and cooperation in this area.
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