Let’s talk about Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, or as I like to call it, “Prepare to Die…Again.” If you’re familiar with FromSoftware’s track record (Dark Souls, Bloodborne), you know their games are like that one gym instructor who yells “One more!” when you’ve already lost count of how many times you’ve failed. This time, FromSoftware flexes their creative muscles with a feudal Japan setting and a katana-wielding shinobi that’s here to ruin your day.
Sekiro isn’t just any souls-like; it’s the game that will have you questioning every decision in your gaming life, from weapon choices to what angle your thumb should be when mashing buttons. But hey, at least the frustration looks good, right? Let’s dive in.
The Combat – A Ballet of Swords and Tears
You know how some games have “easy modes”? Sekiro didn’t get that memo. This game is all about deflecting attacks with perfect timing (deflect or die, really) and mastering the katana like you’re in your own samurai movie. If you’re expecting button-mashing your way through enemies, prepare for a humbling experience that feels like trying to win a chess game by flipping the board. Instead, the combat here is a rhythmic dance of parries and slashes that rewards patience and punishes impulsiveness. For once, brute force isn’t the solution—timing is everything.
Not to say you won’t be tempted to rage-quit when some oversized, ridiculously armored boss sends you to the afterlife with a single slap. But guess what? You get to resurrect! Once! (You know, because “Shadows Die Twice.”) Spoiler alert: it’s not as helpful as you think when the second time just ends in a quicker death.
The World – Scenic Views, Now With Extra Suffering!
Sekiro takes you on a beautiful tour of feudal Japan—if by “tour” you mean constant ambushes and boss fights that make you wish you were on a real vacation instead. Still, the atmosphere is nothing short of breathtaking. From lush forests to intimidating castles perched on cliffsides, every locale is carefully designed to make you forget about your mounting failures for just a second before the next enemy skewers you.
The attention to detail here is stunning. Whether you’re grappling across treetops or sneaking past enemies in the shadows, the world feels alive and immersive. But then again, that’s just to trick you into thinking you’re prepared for whatever monstrous samurai stands in your way. You’re not.
A Story of Revenge – If You Can Focus on It
Sekiro spins a tale of revenge, loyalty, and honor, all wrapped up in a beautifully tragic storyline. You play as the Wolf, a shinobi tasked with protecting a young lord, who’s promptly kidnapped. Shocking, right? What follows is your classic “avenge your fallen master” trope, but it’s the characters and the world-building that really hook you. It’s poetic, if only you could focus on it between all the screaming at your TV after dying for the 67th time to Lady Butterfly. Yes, I counted.
But while the lore is rich, the story does play second fiddle to the real star here: combat. Expect a subtle, slow-burn narrative, with enough backstory to keep you intrigued while you figure out how to survive the next boss fight.
Verdict – Not for the Faint of Heart
So, is Sekiro worth the emotional toll? Absolutely. It’s a game that demands your full attention, perseverance, and maybe a therapist on speed dial. The gameplay is finely tuned, the world is gorgeous, and the satisfaction of finally landing that perfect deflect after hours of practice is unparalleled. Just don’t expect to breeze through this one. In fact, expect the opposite: pain, tears, and a final triumphant victory scream.
If you’re in the mood for a game that challenges your reflexes, strategy, and perhaps your will to live, Sekiro is a must-play. Just remember to stock up on patience and maybe some extra controllers, because you’ll probably be throwing a few.
