Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Critic Reviews

Sekiro is a game that, for better and worse, lays down an almost belligerent challenge. Keep playing, by all means, if you can handle it. Such fierce difficulty will not come as a surprise to veterans of From’s previous games Dark Souls and Bloodborne, of course, and will likely relish Sekiro’s propensity to kill you often and without mercy. Few games task you so harshly or dare to drive you to such frustration, but few games are as rewarding or exhilarating when you succeed.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the work of a studio at the height of its powers – beautiful, cruel, and moving.

FromSoftware proves yet again that they’re masters of their craft. Every aspect of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is just so lovingly crafted that any flaw feels like a droplet in an ocean of brilliance. Sekiro is the full package with immensely satisfying combat and an intriguing world to explore and discover.

Though Sekiro feels impossibly hard at times, the level of euphoria you experience when delivering a death blow to a tricky boss or when you finally clear a castle grounds of all enemies is almost unparalleled.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice perfectly represents the solemn atmosphere of samurai fighting. It's much more difficult than any of the souls series games and offers a great challenge to your gaming ability.

Sekiro evolves From Software’s formula into a stylish stealth-action adventure that, naturally, emphasizes precision and skill in its combat. It walks the line between deliberate and patient stealth and breakneck melee combat against threats both earthly and otherworldly. Its imaginative and flexible tools support a more focused experience that shaves down some of From Software’s overly cryptic sensibilities without losing its air of mystery. Sekiro is an amazing new twist on a familiar set of ideas that can stand on its own alongside its predecessors.

Untethered from the expectations that come with a Dark Souls or Bloodborne game, FromSoftware was able to create a game that maintains the studio's unique identity while allowing them to explore interesting new mechanics and ways of telling the story. Sekiro is challenging, but fair—a game with the goal of allowing the player to grow, rather than the avatar. It blends mechanics and narrative in a way that is too rare in games today, allowing for a deep level of immersion that begs for just one more clash of blades no matter how difficult the encounters get. Seeing each one to its bloody finish is well worth the trials it takes to get there.

I had never played a title in which the mechanics of using a sword felt so organic and, at the same time, that it made all the sense in the world using traditional controls. No matter how familiar you are with the work of this Japanese study, Sekiro is something you've never experienced. Sekiro is the game that everyone who loves this medium should have among our priorities. Sekiro is a new step for the genres and subgenres it represents. Sekiro is a new standard that will surely continue to influence other developers. Sekiro is not a Dark Souls anymore with ninjas and samurais. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a masterpiece that you cannot miss.

From Software has created another fantastic game, and this time it's the perfect balance between action, platforming and stealth. If you like the Souls concept, you’ll find it here with a very interesting twist.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is undoubtedly one of the best video games of 2019 and perhaps of the entire generation...Sekiro is the next step by FromSoftware, a game that brings about a ‘new land’ in-between Dark Souls and Bloodborne, and that is both original and accesible without giving away its natural essence. A new masterpiece by Miyazaki which is a must-have for any gamer.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is yet another example of the excellence of FromSoftware, which breaks away from its classic hit and run mechanics to place you in front of the enemy with no possibility of escape. Unlike the defense of Dark and Demon's Souls, and the evasion of Bloodborne, Sekiro combines defense and attack in a dance of swords like few times or never we've seen in a video game. Not only does it perfectly mix these concepts, but it also brilliantly balances them with stealth. The result is that game that will make you feel as unprepared and happy as the first Soulsborne you ever played. Exactly what you were looking for.

A brutal and challenging game that admits few shortcuts to success. But for every cry of frustration there is a revealing discovery, and for each walk through the darkness there is an ascent towards mountains bathed by the Sun. The father of Dark Souls and Bloodborne makes us suffer again but, at the same time, provides the kind of experience that allows us to emerge reinforced at the other side.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is one of my favourite games of this generation. From it's absolutely perfect combat to the rich world brimming with secrets, I can see myself coming back time and time again. From fans are in for one hell of an amazing ride.

Issues with stealth aside (inadequate a.i. mostly) FromSoftware delivers another unique experience. After 40 hours of gameplay the sword fights even against the most common mobs where nothing sort of thrilling and ferociously satisfying. Even though it’s their most difficult game so far it rarely feels unfair, nudging us constantly to learn from our mistakes, learn the enemies and learn that the deathblow is only one katana slash away.

With a Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, From Software presents an adventure that will keep you fascinated with fast action, exploration and stealth.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an exhilarating journey that demands your full attention. Taking advantage of stealth and mastering its posture-based swordplay is immensely satisfying. Meanwhile, the wonderful, expansive world is a joy to explore thanks to intriguing design and the emphasis on grappling to new heights. Sekiro often feels daunting, leaving you bloodied and broken at its feet, but overcoming each challenge it throws your way fills you with a triumphant sense of accomplishment.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is not just a new Souls Game: it's a brand new one, with great elements taken from great games like Tenchu and implementing them in a brutal, yet beautiful game.

There is no satisfaction in immortality. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice proves its thesis by matching the resolve of its protagonist with the potential of its player in a performance choreographed by agonizing lessons and industrious rehearsals. When it’s showtime presentation seems instinctive and proficiency feels powerful. Sekiro demands immense competence, but, once its needs are met, the payoff is irresistible.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a merciless game that thirsts after the gamer's blood and inflicts physical pain. You will suffer. You will darn yourself, the game and its developers, but you will not be able to stop playing as Sekiro will become an obsession. But as much as it takes from the player, it returns as much with every victory. If you are willing to commit yourself to torture, you will repeatedly experience the feeling close to catharsis or nirvana plunging your blade in the body of the defeated.

Sekiro redevelops genre on the well known basis, creating something similar but entirely different. This time, it calls for courage instead of fear. It calls for reconfiguring the muscle memory of the "soulsborne" veterans, and some really good and quality gaming time! A great starting point for newcomers, but a new beginning for old players as well, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a game you should not miss - if you want quality yet fear no challenge.