It won't be too much longer before From Software fans will finally be able to get their hands on the video game developer's forthcoming action-adventure title, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, with the finalized version of the project set to go live tomorrow. While there will surely be decent portion of players who are already committed to purchasing the game, others may wish to get a general consensus as to whether or not it's worth buying on day one. Thankfully, multiple reviews have rolled in ahead of launch.
Before diving headfirst into what some of the critics think of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, those coming in blind would do well to know some of the basics of the title and its gameplay. The game is a single-player release that's played from a third-person perspective. Players are thrust into a re-imagined late 16th century Sengoku period Japan and take on the role of a shinobi named Sekiro, who was left for dead after his lord was kidnapped and his arm severed by a leading samurai of the Ashina clan.
Sekiro's primary weapon is a katana, and he supplements his abilities with the sword by utilizing a prosthetic arm, which allows for various tools and gadgets such as a grappling hook, a flamethrower, an axe, and more to be installed on it. Ultimately, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice players will move throughout the story as the titular protagonist, as he sets out on a mission of revenge to rescue his lord.
Naturally, these details simply skim the surface of what Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice will have to offer. So, without further ado, here's what some of the critics think about the game.
IGN (Brandin Tyrrel)
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.
Score: 9.5/10
Game Informer (Daniel Tack)
It’s a challenging journey through a weird and wondrous world that forces you to learn and master its punishing combat to succeed. However, the sweet thrill of victory keeps you pushing forward despite myriad disheartening deaths. Sekiro is one of the most difficult games I have ever played, but for those seeking adventure, exploration, and a truly realized ninja fantasy, the trek is worth the high demands.
Score: 9/10
GameSpot (Tamoor Hussain)
Sekiro marries From Software's unique brand of gameplay with stealth action to deliver an experience that is as challenging as it is gratifying. At the time of publish I haven't completed Sekiro. While I have invested upwards of 30 hours into it, there are still a few more locations I need to explore and bosses I need to beat before the credits roll, and I'm excited to do it. This review will be finalized in the coming days.
Score: [Provisional 9/10]
Kotaku (Natalie Degraffinried)
Sekiro has been difficult to master but has never felt unfair. I found myself actually, sincerely getting good, and the process felt great. No death to a boss felt wasted as I learned and processed a little more each time while formulating my strategies. The world itself is dynamic and fun to explore, and the characters in it are sparse but charming—I would say the same about the story, which is slowly unraveling in bits and pieces I’m gleaming from the world around me. I can’t wait to see what the endgame has in store. [30 Hour Impressions]
Score: N/A
Polygon (Dave Tach and Jeffrey Parkin)
Rarely do my insights or incremental improvements give me anything close to an easy win, but Sekiro isn’t difficult for difficult’s sake. It gives me hints, but no roadmap. It implies. It finds ways to reward me when I read between the lines. It hands me my ass when I try something a little too clever or panicked or cheap, but it gives me victories when I act with care and react with considered split-second decisions. This is the skill that Sekiro challenges me to accumulate, and it never lets me forget that.
Score: [Polygon Recommends]
VG247 (Kirk McKeand)
It’s one for the “git gud” crowd – for people who want a feeling of accomplishment, rather than the fake achievement you feel from finding some Level 20 Pants in most modern triple-A experiences. It’s From Software at its most confident, at its most unapologetic. It’s Bloodborne but faster, with fewer crutches yet somehow more fair. It’s also one of the best games released so far in what’s already looking like a strong 2019.
Score: N/A
Based on the reviews published thus far, it definitely looks as if From Software has knocked it out of the park with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. That said, it will be interesting to see if the Dark Souls and Bloodborne developer will be able to satisfy players around the world once the title launches.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice launches on March 22, 2019 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.