π’ ITS JUST DARK SOULS WITH STEALTH AND - π’
No. No, it's not. Shut up. π
Ladies and gentlemen, we are back with yet another fromsoft column. This time around tackling the acclaimed Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (all fromsoft titles are acclaimed so I guess that ain't saying much). The most unique game in their catalog, or I should say most unique under Miyazaki. But even that isn't true anymore with the revival of Armored Core. π
Regardless, this came out as a breath of fresh air from a studio that was known for its complex menus and stat systems. It is much more streamlined and much more understandable. And so much more unique.
And soβοΈ In this edition of Through the Lens π, we'll be taking a look at fromsoftware's stealth, action adventure, ninja yet also samurai simulator from 2019: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. βοΈ
(what do you folk think of the name? shadows die twice is very meh me to me honestly)
Roll it! π½
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π· UP TOP πΆ
The soundtrack here is quite unique in terms of fromsoft soundtracks. Even more so when you consider that the same old tried and true composer from the Dark Souls series worked on it. Kudos for the diversity, truly. π
The OST is very calming, yet eerie and sad. I really enjoy this one and feel like you should most certainly give it a listen. Even maybe while reading this piece, eh? I know! Such a novel idea!
Sekiro is by far the most intriguing piece in the fromsoft catalog. I really applaud and appreciate them for trying something new. And yes this was totally new. Even when you consider Armored Core before it. It is ambitious and well thought out. While still settled and not overdone. A rare combination indeed. π€
If you haven't gathered already - I really like this game. It's novel and interesting without being pretentious. But don't take my word for it! Although I guess that's the whole point of these articles. π Let's try and elaborate on why I think it's such a good game. Or better yet - such a good fromsoft game.
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π· COMBAT πΆ
It ain't a fromsoft game if we don't talk in detail about the combat. βοΈ And the combat here is something different for sure. Something that is unique to Sekiro, and honestly a system I think will catch on in the future, just as the Arkham combat did. // for what it's worth, I think this is leagues better than the Arkham combat system, which is not even a system at the end of the day
The combat system here still has the same timing and reflex principles as fromsoft's prior games. However, the stagger and parry aspect of it make it holey new. You see, parrying works a lot like rock, paper scissors. But with impeccable and deadly timing. Symbols appear telling you which type of attack you need to counter. These symbols last for but a second, and the consequences of a wrong input could be devastating.
In time you get used to this way of doing things. Successfully pulling off fights makes you feel like the shinobi you've always wanted to be. Very satisfying. As all fromsoft systems are. Now, the stagger system works a lot like the Poise from Dark Souls/Elden Ring. The bar is displayed and is more integral to the experience. Deplete said bar and you're rewarded with a stylish insta-kill.
And of course, we have to mention that you can skip the combat altogether. Stealth is heavily emphasized here. Your character possesses a grappling hook that can take you up vertically and allow you to drop down and assassinate any target. The stealth elements in the game are really cool, and I'm surprised that fromsoft managed to pull it off so well. For a company that has never done stealth that is.
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π· ENVIROMENTS πΆ
We are still treated with that characteristic Level Design you have come to expect from fromsoftware. Many paths and routes are interlinked and traversable. While it's not on the level of Dark Souls 1. I still appreciate the level of detail found in Sekiro.
And what detail it is! Amazing art direction as always. Very different than Dark Souls or Bloodborne. A breath of fresh hair, honestly. π¨
As for bosses, there are fewer bosses in this game than any other fromsoft title. Their inclusion is not really needed, as there are plenty of side bosses in every area that will keep you on your toes.
The enemies in each area are also very formidable. However, by the end you will be so costumed with the game's mechanics that they will become a breeze. This tangible feeling of growth is something all games should strive for. Not just numerical progression, but something you can actually feel as the player. π―
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π· MISC πΆ
I have a lot of scattered thoughts so I decided to put them all here instead of making several one-paragraph sections. π
- There is actually a linear story here that you can follow much more closely than other fromsoft titles. But also, the environmental storytelling is still key;
- The simplification of the progression is very welcomed. There are no stats or equipment. You finish the game with the same weapon you started. Instead, we have a classic skill tree that unlocks specific upgrades. I love this new streamlined way of doing things. Hopefully fromsoft returns to it in the future;
- The stealth and overall traversal of the game; i.e. the inclusion of the grappling hook, is such a bold move that works so well I am honestly in awe they managed to pull it off.
You have to understand, that when a company develops these ways of doing things, they are stuck. That's why most games feel the same. Because most games are made by the same people using the same tools as always. The fact that a company so rigid managed to pull off such a design shift like Sekiro is worth applauding. π
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π· LEGACY πΆ
Again, talking about legacy in a fromsoft game is like talking about your favorite dish at a 3-star restaurant. You just can't decide. // and that's Michelin stars for you uneducated swine
I can tell you this much, it is an amazing game made by a company with a proven, almost cultlike, track record of hit after hit. I think it stands out from its contemporaries by its boldness and difference. As such I think many outsiders may have a chance to latch onto its mechanics.
out of any fromsoft game, this is the one you should be trying. It has none of the obtuse systems of the other fromsoftware games, and in many ways its easier than the rest. Once you get a handle on things, of course.
Thank you for reading, you rock! (and maybe roll) πππ
πΌοΈ Image Sources: 01, 02, 03, 04 πΌοΈ
Shout-out to the πPIZZAπ gang, π€ gang. π€
And with that, we are only left with the Blue Point Deamon Souls remake! That will be our next Through The Lens. Then I will probably tackle the new Armored Core. And then? Only God can see so much in the future I'm afraid. π
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I hope you are having an amazing week! π
Return from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice π½ Through the Lens to ΠΠΎΡΠΊΠΎ's Web3 Blog
