Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: PS4 Review

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: PS4 Review

Developed by From Software
Published by Activision

From Software doesn't care for simple games.

It doesn't want to give you an experience that builds as time goes, it wants to challenge you from the start.

So it is with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the latest fiendishly addictive and definitely annoying game from the studio.

You play a Wolf, a Shenobi guardian to a lord, who's kidnapped in the opening moments of the game, and who leaves you without a hand. It's a tough uncompromising start in Japan, and from there, From Software doesn't let up at all.

Set in late 16th century Japan, the game leads you on a quest for revenge and challenges you every step of the way. Stealth and skill are needed in combat, not hack'n'slash. In fact, rushing in will get you killed every time, and see you throw your controller across the room.

As the game progresses, some of the From Software's familiar tropes emerge.

Progression is tough, and victory feels worthy and rewarding. Fires from the likes of Dark Souls are replaced by buddhas and the game's skill tree opens up the chance to upgrade the prosthetic hand you've been fitted with to help combat enemies.

And you'll need every help you can get, with combat needing to be about attacking pose, breaking your opponent's stance and killing them when the opportunity arises. It's frustrating admittedly, but it is rewarding when you deal to a mini-boss or an opponent.

The game looks beautiful - falling snow and ash cover areas and give the samurai mystical quality a sort of edge that's visually hard to beat. There's a terrifying beauty to the gameplay too, with combat wonderfully rendered and the soundscape of clashing metal something to behold.

Ultimately, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a tough proposition - a game that challenges more than any casual gamer would want. But once you settle into its rhythms, learn its methodology and relax into the gameplay, it's horrendously addictive.

Uncompromising and unforgiving, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is well worth investing time in - and probably worth investing in blood pressure medicine too.