The Ultimate Challenge
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is made by FromSoftware, the team behind Dark Souls. Additionally, it gives an exciting gameplay for players who like exact timing and speed. Moreover, the game is set in Japan in the late 1500s during the Sengoku era. It is hard but the rewards feel good. If you like learning tough moves, you will enjoy this journey. Furthermore, the mix of old Japanese buildings, folklore art, and war scenes pulls you in. You will explore ruined castles, hidden shrines, and dark forests. On top of that, it stands out as a test of reaction and focus.
Mastery Over Levels
Get ready, speedrunners. This game is not for players who give up easily. In fact, you play as the one-armed wolf, a shinobi who fights with a prosthetic arm. Moreover, you can use a hook, shuriken, or flamethrower on the arm. The game asks you to learn stealth, climbing, and fighting moves. Unlike Dark Souls, Sekiro asks you to learn skills, not grind for levels. You must time your parries, deflects, and Mikiri counters to win. Plus, the areas have rooftops, guard posts, and hidden paths to find. You can find shortcuts and new ways to move through each area.
Speedrunning Highlights
Sekiro has special modes for speedrunners. For example, use Reflection mode to practice moves against bosses. Likewise, use Gauntlet of Strength to face them one after another. These modes help you test strategies without playing whole areas. On top of that, you can use glitches to skip parts and save time. You can plan your route to move faster through levels. Moreover, online leaderboards show top runs and set new goals.
Skill-Based Combat
Sekiro’s combat is all about skills and timing. Every move matters, from blocking a sword swing to striking at the right moment. You learn enemy patterns and break their posture to deal big damage. Beating a tough boss feels great after all your practice. Players can use Remnants to leave notes and videos for others. These tips show where to deflect or attack for the best results. Upgrading your Prosthetic Tools and gathering Spirit Emblems helps you fight in your own style.
Challenges and Frustrations
Sekiro can be very hard, and that may scare some players. There is no leveling system to make you stronger. Practice is the only way to improve, and that can take lots of time. Small mistakes can end a run and send you back to a checkpoint. Its strict combat system can feel unfair when one error sets you back. Still, beating these challenges gives a real sense of pride.
Immersive Experience
Sekiro gives a deep action-adventure experience despite its difficulty. The story is about a shinobi named Wolf who protects a young lord. It has secrets from Japanese lore that keep you interested. Stunning graphics show misty mountains, cherry blossoms, and old temples. The music adds tension to every fight. Characters like Emma and Isshin Ashina bring emotion to your journey. This makes each battle feel important for Wolf’s path of revenge.
Conclusion
The awards Sekiro has earned—including Game of the Year 2019 at The Game Awards and IGN’s Best Action Game of 2019—are well-deserved. For speedrunners who love high stakes, precise execution, and relentless challenges, this game is a must-play. Additionally, its influence on modern action titles is evident: many subsequent releases borrowed elements of Sekiro’s posture-focused combat and vertical level design. In short, Sekiro isn’t just another tough game—it sets a new standard for what action-adventure titles can achieve when they demand total mastery from players.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommendation
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice earns a solid 4 stars. Its demanding speedrunning potential and masterful design make it a top-tier game. However, it’s a journey only for the most dedicated and skilled players—casual audiences may find the difficulty curve steep and unforgiving. If you relish challenging gameplay, intricate boss mechanics, and a richly detailed world, this game belongs in your library.
Gaming Tip for Beginners
Master the parry mechanic early. Perfecting your deflections is key to overcoming Sekiro’s toughest battles and optimizing your speedrun strategy. In particular, keep an eye on the subtle visual cues—like the glint of your enemy’s blade—and practice timing your deflection to break their posture. Moreover, be sure to invest in Spirit Emblems to unlock prosthetic upgrades that suit your playstyle; for example, using the Loaded Spear against agile foes can buy you critical openings for Death Blows.
