The Ultimate Challenge

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, created by FromSoftware, the makers of Dark Souls, delivers a thrilling experience for those who crave precision and speed. Set in late 1500s Japan, this game offers a tough yet rewarding journey, perfect for gamers who enjoy mastering difficult mechanics.

Mastery Over Levels

Prepare yourself, speedrunners—this game isn’t for the faint of heart. In Sekiro, you play as the “one-armed wolf,” armed with deadly tools and ninja skills. The gameplay demands mastery of stealth, climbing, and direct combat. Unlike Dark Souls, Sekiro focuses on skill-based progression rather than grinding for levels.

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Speedrunning Highlights

For speedrunners, Sekiro offers standout features like Reflection and Gauntlet of Strength modes, which let you practice and perfect your strategies against the game’s toughest enemies. There’s also plenty of room to exploit glitches and optimize routes, adding even more strategy to each run.

Skill-Based Combat

The game’s intense, skill-based combat is where Sekiro truly shines. Every move counts. Mastering attack patterns and defeating tough bosses feels incredibly satisfying. The Remnants feature lets players leave tips and recordings, which can help perfect your speedrun strategy.

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Challenges and Frustrations

However, the steep difficulty curve may turn some players away. Without a leveling system to make the game easier, practice is your only way forward. Impatient players may find this frustrating, as small mistakes can ruin a run. The game’s rigid combat system can feel punishing, especially when one misstep sends you back to the start.

Immersive Experience

Despite the challenges, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice delivers an immersive action-adventure experience. Its gripping story, steeped in Japanese lore and history, keeps you hooked. The stunning graphics capture the beauty of the setting, while the well-developed characters add emotional depth to your quest for revenge.

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Conclusion

The awards Sekiro has earned, including Game of the Year 2019 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.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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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.

Useful Gaming Tip for Beginners

Tip: Master the parry mechanic early. Perfecting your deflections is key to overcoming Sekiro’s toughest battles and optimizing your speedrun strategy.

View Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice on Steam

Other Games to Enjoy

  1. Hollow Knight – This challenging Metroidvania features a beautifully dark world filled with tough enemies and demanding platforming. Though not an RPG, it appeals to fans of difficulty and exploration.
  2. Metal Hellsinger – For a unique twist, Metal Hellsinger merges rhythm with shooting as you fight demonic forces in sync with a heavy metal soundtrack. The gameplay is fast-paced, and intense.