079REVIEW
GOLD
AWARDINFO
FORMAT PS4
ETA OUT NOW
PUB ACTIVISION
DEV FROM
SOFTWARE
Y
ourstorybeginswithdefeat,a
concept which you will become
familiar with in a multitude
of ways. Sekiro’s gameplay
lives up to From Software’s
reputation for making difficult
games, for one. Narratively,
too, the way you try again and
again reflects the way of the shinobi: here you
overcome insurmountable odds and even cheat
death in order to prove your loyalty.Meet the Lone Wolf. Once nothing more than
an orphan left behind on a battle field, he has
become the sworn protector to the young
prince of an ancient dynasty. When the prince
is abducted by the Ashina clan, no-one but
the Wolf possesses the skill to cross the clan’s
territory and get him back. Duty-bound as you
are, you set off to do just that.
Sekiro seems familiar at first: a tranquil shrine
serves as your hub world, allowing you to rest,
purchase items, and upgrade your skills, and
the first item you receive is the Healing Gourd,
reminiscent of Dark Souls’ Estus Flask. Players
trying to translate their approach from the
Soulsborne games to feudal Japan will inevitably
be disappointed, however. Shinobi are covert
infiltrators, and as such you need a tactical
approach to overcome your foes.
Taking on a large group of enemies head-on
is almost always a bad idea, and so patience
becomes a virtue. Where possible, observe the
routes they take from a hiding spot until you can
find a moment to take them down a single target
with a swift sneak attack. To get an overview
of the situation or leap from danger, you have a
rope which lets you swing to tree branches and
rooftops. Once combat becomes inevitable, aSEKIRO:
SHADOWS
DIE TWICE
For victory, your reflexes need
to be as sharp as your blade
CLASH OF CLANS @yourkyotowife