digitec plays: We are guaranteed to die more than twice in "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice"
1.4.2019
Translation: machine translated
Support: Philipp Rüegg
"Death" is written in large letters on the screen. Once again. That's the way it has to be with this game. Phil and I die a thousand deaths, twice over, in the new game from the makers of Dark Souls. From 2pm in the livestream.
The ninja Sekiro doesn't have it easy. While trying to save the young heir to the throne, Kuro, he loses an arm in a fight and barely survives. Sekiro then wakes up in the workshop of a mysterious Buddha carver, who quickly gives him an artificial arm. There is no trace of Kuro. This is where the ultra-difficult adventure begins.
Everyone who has ever watched one of our streams knows that "Dark Souls" is my absolute favourite game. Even though "Sekiro" is from the same creators, the similarities can be counted on the protagonist's remaining hand: "Sekiro" is just as merciless as "Dark Souls", the system with the bonfire as a safe haven that replenishes your medikits but also makes all enemies reappear is back in the game. The combat system also borrows certain elements from its style-defining brother. And that's it. There are no character classes, your main weapon is always your katana and you will search in vain for souls. Instead, you earn skill points for every enemy you defeat, which you can spend in three different skill trees.
You only live twice
What sets "Sekiro" apart from "Dark Souls" above all else: You can die twice. If the capital "Death" appears on the screen for the first time, you can revive yourself once more. If you die a second time, this has consequences: Not only do you lose skill points and money, but you also make yourself and other allies sicker and sicker. So think carefully about whether you want to pounce on the last opponents after your resurrection or whether you'd rather run off to the next checkpoint. Because: running away works quickly. As a ninja, you can jump around in the world or swing through the world with a rope. You are therefore much more mobile than in "Dark Souls".
The combat system is also more complex. You have to keep an eye on two bars for you and your opponents: Vitality on the one hand and Posture on the other. The posture determines how long you can fend off attacks. The lower the vitality, the faster the posture is broken. The interplay sounds complicated, but quickly makes sense in practice. For example, you can break the stance more quickly if you defend against an opponent's strike at the right moment. If you are too early or too late, your opponent will break your stance. Risk reward.
Scissors, rock, paper
Finally, there are also unblockable attacks that you can defuse either by parrying, jumping up or dodging. This type of attack is announced with a Japanese symbol and a short sound, so you are warned in advance. The "rock, paper, scissors" principle offers depth and needs to be learnt. Fortunately, there is a sparring partner who is available to you early on. You can kill him at will and without consequences. A novelty for a "From Software" game.
With this armoury, you set off into the mysterious world of "Sekiro", which is full of ninjas, bosses and other monsters. The Japanese setting shines with all kinds of effects and beautiful levels to explore. Once again, the developers prove that they are masters of level design. You will search in vain for a map, you will make it up in your head over time and come across typical "aha" moments again and again when you find a shortcut or open a secret passage.
"Sekiro" is the expected, ultra-heavy action adventure game that I was hoping for. Not for the impatient looking for an in-between game...
Die a thousand deaths with us in feudal Japan in the livestream at 2 pm. And check out our Discord channel when you get the chance.
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
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