5/5 ★ – geddycahoon's review of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

I recently replayed Sekiro for the first time since platinuming the game back when it released in early 2019 My experience with Sekiro at that time was… arduous. I recognized it as something objectively great, but even putting in all the hours I did, I never truly felt like I “got” the game or understood how to properly play. I found it so difficult to the point of literally being misery-inducing This year, I decided enough time had passed and that I wanted to give it another shot, especially since new bosses and unlockable costumes had been added via DLC. Something in my brain clicked differently this time, and I can finally appreciate Sekiro for the nigh flawless masterpiece that it is without the caveat of straight up hating playing it Fromsoft created a ridiculously intricate and simple yet complex combat system for this game - while Sekiro lacks much of the variety of their typical ARPG offerings, it makes up for it by offering what is truly, possibly, the greatest combat ever in a video game. The game’s digestible length adds to its replay value as well , even with the absence of build variety or the ability to approach most game situations with any ingenuity. There’s something so satisfying to truly *learning* the game and continually mastering the bosses. And The 3 dlc bosses were a great time that add some extra challenge for veteran players Sekiro’s not flawless - the stealth is iffy, there’s some platforming and adventuring sections that get a little frustrating , and I personally think the increased emphasis on story is a total fail. Honestly tho even with those flaws, the core mechanics of the game are just so, so good. Visually the game is also gorgeous, especially playing at a smooth and consistent 60 fps on PS5. Sekiro isn’t my *favorite* fromsoft game, but it’s very hard to argue that it’s not one of their absolute best. Sekiro is a mechanical marvel , torturously hard but rewarding as hell.