Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition

Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition is widely praised as a challenging, rewarding, and mechanically refined action game. Players highlight the game's fast-paced, rhythm-like combat system centered around precise parrying and timing, which sets it apart from other FromSoftware titles. The game offers a rich, immersive world inspired by Sengoku-period Japan, with beautiful visuals and atmospheric design that still impress years after release. The narrative is more straightforward than other Soulsborne games but remains engaging through memorable characters and emotional endings.

Many players emphasize the satisfaction that comes from mastering the combat and overcoming difficult bosses, describing the experience as a journey filled with rage, triumph, and joy. The addition of movement mechanics like grappling hooks and stealth elements enhances exploration and combat dynamics. While the game demands patience and skill, it is highly rewarding for those who persevere, making it a beloved title in the genre despite its steep difficulty curve.

Highlights

Gameplay mechanics receive high praise for being addictive, precise, and rhythm-based, with parrying as a core element.

Graphics and world design are lauded for their beautiful Japanese aesthetic and atmospheric environments.

The storyline, though more straightforward than other FromSoftware games, is appreciated for its emotional depth and memorable endings.

Boss fights are described as intense, fair, and a rite of passage, offering some of the best challenges in the genre.

Movement options like grappling hooks and stealth add dynamism to exploration and combat.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include some frustrating boss fights perceived as artificially difficult rather than skill-based, and occasional repetitive boss movesets lacking unique mechanics. Navigation and map design can feel clunky or unintuitive, and some players find the lock-on system imperfect. A few technical issues, such as resolution problems and freezes, have been reported but are generally manageable. Additionally, the story is considered less complex than other FromSoftware titles, which may disappoint players seeking deeper lore. Despite these points, most players feel these issues do not detract significantly from the overall experience.