Every Fromsoft game I have played before Sekiro, I have always felt like I have had nothing to add to the discussion, its like someone had already talked about exactly what I wanted to say about it before I even played that game.

Sekiro is different, mostly because the part that is most discussed about this game, the combat, I found pretty milquetoast, with all enemies having clear tells and perfect ways to counter every move. Swordman after swordman after swordman got boring, vast majority of the enemies in areas are dealt with similarly same for a lot of the mini-bosses in those areas. I just found the whole thing really easy till the very last stretch of the game, with general parry timings and block-parry-block maneuver being pretty overpowered throughout and most of your enemies lacking any of the mobility you have. I wont say the game doesnt try to mix things up with faster enemies but parry spam never stops being viable with the regular enemies.

The later bosses more or less fix my issues with Isshin in particular being what I wanted from this game's combat from the start, with unpredictable combos likely to break your posture, and what seems like a never ending variety of attacks.

About Sekiro's level design, there's something from Souls I really miss, progressing through areas in a slow calculated way, in vast majority of level exploration in Sekiro I was never in any danger when I didn't put myself in it, safety was always one grapple away. The levels never really surprised me, the ambushes that were there never made me panic because of how easy it was to deal with, there was no slow crawl to the idol as I carve out my path through the world, the enemies just there as a way for me to get stronger on my way to the boss more or less lacking their impact on my journey. The one encounter that stands out to me is crossing the bridge with the gunners shooting at you that reminded me of what I like about level exploration in Fromsoft games.

Now I am not saying that the way Sekiro provides a path for you to zoom to the bosses is bad but it is not my proffered approach to levels. but finally some praise is in order I faced some challenge in the enemies in return to Ashina castle and how it has changed from my first time through is great. Senpou temple's vertical design is also a treat to traverse. And finally Fountainhead Palace gave me a satisfying taste of the Souls flavour I was craving all playthrough long. The lack of dogshit boss runs is also appreciated.

What I heard less of when it comes to Sekiro discussion online is the story and storytelling, both of which are really effective, Wolf having an actual character and choosing to follow the path he believes in after a lifetime of following orders.

In a collapsing world of a typical Fromsoft fashion, where everything seems to be falling apart due to greed and hatred, where groups chase immortality without any mind to its consequences, dooming people to their deaths, while dooming themselves to a stagnant parasitic life.

In all of these the bonds Sekiro, a name given to Wolf by Isshin, a man who seems to be above the schemes of his kingdom Ashina that surrounds him. The relationship Sekiro forms first time, since being a war orphan and minus the toxic technicalities of his relationship with his adoptive father Owl, stands as a highlight. His relationship with Kuro, his master and the one who's dragon heritage is much sought after feels especially sweet.

And in the end when to give Kuro a normal life Sekiro sacrifices himself, I felt a pang of sadness. It is pretty common to sacrifice yourself in Fromsoft games' endings. For what is the greater good, he throws away his life, and for the first time this sacrifice hits.