An extremely well-made action game that uses its unique roguelike mechanics to create something memorable. Sifu is challenging and requires a lot of dedication, in line with the martial art it celebrates: kung fu.
Persistence is rewarded through a well-calibrated learning curve; once the nuances of the combat system are mastered, it becomes easier to deal with the horde of enemies the game throws at you and it's this constant sense of improvement that encourages the player to remain resilient and keep trying.
The game's ruthlessness ties in well with Sifu's main theme of revenge, which uplifts an already compelling narrative that draws upon the cinematic works that have defined the gongfu genre. The game is in fact replete with references to acclaimed movies that inspired the story, settings, and gameplay segments of Sifu (my favorite being the one that reenacts the famous hallway fight scene from Old Boy).

I would advise anyone who wants to try out Sifu to do so knowledgeably: sure, it's a pretty tough game, but after all, avenging your family can't be an easy task.