Sekiro is one of the most engaging action games of all time. It also has some of the most compelling boss-fights ever made. With every re-play I find myself desperately wanting From Soft to revisit this formula once again.
Unlike a lot of other action games, Sekiro doesn't allow for substantial player expression. Actually, there's little to no creativity in the combat at all, but I believe, this is what makes it so special. The combat is based entirely on parrying. This singular hyper-focus on 1 mechanic is what draws me in.
If the complexity in the combat doesn't come from the player, how is this game so engaging to play? The answer lies in the enemy design. Every single move, every single animation used by the enemies is so precise and well thought out. The windups and combos are expertly crafted and unlike souls games, there's no grinding. The only way to level up is to get better. This is portrayed beautifully in the game by the utilization of Genichiro. You fight Genichiro 3 times in the game. The first is at the very start. This is when your skills are at the lowest. You have no chance of beating him and you feel weak and helpless. The second time is at the midway point in the game. If the game hasn't clicked for you up until this point, it will once you beat this boss. You finally GET Sekiro. The third and final time you meet Genichiro is at the very end. He is the first of the 4 phases of the final boss but at this point, you've become so good that this phase is essentially trivial. As the game has progressed, so has your skills and this is what makes Genichiro such a compelling recurring boss.
Masterpiece.
Unlike a lot of other action games, Sekiro doesn't allow for substantial player expression. Actually, there's little to no creativity in the combat at all, but I believe, this is what makes it so special. The combat is based entirely on parrying. This singular hyper-focus on 1 mechanic is what draws me in.
If the complexity in the combat doesn't come from the player, how is this game so engaging to play? The answer lies in the enemy design. Every single move, every single animation used by the enemies is so precise and well thought out. The windups and combos are expertly crafted and unlike souls games, there's no grinding. The only way to level up is to get better. This is portrayed beautifully in the game by the utilization of Genichiro. You fight Genichiro 3 times in the game. The first is at the very start. This is when your skills are at the lowest. You have no chance of beating him and you feel weak and helpless. The second time is at the midway point in the game. If the game hasn't clicked for you up until this point, it will once you beat this boss. You finally GET Sekiro. The third and final time you meet Genichiro is at the very end. He is the first of the 4 phases of the final boss but at this point, you've become so good that this phase is essentially trivial. As the game has progressed, so has your skills and this is what makes Genichiro such a compelling recurring boss.
Masterpiece.