The game is firing on all cynlinders.

SIFU is a game that hits on every level for me. The main draw is obviously the combat: an action game masterclass that is just as fun to pick up and play, as it is to master further on. Beyond this a subtle soundtrack frames the levels elegantly, with a good sense of build up in the quiter moments, and a fitting backing track for cracking skulls in the heated moments.

The story is straightforward but effective, taking a backseat to really get you into the game with no BS. The main draw for me was booting this game up for shorter runs after work when my energy was low. Its really easy to play through just a level here-or-there, aided by the shortcut and dragon statue (dedicated shrines for powering up) systems. These allow you to make a level as short or long as you desire, trading off powerups for a safer shot at the boss with less deaths in a level.

The bosses are all super memorable, without much backstory (some don't even say a single word), and it is very satisfying to take down these elite fighters on the way to your final goal. The boss fights themselves are also incredibly rewarding to learn and a beating boss in one life that would cause you endless deaths on your first run.... hits different!

The aforementioned 'deaths' are the games main unique mechanic. Balancing your deaths, which can offer you more skills but make your health weaker, with taking risks to increase score and get dragon statue powerups, gives a nice risk/reward factor. Planning ahead and thinking about whats valuable to your current run is another fun aspect of the game.

SIFU is one of the few games that I actually just immediately booted up again right after finishing and I see myself coming back to it many more times.