Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5159 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4,327 out of 5159
  2. Mixed: 286 out of 5159
  3. Negative: 546 out of 5159
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  1. chr1so
    Mar 22, 2020
    10
    Up there with my fav games of all time. Like all soulsborne games it's just epic and the combat is spot on. Challenging but fair. Cannot recommend it enough
  2. mrwarcriminal
    Sep 10, 2022
    9
    Ok. WOW! What a fantastic game. There’s only a few game series I play as soon as they release. Dead Space, God of War, many of the Lego Games & now From Software games. Bloodborne was my first & after that i started playing the backed up games. Dark Souls, DSIII, didn’t like DSII then Elden Ring & recently Sekiro. At first it’s incredibly difficult. I played through the game twice beforeOk. WOW! What a fantastic game. There’s only a few game series I play as soon as they release. Dead Space, God of War, many of the Lego Games & now From Software games. Bloodborne was my first & after that i started playing the backed up games. Dark Souls, DSIII, didn’t like DSII then Elden Ring & recently Sekiro. At first it’s incredibly difficult. I played through the game twice before becoming what I would consider to be proficient. If you want to cheese many bosses there are ways but that is cheating yourself out of a lot of satisfaction & fun. The game can be finished w/4 endings. One ending is about 60% if the full game the typical ending is about 95% of the game. There’s a lot of fighting techniques Sekiro can learn to make fights more difficult, easy, interesting & easy. Attack power is upgraded after defeating major bosses & using the memory to upgrade. So grinding for attack power doesn’t work. You have to learn the fight. Maybe a skill can help & that can be a grind objective; along w/Sen (gold). A very different From Software game that feels right at home because of the excellent boss, character, level & fight designs. I do think Sekiro is the most difficult From Software game I’ve played but it’s fair & that’s most important. Don’t skip this game & if you do play don’t give up. I’m on NG+6 & some fights are still difficult. I still die a couple times or more to some bosses.… Expand
  3. Pathfinder37
    Apr 11, 2019
    9
    People who buy this need to understand that it's a story-driven action game, not an rpg. It's a story about a shinobi with the power of resurrection, saving his master. That means there is no character creation, no character builds, and you must play as one person in the same clothes all game. Imagine ninja gaiden iwith a souls twist. Blocking, while it works, is much less effective thanPeople who buy this need to understand that it's a story-driven action game, not an rpg. It's a story about a shinobi with the power of resurrection, saving his master. That means there is no character creation, no character builds, and you must play as one person in the same clothes all game. Imagine ninja gaiden iwith a souls twist. Blocking, while it works, is much less effective than parrying, LIKE AN ACTION GAME WOULD DO. This is an action game. not an rpg. You get permanent damage buffs when you beat main bosses, so don't worry about dying. Your healing flasks are permanant so don't worry about dying. Your skill points and money that level up skill trees can be grinded back in 5 minutes SO THERE IS NO REAL PENALTY FOR DYING. you know why? BECAUSE IT'S AN ACTION GAME. LIKE NINJA GAIDEN. IF YOU GOT YOUR BUTT KICKED IN NINJA GAIDEN THEN YOU DO THE RUN AGAIN. yes, this game is an endurance test. like ninja gaiden. the action game.… Expand
  4. 80sChild
    Dec 11, 2022
    0
    I don't get the love for this game. It's definetely broken, but its recieved with praise as a "challenging FromSoft game". Enemies (all of them) rotate on invisible lazy susans to track you when you use dodge (making dodge pointless). Archers fire arrows that clearly change course to track you. Enemies rarely react to being hit and their attacks can seldom be interrupted. Theres a specificI don't get the love for this game. It's definetely broken, but its recieved with praise as a "challenging FromSoft game". Enemies (all of them) rotate on invisible lazy susans to track you when you use dodge (making dodge pointless). Archers fire arrows that clearly change course to track you. Enemies rarely react to being hit and their attacks can seldom be interrupted. Theres a specific move you can get for "crowds", I have yet to use it without an enemy interrupting it (and ignoring the move itself).

    Old, broken and poorly designed combat system lends to the games "difficulty" as you can really only engage in one on one scenarios. Camera system is horrendous is tight areas. Stealth isn't stealthy as enemies are always alerted when you perform a "stealth" attack.

    Its an old, outdated, broken design that is inexplicably escused away as "challenging", in almost all From games. More modern, polished games like Ghost of Tsushima allow the player to take on upwards of 20 enemies at once with combat systems that function properly.

    If you like broken, poorly designed games because they're "difficult". This is your game.    … Expand
  5. ujinroth
    Dec 27, 2019
    5
    Playing an Activision game was the very first punitive element in this game.
  6. Ryhelia
    Apr 9, 2019
    10
    Another home run from From Software. Some of these negative reviews are absurd. One person complained that there are no "wall stealth kills" and rated the game a 0. There ARE wall stealth kills. You have to hug the wall and wait for the exact moment the red dot flashes.
  7. Goalzzz
    May 1, 2019
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played. I finished it last week through all endings and I am on my way to platinum the game through NG+. From the creators of the Souls and Bloodborne shows an epic tale of japan in the 16 century. A young Shinobi named Seikro is tasked by his foster father to protect a young boy who serves as an integral part of the story. The game introduces a newOne of the best games I have ever played. I finished it last week through all endings and I am on my way to platinum the game through NG+. From the creators of the Souls and Bloodborne shows an epic tale of japan in the 16 century. A young Shinobi named Seikro is tasked by his foster father to protect a young boy who serves as an integral part of the story. The game introduces a new gameplay mechanic unlike any that has been done by the souls series or bloodborne. If you play the game like those games then you will have a hard time completing the game. Whatever those game taught should be best forgotten because in this game enemies here will frustrate you hard and their attacks are stronger since this game does not have an upgrade in defense mechanic. The gameplay mechanic relies on attacking and deflection with those two on hand will help you win the battle easily and should be timed fast to counter your enemies. Your main character has a great speed movement with unlimited stamina which can be an advantage. People who will play the game as souls games must understand that your main focus is vitality and postures not stamina. Use prosthetics equipment overcome enemies and you will best bosses using those techniques.… Expand
  8. MaxPayneIsGod
    Nov 22, 2022
    6
    As a veteran and fan of the SoulsBorne games it was natural that I give Sekiro a shot.

    Most of what I played I enjoyed, the style, stealth, combat and graphics are excellent. The truth is I just couldn't get into it. I'm burnt out on this type of game, the brutal difficulty, respawning enemies, learning patterns and ambiguous game mechanics I've poured 100s of hours into Nioh,    As a veteran and fan of the SoulsBorne games it was natural that I give Sekiro a shot.

    Most of what I played I enjoyed, the style, stealth, combat and graphics are excellent.

    The truth is I just couldn't get into it.

    I'm burnt out on this type of game, the brutal difficulty, respawning enemies, learning patterns and ambiguous game mechanics

    I've poured 100s of hours into Nioh, Souls 1 and 2, and Bloodborne, I don't get pleasure out of this type of game any more. The continual grind, dying over and over doesn't appeal to me. I simply don't have time for it. I can't do it any more.

    When I get a chance to game I want to relax and get immersed in characters and story, none of which are Sekiro's strong points.    … Expand
  9. DrZomboid
    Apr 23, 2020
    8
    Lot of stuff in game is usless like exp and martial arts on bosses. Bosses are really anoying, save points are on spot. But great game...
  10. Wardrobechaos
    May 9, 2022
    10
    This is a masterpiece if you accept the challenge and have the patience to play through and learn the fights. In my opinion the best and most skillbased combat system of all the from soft games. Boss battles once you have learned them are a beautiful sword dance and to finally get the kill is so satisfying.
  11. hokido
    Nov 20, 2019
    8
    Interesting story, great visuals and engaging combat that is slightly let down by repetitive enemy encounters towards the last third of the game.
  12. LooTheLou
    Dec 20, 2020
    9
    Sekiro is a definite different type of FromSoft game. Simultaneously it is one of their best as well.
    To start with, this is by far the hardest FromSoft game imo. Some bosses are so intense and difficult that it took me a long time to beat some of them.
    The stealth element is a great new way of gameplay, the prosthetic tools give rise to endless combos and even more so with the    Sekiro is a definite different type of FromSoft game. Simultaneously it is one of their best as well.
    To start with, this is by far the hardest FromSoft game imo. Some bosses are so intense and difficult that it took me a long time to beat some of them.
    The stealth element is a great new way of gameplay, the prosthetic tools give rise to endless combos and even more so with the unlockable skills. And the aesthetics plus world building is once again incredible.
    I study Japanese language and culture so this was going to be very interesting to see from the beginning and they delivered. The Sengoku period is portrayed differntely and beautifully.
    Dark souls character creation compared to the set character, was kind of a missed opportunity. But that is the single and only downside of this game.    … Expand
  13. darkwings13
    Nov 27, 2019
    9
    I came into this game not liking it very much. It was soooo different from the other souls game. But after some time in and beating lady butterfly, I finally understood how I was supposed to play. I felt the swordplay so keenly once I got into rhythm and improved on deflecting and posture damage. When I finally understood the gameplay, I began to enjoy the world more. Sekiro and the peopleI came into this game not liking it very much. It was soooo different from the other souls game. But after some time in and beating lady butterfly, I finally understood how I was supposed to play. I felt the swordplay so keenly once I got into rhythm and improved on deflecting and posture damage. When I finally understood the gameplay, I began to enjoy the world more. Sekiro and the people he interacts with hold a lot of meaning. You genuinely care about them. I haven't felt that way for a long time, which was back in demon souls and in ds1 .

    The world is not only beautiful but detailed and interactive. Sooo many ways to explore as a shinobi. Crawling under spaces or soaring through the air by grappling. I love how much it feels like you're an actual shinobi. Especially when you have so many arm upgrades to choose from too. The best thing is you can literally beat any boss without them but they're still there if you want to fight a certain way. Customizing your playstyle is very appealing. My favorite was the umbrella and mist feathers since I resort to being defensive to contain my panic moments. Music was ok. I probably only liked about 5 tracks and so that's a little disappointing for me because I care very much about the ost of every souls game. And I only didn't like the fact that they reused a lot of bosses and areas. Wish I could have explored more places and fight some more different bosses. Ptsd of a certain giant ape... Solid game. Loved it very very much. Close second to my favorite souls game which is still BloodBorne. Although I'd pick sekiro gameplay over any other souls game. And this is coming from someone who initially hated it. I'd give it 8.5/10 but since I can only pick whole numbers it'll be a 9 on metacritic.    … Expand
  14. Angra78
    Apr 21, 2021
    5
    Of course it’s a masterpiece, a great game in so many aspects, and I loved the mechanics that makes difficult even to a soulsborne adept! But I couldn’t feel the same way I felt when I finish Dark Souls 1 and 3 or Bloodborne. I don’t know, the progression is quite unfair, you can have your char fully developed, but can be wiped out with two hits easily, making the efforts quite empty. IOf course it’s a masterpiece, a great game in so many aspects, and I loved the mechanics that makes difficult even to a soulsborne adept! But I couldn’t feel the same way I felt when I finish Dark Souls 1 and 3 or Bloodborne. I don’t know, the progression is quite unfair, you can have your char fully developed, but can be wiped out with two hits easily, making the efforts quite empty. I haven’t felt the same satisfaction compared with the other soulsborne games.… Expand
  15. PJMZdanowski
    Jul 10, 2023
    10
    Amazing game! My story with Sekiro is complicated. I bought it when it won GOTY but I played for maybe 2 hours and sold the game. It seemed brutal and not well designed. Some time later with PS5 I bought Demon Souls for launch. I played the **** out of it. It's a beautiful remake if you haven't played it. I went through most of the game, I advanced much more then the first time I played itAmazing game! My story with Sekiro is complicated. I bought it when it won GOTY but I played for maybe 2 hours and sold the game. It seemed brutal and not well designed. Some time later with PS5 I bought Demon Souls for launch. I played the **** out of it. It's a beautiful remake if you haven't played it. I went through most of the game, I advanced much more then the first time I played it on PS3. I think it because of the fact the loadings are so much faster now, so when you die you don't have to go and make a tea, before you can jump right back. Still did not finish it, because I was distracted by Returnal. OMG Returnal is perfect. Mind bending SF lore and hard fights that made my heart pumping adrenaline like nothing before... and then there was Elden Ring. By that time Returnal made me thirsty for a challange, so Elden Ring was excellent. Zelda like exploration, but better??? How is it even possible!? You stumble on to the lift and you spend next 3 days killing Dragon God who lives under the monster-ant kingdom in a long forgotten underground human civilnization. Amazing! And hard fights! Emotions so powerful, impossible really to describe. Once it ended I had to finish Demon Souls, which suddenly became extremely easy:) Once I got back to it, not only I killed the boss I was stuck on in second try... I basically sprinted through the rest of the game almost without dying. The final boss I got on my first try:) I got gud ;) Then Jedi Knight quickly which gave me a fix of FS... and Kena that contrary to her looks is a challenge with some bosses.... but I needed more... so I bought Dark Souls Trilogy... :D DS1 - cool, but to old... I will probably finish it after Sekiro... where I'm going... But DS3? This is the next level **** Great bosses, better then ER and really good graphics and fluency in 60fps. Loved it! I tried Bloodborne... it's ok but too old and clunky... same with DS2 - clunky as hell, actually looks worse then DS1 remaster... so after DS3 and all it's DLCs I bought Sekiro again, because many people say it's the best FS game... What can I say? iI you read all the way to this worlds and your journey and tastes, at least partially, align... then I think you will be enchanted by it. It's not that hard and you will have a blast with exploration, rythmic combat and cool lore. It's all so nicely packed into so many cool and tight mechanics... and there so cool secrets and suprises along the way... even the smallest details are really cool. Yeah. it's an almost perfect game! As close as game can be... I don't know yet if this is better then DS3... will see:) but the time spent with it, is definetely worth it.… Expand
  16. Cmmcfreire
    Apr 7, 2021
    9
    almost gave up on this one, had a hard time adjusting to the fighting mechanics and couldn't progress. while it shares much of it's DNA with dark souls, its a completely different experience and once i started to appreciate it for what it is i started to really enjoy it. you don't have the freedom you had to build a character to your liking like in other soulsborne games but thealmost gave up on this one, had a hard time adjusting to the fighting mechanics and couldn't progress. while it shares much of it's DNA with dark souls, its a completely different experience and once i started to appreciate it for what it is i started to really enjoy it. you don't have the freedom you had to build a character to your liking like in other soulsborne games but the prosthetics and the way you approach a fight still allows you to express yourself.… Expand
  17. Hugodrummer
    May 31, 2019
    10
    Only for those that are strong, Sekiro has a very steep learning curve but once you get it, the combats and explorations are unique.
  18. noblescion
    May 9, 2020
    10
    The highest height FromSoft has ever reached in any base release of them. So good that an expansion to über complete it could have made it Miyazaki’s magnum opus.
  19. waleed_shihada
    Mar 2, 2022
    10
    It’s a masterpiece and for sure a must play game , yes it’s difficult but can be managed with alot of practice and reading professional notes . The uniqueness of it’s gameplay and the mechanics make you fall in love with it . You don’t have to compare it with other games cause it’s special, I’m glad to see such kind of games .
  20. rkbig
    Apr 30, 2019
    10
    People continue to compare this to Dark Souls. This is not Dark Souls or Bloodborne, never wanted to be. It must be judged as a game apart from the usual Souls games.

    It's absolutely awesome as a game if you consider it as Sekiro and not as a "Worse Dark Souls".
  21. tmillet2017
    Apr 10, 2019
    10
    From Software has done it again. In my opinion, no developer better delivers the tense, heart-pounding, yet rewarding action that From Software has provided in each of its major titles over the last decade. Is it challenging? Absolutely. However, at the same time it is extremely fair. If you die, it wasn't due to bad luck, it was due to your poor performance. The game requires you toFrom Software has done it again. In my opinion, no developer better delivers the tense, heart-pounding, yet rewarding action that From Software has provided in each of its major titles over the last decade. Is it challenging? Absolutely. However, at the same time it is extremely fair. If you die, it wasn't due to bad luck, it was due to your poor performance. The game requires you to brush yourself off, get back up, and try again with the knowledge you just gained. I prefer games that respect my intelligence and ability, while making available all the tools and hints I need to piece together a strategy to overcome a difficult situation. Sekiro does exactly that.

    I've spent approximately 30 hours or so in the game and have achieved one of several endings. I'm already looking forward to jumping back in for a second run to find everything I may have missed the first time around. Since this is not a full-fledged RPG like previous titles, customization is not at as high, which may hurt replay value some. However, it still provides excellent enemy variation, skill trees, and prosthetic tool upgrades to spice things up. The story is much more defined. The world and level design is incredible, as you'd expect from From Software.

    Ultimately, it's an incredible game. However, if you don't like challenging games or are a person that gets frustrated easily, you might be better off steering clear of this game. Or i'd at least make sure you have Youtube handy to find tutorial videos as needed.    … Expand
  22. Jonny5784
    Feb 21, 2022
    10
    Absolutely fantastic game although it is very hard to get to grips with especially at the start, I still managed to get the platinum trophy however, very good but also very hard in my opinion
  23. Domswii
    Mar 25, 2020
    10
    Fromsoft does it again, another masterpiece in its catalogue. Superb gameplay with the tightest mechanics I've ever seen. The story is pretty good as well and has decent replayability. Next up is Elden Ring!
  24. yamanhasaki
    Jun 26, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Outstanding, complex and challenging. Very technical and well written story which engages and etegrate all elements in a Devin manner.… Expand
  25. Catalyst13
    May 23, 2020
    8
    In comparison to other souls-borne games, Sekiro is differently flavoured yet certainly enjoyable. I played immediately after playing Bloodborne and while both are fluid and action-filled, Sekiro stands out as you could almost feel the swords clashing. Few developers make you feel the weight of your character and weapon like From Software do. As many other reviews have stated, you have toIn comparison to other souls-borne games, Sekiro is differently flavoured yet certainly enjoyable. I played immediately after playing Bloodborne and while both are fluid and action-filled, Sekiro stands out as you could almost feel the swords clashing. Few developers make you feel the weight of your character and weapon like From Software do. As many other reviews have stated, you have to unlearn everything the souls-borne games taught you about dodging and learn how to parry. I took a while for me until it clicked, but once it did this fights were enjoyable and challenging. Anyone could kill you if you don't play as the game wants you to play.

    On the other hand, this is no longer an RPG. Gameplay-wise, there are more elements of an action game like Tomb Raider than an RPG like Dark Souls which is not necessarily bad, but it is certainly quite different than previous games.

    The story is Ok and the storytelling is direct this time. I didn't need to dig through the forums or youtube to understand what was going on or why I was killing this boss.

    Graphics are good and the world is beautiful at certain points. Nothing special though.

    Level design is the standard From Software recipe, interconnected areas that separate the boss fights but the checkpoints are placed in at a more reasonable distance from boss fights which is good since you will die.. a lot.

    Overall, a great polished experience and enjoyable challenging game. Bloodborne is still my favourite though!    … Expand
  26. EROCKQ
    Jun 25, 2019
    10
    I've played and beaten every From game since Demon's Souls and Sekiro is tied for my favorite next to Bloodborne. It is frustrating that the gaming community is so toxic that people arbitrarily will review bomb such a flawless game as Sekiro, but unfortunately there are a lot of bad reviews that fall into one of two camps:
    1) The wrong person bought this game. Someone who isn't interested    I've played and beaten every From game since Demon's Souls and Sekiro is tied for my favorite next to Bloodborne. It is frustrating that the gaming community is so toxic that people arbitrarily will review bomb such a flawless game as Sekiro, but unfortunately there are a lot of bad reviews that fall into one of two camps:
    1) The wrong person bought this game. Someone who isn't interested in a very challenging game that requires resourceful attention and application of all of the game mechanics and practice. This game will exercise your wits, strategy, reflexes and patience. If that sounds unenjoyable then why buy it?
    2) People who have become overly attached (obsessed) with one particular title in the Souls series and doesn't want From to stray from the formula. We've already had 4 incredible souls games that adhered to the same mechanics. Sekiro is extremely refreshing in this regard, and allows you to focus more on the action and the story than navigating confusing menus. The new movement options are excellent.
    If you don't fall into either of the two camps above you will enjoy this game. If you do you shouldn't blame From for creating a game tailored to a specific audience.    … Expand
  27. wrinklysword
    Sep 22, 2019
    10
    One of the best game of this decade..period..I dont know why period giving this negative review..
  28. Instable
    Feb 10, 2022
    9
    The satisfaction that comes after defiting the boss is unforgatable. You really are getting better while playing the game.
  29. SOLIDSNAKEN64
    Apr 12, 2019
    10
    Best Fromsoft game I have played! I really enjoyed the Japanese sitting, and i was happy to see that they decided to add story cut scenes compared to BB that left me wanting more story. The graphics are the best I've scene from fromsoft, alot of the environments are beautiful to look at and I enjoyed discovering every book and cranny. The gameplay is tight and fluid, was nice not toBest Fromsoft game I have played! I really enjoyed the Japanese sitting, and i was happy to see that they decided to add story cut scenes compared to BB that left me wanting more story. The graphics are the best I've scene from fromsoft, alot of the environments are beautiful to look at and I enjoyed discovering every book and cranny. The gameplay is tight and fluid, was nice not to worry about stamina. The cam was good enough there was times that it got wonky on me which was probably my biggest complaint. I really like the fact that they let let you remap the button layout which made it alot easier to customize my playstyle. Sekiro is definitely a hard ass but very rewarding, but not impossible to beat. The only real hangups I had was with the final boss which probably took me 10 hours to beat so definitely **** that jerk. Overall the game took me like 50 hours to finish and i beat most the bosses and got 3 of the endings. If you want a challenge pick up sekiro!… Expand
  30. YakusokuNoJi
    Jul 30, 2023
    10
    It is ridiculous how good this game is. I am certainly not a From game player but they managed to make a world that was thematically and aesthetically interesting for me and while I certainly am not a fan of From's "Learn the hard way or don't play it" philosophy because I think casual players should also have the chance to play the game just for being interested in stuff like its worldIt is ridiculous how good this game is. I am certainly not a From game player but they managed to make a world that was thematically and aesthetically interesting for me and while I certainly am not a fan of From's "Learn the hard way or don't play it" philosophy because I think casual players should also have the chance to play the game just for being interested in stuff like its world and story, I just cannot be too mad about it because this game is so engaging and rewarding that maybe even a casual player finds the motivation to get through it.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PS4 Game of 2019
5
#5 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019
5
#5 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 77 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 77
  3. Negative: 1 out of 77
  1. RPGamer
    Dec 17, 2024
    90
    Overall, Sekiro is defined by its riveting, challenging, and ultimately highly rewarding gameplay. Stemming from simplicity but giving a wide variety of different combat options, few games come close to matching the exhilarating rush that Sekiro’s best moments provide. Exploring its atmospherically engrossing levels is a treat, from a visual, musical, and atmospheric standpoint. Even if exploration and character storylines are sometimes hampered by Dragonrot, repeatedly severing the immortality of bosses with brutal “Shinobi Executions” and discovering the ritual secrets of eternal life offers a captivating experience that stands out as one of FromSoftware’s best and most distinctive titles.
    Read full review
  2. Gamers' Temple
    May 15, 2019
    90
    Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an enjoyable, yet deeply challenging game. It's not really a Dark Souls with samurais game, but whether or not you enjoyed the difficulty level of the battles in Dark Souls will be a good benchmark in gauging how much you'll like Sekiro. If you're persistent, up for a challenge, and don't become frustrated easily, then Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an easy game to recommend.
    Read full review
  3. Daily Star
    Apr 28, 2019
    100
    Though Sekiro feels impossibly hard at times, the level of euphoria you experience when delivering a death blow to a tricky boss or when you finally clear a castle grounds of all enemies is almost unparalleled.
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