Dark Souls and Bloodborne developer From Software is embarking on some new journeys with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Though the hack-and-slash combat reminds us of the developer’s classics, its stealth mechanics, ability to resurrect, and increased mobility give the property its own distinct flavour. In a way, it’s reminiscent of the developer’s work on the Tenchu series, but still very much its own thing.
When From Software communication and promotion manager Yasuhiro Kitao was quizzed by VG247 at Gamescom about returning to the Tenchu series, he said (via a translator) that the developer is focused on making “different titles.” As you might expect, the answered veered pretty quickly towards Dark Souls.
“We plan to make a variety of different titles and fresh experiences. We’re not just going to be making shinobi games going forward. But as far as Miyazaki has said in interviews previously, the Dark Souls series is finished. That said, we do want to keep creating these fresh experiences, and just games we want to make – so please stay tuned.”
While many will look at this as yet more confirmation that Dark Souls isn’t coming back – even as series creator Hidetaka Miyazaki said it’s merely “taking a break” – it’s interesting how this could relate to Tenchu. From Software may not revisit that franchise any time soon either, but it is interested in creating fundamentally similar but unique experiences using its mechanics.
How that will work in the case of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is something we’ll know when the full game releases. It’s currently scheduled to launch on March 22nd, 2019 for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. Meanwhile, those interested in getting into their previous series for the first time can look into the Dark Souls Trilogy (provided you don’t live in Europe).
