After a teaser and one particularly revealing pre-E3 interview, From Software revealed its next big title – Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Unlike the vaunted Soulsborne series, Sekiro isn’t an RPG. Taking place in late 1500s Sengoku Japan with several fast-paced movement and platforming abilities, the game even features a way to resurrect after dying. Does that mean it will be easier than Dark Souls or Bloodborne?
GameSpot posed this question to director Hidetaka Miyazaki and assured them that this wouldn’t be the case. “We think the level of enjoyment is going to really vary and be very broad from player to player. If you are that player who likes to take their time and carefully piece things together and learn the enemies’ weaknesses and positioning, and observe everything, you’re going to have a great time.”
Which, if you think about it, could also apply to a game like Dark Souls 3. Not everyone has to speedrun through the content without taking any hits. Miyazaki continues: “It’s that sense of discovery as you explore the three-dimensional maps – you’re going to find something, maybe a new prosthetic tool that makes you think, ‘Hey, why don’t I use this against that enemy?’ When that clicks and when it works, that’s going to be the sense of satisfaction for that player.”
As for the player who just wants to jump into the action and take no prisoners? They’ll feel right at home. “The other [player] who just likes to rush in there, go katana-on-katana and feel that blade-to-blade, blow-by-blow gameplay, they’re going to feel that intensity. They’re going to get that really high level challenge that’s probably even more challenging than previous From games. So we feel everyone’s going to be able to have something to suit them.”
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice follows the story of an aging samurai looking to rescue his young lord from a mysterious foe. That same foe has chopped off the samurai’s left arm, which is subsequently replaced by a prosthetic arm. Along with several trick weapons, the prosthetic can also house a grappling hook to traverse rooftops and get the drop on enemies. The game is currently slated to release for Xbox One, PS4 and PC in early 2019.