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Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Critics Consensus (Play It)
An uncompromising action game with heart-stopping swordfights and phenomenal combat.
Game Info
Carve your own clever path to vengeance in an all-new adventure from developer FromSoftware. Explore late 1500s Sengoku Japan, a brutal period of constant life and death conflict, as you come face to face with larger than life foes in a dark and twisted world. Unleash an arsenal of deadly prosthetic tools and powerful ninja abilities while you blend stealth, vertical traversal, and visceral head to head combat in a bloody confrontation. Take Revenge. Restore your honor. Kill Ingeniously.
0%
Recommended
0%
Average Score
Total Reviews: 138
Editors' Choice
Gold TIER
48% of scored reviews fell within the range of 86 to 92 / 100
RELEASE DATES:
GENRES:
- RPG, Adventure
DEVELOPER(S):
- FromSoftware
PUBLISHER(S):
- Activision
SERIES/FRANCHISE:
- n/a
GAME MODES:
- Single player
Where to Play
WHERE TO PLAY
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RATING & REVIEWS
Ratings & Reviews
138
Critic Reviews
90
Average Critic Score
Where to Play
CRITIC REVIEWS
All reviews are from professional critics. Learn more about the critics VSG aggregates.
High Score
100%
Median Score
90%
Low Score
40%
Brandin Tyrrel (IGN)
[Date Unavailable]
9.5/10
“Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a stylish, focused stealth-action take on the FromSoftware formula that evolves in a different and refreshing direction. It may be a bit easier than a Souls game, but it’s something amazing all its own.”
GameCentral (Metro GameCentral)
[Date Unavailable]
9/10
“Its demands on players is as great as any FromSoftware game but persevere and Sekiro reveals itself as the most rewarding and nuanced ninja game in decades.”
Edwin Evans-Thirlwell (Eurogamer)
[Date Unavailable]
Recommended
“Heart-stopping swordfights and deft, panoramic stealth waged across another vast, gorgeously rancid From Software landscape.”
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Score Ranges
Read the Reviews (138 total)
| Outlet | Author | Score | Date | Quote | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33bits | Rubén Rionegro | 95 / 100 | 04-15-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is not a game for everyone. From Software has taken its philosophy of creating real playable challenges to the extreme and developed the most difficult game of the generation to date. A gameplay measured to the millimeter, a huge and beautiful world and a magnificent dubbing finish a game that is very close to becoming a masterpiece. | Read review |
| 3DNews | Иван Бышонкoв | 8.5 / 10 | 03-31-2019 | Sekiro has its problems and definitely lacks the dark mood of Dark Souls, but FromSoftware delivers another interesting game with an excellent combat mechanics. | Read review |
| ACG | Jeremy Penter | Recommended | 03-25-2019 | Video Review | Read review |
| AnaitGames | Víctor Manuel Martínez García | 8 / 10 | 04-22-2019 | Miyazaki’s work is interesting for reasons that go well beyond personal taste, individual linkings or specific sales figure, and they guarantee him a place in video game history. | Read review |
| Areajugones | Víctor Rodríguez | 9.5 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | A game absolutely essential for anyone who has enjoyed minimally the previous works of FromSoftware, but also for those who want to take the step with the study and have not dared; a masterpiece in every rule. Thanks, FromSoftware; Thanks, Miyazaki. | Read review |
| Atomix | Alberto Desfassiaux | 95 / 100 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a masterpiece that you can not miss for nothing. | Read review |
| Attack of the Fanboy | Kyle Hanson | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a truly new expression of the design philosophy that FromSoftware has spent years refining. Shifting gears a bit in the setting, story, and gameplay, the spirit of Dark Souls is still clearly the driving factor here. | Read review |
| AusGamers | Steve Farrelly | 8.9 / 10 | 03-26-2019 | If, like me, you’ve always just shied from games that punish for the sake of punishing, but thoroughly enjoy a story with mystery, excellent dialogue and unique fantastical components, Sekiro will punish, but it will also deliver in damascus folds. Folds upon folds. Prepare to die though, and much more than twice. | Read review |
| BaziCenter | Shervin Xaveh | 9 / 10 | 03-30-2019 | In the end, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the best performance produced by From Software team, which is why the player does not regret its time in its unrivaled and mysterious world. | Read review |
| Bloody Disgusting | Neil Bolt | 5 / 5 stars | 03-28-2019 | After over 70 hours I still want more of Sekiro, and happily, there is more to be done in this world after the natural end. Once the systems clicked, I was dragged deep into the game, and it filled my thoughts every time I was away from it. | Read review |
| But Why Tho? | Unknown | 8 / 10 | 05-07-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the hardest game this year, and among one of the most challenging games ever put on a system. But for those that embrace the discipline needed to conquer the games numerous challenges, it is rewarding and thrilling to survive deadly encounters at the skin of your teeth. It’s gameplay and focus on stealth distinguish itself from other action experiences, and the satisfaction of finishing some of the hardest bosses in gaming today is immeasurable. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an immersive action experience, for those who pick it up. | Read review |
| Cerealkillerz | Patrice Naderi | 8.8 / 10 | 03-23-2019 | Though Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice goes in terms of storytelling and rpg mechanics more compact ways than his spiritual predecessors, it turns up his expectations on your skillset much higher and delivers you a total new, stunning and challening experience, which demands anything and shouldn`t be missed out by any fan of well-kept hardcore games. With the exception of From Softwares typical problems with the camera and a little headstrong lootmechanic, Sekiro is indefinitely a must-have and potential contender for the game of the year. | Read review |
| CGMagazine | Brendan Quinn | 9 / 10 | 03-25-2019 | Sekiro brings a lot of new ideas to the table while maintaining enough comfortable staples to create an experience both fresh and familiar. | Read review |
| Cheat Code Central | Benjamin Maltbie | 4.5 / 5 stars | 04-02-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a worthy entry into FromSoftware’s repertoire | Read review |
| Checkpoint Gaming | Elliot Attard | Recommended | 03-31-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice scratches the Souls itch but does so with some uniqueness and refreshing ideas. This game is not for the faint of heart, however. | Read review |
| COGconnected | Garrett Drake | 88 / 100 | 03-21-2019 | Overall, I can’t get enough of Sekiro despite being terrible at playing it. It’s a great evolution of the Soulsborne experience with impressive new traversal and combat mechanics in a beautiful world loaded with odd characters and challenging enemies. | Read review |
| Critical Hit | Umar Bastra | 10 / 10 | 03-28-2019 | FromSoftware proves yet again that they’re masters of their craft. Every aspect of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is just so lovingly crafted that any flaw feels like a droplet in an ocean of brilliance. Sekiro is the full package with immensely satisfying combat and an intriguing world to explore and discover. | Read review |
| Cubed3 | Albert Lichi | 9 / 10 | 05-03-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the breath of fresh air the “Soulsborne” sub-genre needed. It proves that stats, levelling-up, and equipment, is not what makes this kind of games. | Read review |
| Cultured Vultures | Emil Gunnarsson | 9 / 10 | 03-29-2019 | Although not for everyone due to its difficulty, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a truly great game that will have you coming back for more. | Read review |
| Daily Dot | AJ Moser | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-24-2019 | This adventure marks a maturation in the formula that fans have come to love. Everything new in Sekiro is achieved with graceful triumph, demonstrating how willing From Software is to experiment with new ideas and proving it to be one of the greatest modern developers. | Read review |
| Daily Mirror | JC Suttun | 4 / 5 stars | 03-25-2019 | Whether you’re a Dark Souls veteran or not, this is a game that will truly test your patience as well as the tensile strength of your joypad. It’s like what I imagine running a marathon would be like. For all of the joyous, cathartic highs that come from making even the smallest amount of progress, Sekiro’s difficulty means it’s tough to recommend to everyone, narrowing its appeal to those with the tenacity to devote to it. | Read review |
| Daily Star | Rebecca Stow | 5 / 5 stars | 03-21-2019 | While Sekiro certainly shares DNA with the previous Soulsborne games, fundamental sword-fighting battle mechanic changes leave it feeling fresh. However, as the old saying goes, when you live by the sword, you die by the sword, and players need to be aware that this is a game that will see you die many, many times. | Read review |
| Destructoid | Chris Carter | 9 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice innovates to the point where people who are tired of the same old song and dance will find new mysteries to master, but still maintains that strong marriage of world building and sense of pride garnered from besting taxing conflicts. | Read review |
| Digital Chumps | Eric Layman | 9.5 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | There is no satisfaction in immortality. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice proves its thesis by matching the resolve of its protagonist with the potential of its player in a performance choreographed by agonizing lessons and industrious rehearsals. When it’s showtime presentation seems instinctive and proficiency feels powerful. Sekiro demands immense competence, but, once its needs are met, the payoff is irresistible. | Read review |
| Digital Trends | Gabe Gurwin | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-27-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an uncompromising yet immensely satisfying action game. | Read review |
| Digitally Downloaded | Nick H. | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-25-2019 | From Software deserves a great deal of credit for clever level design that makes great use of Wolf’s prosthetic arm and his great sense of mobility. It will be interesting to see if Sekiro has the same longevity and rabid fan devotion as the Souls games, but I can fully appreciate From Software taking some chances and doing something quite different as well. | Read review |
| DualShockers | Logan Moore | 9 / 10 | 04-11-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice isn’t just another phenomenal action title by FromSoftware, it’s a game that I really needed over these past few weeks. | Read review |
| Easy Allies | Brad Ellis | 4.75 / 5 stars | 03-31-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an exhilarating journey. Though it can feel daunting, overcoming each challenge it throws your way fills you with a triumphant sense of accomplishment. | Read review |
| Echo Boomer | David Fialho | Recommended | 03-28-2019 | With Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, FromSoftware stands tall when it comes to truly challenging games with strong storytelling and great action. With the fastest, ruthless and extremely satisfying gameplay yet, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is also a great starting point for newcomers of this genre, thanks to some design choices and simplified progression mechanics. | Read review |
| EGM | Michael Goroff | 8.5 / 10 | 03-27-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice will try your patience. As you might expect given its developer, it’s a devastatingly difficult game that will require your skill and concentration. It’s beautifully designed, with a clever new combat system and some of the most cinematic action ever in a From game, and it will kill you over and over again. All told, it’s the best game I’ve ever hated, and I never want to play it again. | Read review |
| Eurogamer | Edwin Evans-Thirlwell | Recommended | 03-28-2019 | Heart-stopping swordfights and deft, panoramic stealth waged across another vast, gorgeously rancid From Software landscape. | Read review |
| Everyeye.it | Francesco Fossetti | 9 / 10 | 03-23-2019 | A surprising journey in the fullest sense of the term, full of secrets, you find brilliant, unexpected situations and scenarios. Above all, there is a technical, rapid, stratified combat system. | Read review |
| Fextralife | Fexelea | 8.8 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro is a great realization of a fantastical Shinobi journey, with challenging but rewarding action-packed gameplay and intricate level design that encourages exploration. Sekiro stands on its own next to acclaimed Souls titles and puts FromSoftware on the action stage with a flourish. At first you hit a wall, then you become the wall the game hits against, and it feels wonderful. | Read review |
| Forbes | Erik Kain | Recommended | 03-21-2019 | I’m in no hurry to be done with the world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. It’s the best game I’ve played since Bloodborne. | Read review |
| Game Informer | Daniel Tack | 9 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro is a wild ride through narrative twists and shocking boss battles, and an amazing triumph or crushing defeat is only ever seconds away | Read review |
| Game Revolution | Jason Faulkner | 4 / 5 stars | 03-27-2019 | Sekiro is a great game. Despite my complaints with its boss fights and the elimination of the equipment system Dark Souls was known for, it was a challenging and exciting adventure through Feudal Japan. If you’re a From Software fan, it’s a must-buy game, even with the changes, and it’s a decent place to start even if you’ve never played a From game before. | Read review |
| Game Volt | Ahmed Hassan | 9 / 10 | 03-30-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice difficult for everyone without distinction but gives you more tools for ease and give you more information about the story world and its lore to keep you always interested, challenge yourself with a pretty hard game, but it’s fun and addicting. | Read review |
| Gameblog | Jonathan Bushle | 9 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro is a wonderfull game, with great fights, a lot of exploration and a nice, very nice artistic direction. A must have. | Read review |
| GameCrate | Nate Hohl | 8.5 / 10 | 03-25-2019 | With Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, From Software has proven once again that has no qualms about pushing its own boundaries. The studio has made a name for itself by creating incredibly difficult games, but the breadth of innovation spread across the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and now Sekiro shows how good the studio is at defying fan expectations. Sekiro isn’t perfect, but like the various Soulsborne games before it, From’s latest shows the wisdom in pushing players beyond their pre-conceived limits. | Read review |
| Gamefa | Mostafa Zahedi | 9.5 / 10 | 03-22-2019 | Once again From software and legendary Director, Hidetaka Miyazaki proved that they’re one of the best in the game Industry. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice takes players to a wonderful, entertaining and also Challenging Adventure. Combat system is Great as always with Miyazaki. It’s reasonably difficult to learn, and hard to master. Exploring is adequately rewarding, and boss fights are tough, but have their unqie weaknesses. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has inherited the DNA of the soulsborne and combined It with some interesting new elements. If you are a soulsborne fan, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Is definitely your game! | Read review |
| GameGrin | Francis Kenna | 9 / 10 | 11-29-2019 | It’s certainly not a game for those looking for a more relaxing trip through mythical Japanese inspired locales, but whoever decides to stick with Sekiro through its hardships are bound to experience one of the most rewarding and memorable titles of the year. | Read review |
| GameMAG | Unknown | 9 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is another great game from FromSoftware that changes the usual formula and creates something new and great on a familiar foundation. | Read review |
| Gameplanet | Dan Grayson | 9.5 / 10 | 03-26-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is one of my favourite games of this generation. From it’s absolutely perfect combat to the rich world brimming with secrets, I can see myself coming back time and time again. From fans are in for one hell of an amazing ride. | Read review |
| GamePro | Dennis Michel | 85 / 100 | 03-21-2019 | You don’t play Sekiro, you learn it. When you are ready for it, you can expect one of the best action adventure games in recent years | Read review |
| Gamerheadquarters | Jason Stettner | 7.7 / 10 | 04-08-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a gorgeous game with some striking combat, it’s also brutally difficult and it isn’t very accessible. | Read review |
| Gamers Heroes | Johnny Hurricane | 9 / 10 | 04-03-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is one of the most rewarding video games I have played in years. We eagerly look forward to seeing what the DLC will bring to the table. | Read review |
| Gamersky | 不倒翁蜀黍 | 9.7 / 10 | 03-23-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice perfectly shows the solemn atmosphere of samurai fighting. It’s much more difficult than any of the souls series games and offers a great challenge for your gaming ability. | Read review |
| GamesBeat | Jeff Grubb | Recommended | 03-21-2019 | I’m here to see if Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice can click for someone who does not have the reverence for the “Soulsborne” games. If you are looking for validation of your tastes or how this game compares to Dark Souls, plenty of other reviews will cover that. | Read review |
| GameSkinny | John Schutt | 10 / 10 | 03-29-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is probably the best game From Software has ever made, and it’s worth every second of your time playing. | Read review |
| GameSpew | Matt Eakins | 9 / 10 | 04-01-2019 | I had high expectations, but Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice lived up to them. | Read review |
| GameSpot | Tamoor Hussain | 9 / 10 | 03-25-2019 | From Software takes its unique brand of challenging gameplay to the stealth-action genre, and delivers something unforgettable. | Read review |
| GamesRadar+ | Samuel Horti | 4 / 5 stars | 03-26-2019 | Sekiro has the best swordfights in any video game. It leans too heavily on its mediocre stealth, but its satisfying combat will keep you going through hundreds of brutal deaths. | Read review |
| Gaming Nexus | Sean Colleli | 9 / 10 | 04-04-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has FromSoftware’s typical brutal difficulty, but honestly that’s beside the point. What matters is the thoughtful, precision-based combat, smart use of stealth, and a skill tree that’s trimmed of fat. This game shows what you can do with game design if you dispense with the extraneous and focus on strong core mechanics. It’s a punishing, rewarding, and beautiful experience. | Read review |
| GamingBolt | Shubhankar Parijat | 9 / 10 | 03-25-2019 | This is a brutally unforgiving game that demands constant attention from its players, but it’s the kind of attention that I have been all too happy to devote. Thanks to its stellar combat and memorable boss fights, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a proud reminder of the fact that FromSoftware doesn’t require the crutch of an established formula to deliver an arresting experience. | Read review |
| GamingTrend | Bryan Lawver | 95 / 100 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice manages to live up to its monstrously high expectations in nearly every way. Its high-risk combat system is as satisfying as it is punishing, and its level design begs you to explore every inch of the world. While its locations and enemies aren’t as varied as in previous From Software games, you’ll hardly notice when you’re locking swords with opponents across several beautiful settings. Sekiro tells an intriguing tale about loyalty and mortality packed with surprises and easy-to-miss side stories. | Read review |
| GearNuke | Khurram Imtiaz | 9 / 10 | 03-28-2019 | From Software has done it again and created a masterpiece that is wildly different from any of their previous games but still similar enough that you will feel the same excitement and thrill after playing it. | Read review |
| Geek Culture | Marion | 9.5 / 10 | 04-01-2019 | FromSoftware has really upped the ante with their latest entry. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice retains that notorious FromSoftware formula and refines it with a fresh-but-familiar Tenchu vibe. | Read review |
| Geeks Under Grace | Maurice Pogue | 9.5 / 10 | 04-10-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice raises the bar for action games, delivering solid gameplay and a fully-imagined aesthetic that is worth the price of admission. | Read review |
| Generación Xbox | Unknown | 9.5 / 10 | 03-22-2019 | Difficult, challenging and with a familiar essence but at the same time, completely renewed in its mechanics. And with this game, Miyazaki once again puts the player to the test with what only he knows how to do, maximizing that feeling of reward by finishing an area that has put you on the ropes. | Read review |
| God is a Geek | Mick Fraser | 8 / 10 | 03-26-2019 | The introduction of new traversal ideas, proper stealth and a more focused narrative mark this out as different enough to warrant true merit, and prove that From Software still have a trick or two up their sleeves. | Read review |
| GotGame | Kieran Toovey | 9 / 10 | 04-02-2019 | It’s an absolute treat to see FromSoftware find ways to challenge gamers again, again, and a million more agains, without having to use the same formula repeatedly. With Sekiro, they have created something that’s new and fresh, while tweaking their ideas of gameplay mechanics to perfectly fit. | Read review |
| GRYOnline.pl | Szymon Liebert | 9 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro obviously piggybacks on the Souls series, but doesn’t stop there. It was a risky move, but From Software proved once again that there’s no match for them. The exposition of the game world and its rules are surprisingly easy, but the game quickly kicks you in the teeth with the perfect combat system. An instant classic – once again. | Read review |
| Guardian | Keza MacDonald | 4 / 5 stars | 04-12-2019 | This often breathtaking game of serial assassination in 16th-century Japan is a treasure chest for players able to commit to learning its secrets | Read review |
| GuiltyBit | Dani Viñambres | 9.5 / 10 | 03-29-2019 | Halfway between the soulsborne saga and the metroidvania, Sekiro is that bastard son born to rule. Without a doubt, this is one of the games of the generation. | Read review |
| Hardcore Gamer | Kevin Dunsmore | 4 / 5 stars | 03-21-2019 | Death is one of many constants players have come to expect from a From Software title alongside a well-designed world, a gameplay loop that rewards risk and experimentation, and a fair challenge. | Read review |
| Heavy | Collin MacGregor | 9 / 10 | 03-22-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice easily cements itself as one of the best modern action/adventure games of the generation. | Read review |
| Hobby Consolas | David Martinez | 94 / 100 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro refines the Dark Souls gameplay, adding stealth mechanics and a perfect combat system based on evading and parring attacks. The japanese setting, art style and open map design complete an amazing game, which, again, can be too difficult for some players | Read review |
| Hynerd.it | Unknown | 9.5 / 10 | 04-23-2019 | This title is going to be remembered in video game’s history, keeping on scaring all the video players, as much as Demon Souls did. It’s clear how From Software attempted its best, and walked out from its comfort zone, with Acivision’s help, to involve a lot more players. This is not just a video game, it’s the sum of the values of fight. A challenge for few, for those who can face many frustrating hours spent fighting one single enemy, and then enjoy to give the final stroke. Through this video game you’ll experience your limits, and you’ll be forced on learning the technique in a rude and honest way. There are no cuts or tips, the only way to go on with the story and finish the game is training and discipline. | Read review |
| IGN | Brandin Tyrrel | 9.5 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a stylish, focused stealth-action take on the FromSoftware formula that evolves in a different and refreshing direction. It may be a bit easier than a Souls game, but it’s something amazing all its own. | Read review |
| IGN Italy | Gianluca Loggia | 9 / 10 | 03-28-2019 | A qualitative level able to convince and let even those who, like me, soulslike still not feel full, enjoy it. Congratulations, From Software, once again. | Read review |
| IGN Spain | Juan García | 9.3 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | An outstanding game that take the esence on the Soulsborne games and brings it forward to make one of the most compelling game experiences that we have played in a while. | Read review |
| Impulsegamer | Nathan Misa | 4.6 / 5 stars | 03-29-2019 | A beautiful, hand-crafted action-adventure experience with challenging combat, rewarding exploration and an intriguing story. | Read review |
| INDIANTVCZ | Lukáš Lindner | 9 / 10 | 04-03-2019 | The announcement that From Software does not intend to continue the Dark Souls series has sparked a great wave of questions as how much they want to divert from own blueprint. We do know the answer now: a lot. But this is only a good thing, because Sekiro is a really fresh experience that brings a lot of innovation. In addition, Activision, as a publisher, has provided greater accessibility to newcomers. But despite these changes, the From Software manuscript cannot be overlooked at every turn. | Read review |
| Jump Dash Roll | Luciano Howard | 9 / 10 | 04-04-2019 | Sekiro is a fascinating, engaging and downright outstanding game which puts too many people off too early to warrant a must-play tag. | Read review |
| JVL | Rainbow-Twix | 9 / 10 | 03-27-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice proves that FromSoftware studio is able to innovate while retaining the fundamentals of its fame. | Read review |
| Kotaku | Natalie Degraffinried | Recommended | 03-27-2019 | Ultimately, the question I had coming in was, “Will this be worth it?” After moving through countless cycles of life and death, tensing, raging, and finally, conquering my challenges and letting go of my anger like Buddha, I decided that it was. | Read review |
| LevelUp | Thrash | 9.7 / 10 | 03-22-2019 | Without fear of being wrong I can say that Sekiro is not only one of the best titles of this generation, but it is one of the best we have seen in many years and will be remembered as one of the great jewels of the decade. | Read review |
| M3 | Raphael Cano Felix | 8 / 10 | 03-22-2019 | Because under Sekiro’s hard surface there is one of the most refined and rewarding combat systems of recent years. A combat system that after each completed battle gives a great, complete feeling where few games even come close. | Read review |
| Marooners’ Rock | Jonathan White | 8.9 / 10 | 05-15-2019 | It’s as if From Software made a Tenchu game and had fears that it wouldn’t sell well, so they put on some Dark Souls makeup and a sprinkle of Bushido Blade flavor to bring this soup to up to taste. | Read review |
| Merlin’in Kazanı | Ersin Kılıç | 89 / 100 | 03-29-2019 | To sum up, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a new gift from FromSoftware to the game world. | Read review |
| Metro GameCentral | GameCentral | 9 / 10 | 03-26-2019 | Its demands on players is as great as any FromSoftware game but persevere and Sekiro reveals itself as the most rewarding and nuanced ninja game in decades. | Read review |
| MonsterVine | Diego Escala | 4.5 / 5 stars | 04-30-2019 | Sekiro is an immensely satisfying game that sees a studio people started to think as a one-trick pony, flex their muscles by taking what they’re good at and doing something wildly different and engaging. | Read review |
| MSPoweruser | Connor Makar, Lewis White | 9 / 10 | 03-28-2019 | Sekiro is a game that somehow exceeds the already lofty expectations set by Dark Souls and Bloodborne before it. | Read review |
| New Game Network | Christian Kobza | 85 / 100 | 03-29-2019 | Fantastic combat, stunning locales, and effortless traversal make Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice a thoroughly enjoyable change of pace for From Software. Though with some imperfections, it’s still a uniquely bold statement from a studio that’s proven their proficiency at establishing successful IP’s. | Read review |
| Nexus | Sam Aberdeen | 9.7 / 10 | 03-26-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice easily stands as one of the best games of this generation, and a testament to From Software’s continuing ability to surprise us, as well as reinvigorate their own style. | Read review |
| Niche Gamer | Brandon Orselli | 10 / 10 | 03-29-2019 | I really can’t get enough of the game, and I feel like it takes all the things I love from the Souls series but throws it within a new setting, with further refined mechanics. It’s a thoroughly refreshing take on the legacy Miyazaki and his team have established, and I really hope we can get more of it in the future. For now, I’m going to go try speed-running various regions in Sekiro again. | Read review |
| NoesPaisparaFrikis | David Valero | 9.3 / 10 | 03-31-2019 | Hidetaka Miyazaki has achieved with Sekiro what seemed impossible, create a game that looks from face to face to Dark Souls and Bloodborne, a challenge that we can assure has emerged victorious. With new mechanics and winks to the past, this new work will once again put to the test our capacity to deal with frustration. We should not lower our arms, the reward that awaits us is a unique feeling of self-improvement and we should not be afraid to die either. In order to account the shadows live twice. | Read review |
| OnlySP | Mike Cripe | 4 / 5 stars | 03-24-2019 | FromSoftware is owed immense praise for creating a beautiful world brimming with life that still oppresses in every conceivable way without falling under the Dark Souls umbrella. Challenge, character, and the primal need to keep moving forward are still key features in FromSoftware’s design arsenal that has inspired for 10 years. Creators could learn from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’s uncompromising focus and freshness for years to come, even if its roots are planted in familiarity. | Read review |
| Oyungezer Online | Eren Eryürekli | 8.6 / 10 | 04-28-2019 | Sekiro is heralding the return of From Software to what he does best and it has some great innovations. Keep in mind that Sekiro will test your patience to the limit when you enter its merciless world. | Read review |
| Pardis Game | Sepehr Armani | 10 / 10 | 04-01-2019 | With “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” Hidetaka Miyazaki has once more succeeded in creating a genre-defining masterpiece which tells a fabulous story in a beautifully designed world. The masterful design of gameplay shines above all here and introduces the players to a whole new level of difficulty that creates an unforgettable experience. | Read review |
| PC Gamer | Tom Senior | 92 / 100 | 03-25-2019 | A brutal, uncompromising action game with sensational sword combat. From Software has done it again. | Read review |
| PC Invasion | Andrew Farrell | 9 / 10 | 04-01-2019 | Sekiro is an extremely challenging, beautiful game that’s very much worth the time to learn. Just prepare to die even more than you probably thought. | Read review |
| PCGamesN | Richard Scott-Jones | 9 / 10 | 03-28-2019 | Boasting the best swordfighting in the business, Sekiro is a game of rare but deserved self-assurance. You’ll despair as it breaks you down, but then you’ll exult as it builds you up. It’s a journey like little else in gaming, and if you’re up for the challenge, you absolutely have to play it. | Read review |
| PCMag | Gabriel Zamora | 4 / 5 stars | 04-18-2019 | Sekiro is an excellent action game that combines stealth, intense melee combat, and well-designed defensive options into an entertaining package. There are a few hiccups, but Sekiro is a title worth picking up if you’re hungry for a challenge. | Read review |
| PlayStation Universe | Timothy Nunes | 9 / 10 | 03-29-2019 | We’re only at the end of first quarter 2019, but Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is pulling out all the stops as a heavy hitter. Minor issues aside, Sekiro will occupy thousands of PlayStations for a long, long time. | Read review |
| Polygon | Dave Tach | Recommended | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro meets me with just as much effort and enthusiasm as I’ve put into it. It lets me know I’m capable and skilled, and that I can figure it out. | Read review |
| PowerUp! | Leo Stevenson | 9.9 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | I feel bad for any other games releasing in 2019 because as far as I’m concerned, Sekiro Shadows Die Twice has game of the year, all sewn up. | Read review |
| Press Start | James Berich | 9 / 10 | 03-20-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an intelligent reinvention of the tried and true SoulsBorne formula. It successfully manages to strike a delectable balance between difficult and enjoyable, without the frustrating moments players might’ve experienced in Dark Souls or Bloodborne. Owing to its fast-paced combat that rewards an aggressive approach, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is both fulfilling and satisfying and easily the best of FromSoftware’s games yet. | Read review |
| PSX Brasil | Francisco Maia | 95 / 100 | 03-26-2019 | The few imperfections are quickly dismissed in the face of such a majestic gameplay. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice sets an important milestone for action games by introducing an innovative and euphoric fighting system, allied to a unique vertical exploration. The journey is not easy, but the catharsis provided by overcoming each obstacle is unparalleled. | Read review |
| Push Square | Stephen Tailby | 8 / 10 | 03-27-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a fiercely challenging, yet highly compelling action adventure. The posture-based combat is tricky to learn but wonderfully rewarding to master, and all the nips and tucks to From Software’s usual tropes make for a game that’s surprisingly accessible for new players. Despite some slightly ropey traversal and occasionally dodgy performance, this game will keep you hooked from start to finish with its built-in “one more go” death mechanic and a bleak yet gorgeous world to explore. This is a fresh new spin on From’s formula that fans and newcomers alike should definitely give a stab. | Read review |
| Rectify Gaming | Dave Rodriguez | 9.6 / 10 | 04-12-2019 | At times more Bushido Blade than Dark Souls, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is one of the most pure, exhilarating action adventure games I have ever played. | Read review |
| Reloading BR | Felipe Mesquita | 9 / 10 | 04-18-2019 | Despite being a different game from the ”Souls series”, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is equally fantastic for the same basic reasons: excellent world-building, deep and challenging combat and incredible game design. And even though there are still some small game design decisions that continue to bother me, in return I increasingly fall more in love with the general design philosophy of From Software every time I step foot in another one of their worlds. | Read review |
| Reno Gazette-Journal | Jason Hidalgo | 9 / 10 | 04-03-2019 | Die twice, my butt. You’ll definitely die more than a couple of times in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Despite its pedigree and punishing difficulty, this ain’t Dark Souls either — and thinking it is can be a recipe for frustration if you try playing it with old habits from that game. It doesn’t have the class and weapon diversity of Dark Souls and forces you to play a certain way, which some might not like. If you like the old Tenchu games, swift and agile movement, and challenging parry-based combat set in a hauntingly beautiful Japanese world, however, you’ll want to sink your fangs into this one-armed wolf. | Read review |
| Rice Digital | Reuben Mount | 4 / 5 stars | 04-03-2019 | The final verdict on my Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice review is that it’s an excellent test of reflexes and gaming prowess, but it also proves to be an often too severe test of patience too. I would thoroughly recommend it if you are intrigued, but would also definitely advise you to exercise caution that it might not be for you – no matter how much you desperately want to love it. | Read review |
| Rock, Paper, Shotgun | Brendan Caldwell | Recommended | 03-27-2019 | Yes, Sekiro hurts. But look at this smile as well. Shadows Die Twice is a beautiful, masochistic misadventure. Some of its boss fights are so stupendous, I dare not speak about them. It is a test of mettle and nerve that proves From Software are still winning the arms race against us cheesey rats. | Read review |
| Saudi Gamer | صالح بازرعة | 10 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a welcome change for the developer solidifying FromSoftware’s skills and expertise in tackling bigger challenges and improving on past successes. A superb effort all around; whether it’s the intricate combat system, the world and how you explore it, or the relentless challenge by the world and its bosses, this is an epic journey that never lets go of you. If you’re looking for a challenging game with blisteringly fast action that you’ll have to work hard to conquer then Don’t Think Twice. | Read review |
| Screen Rant | Leo Faierman | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-25-2019 | From Software’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is one of the finest games in their catalog, but it’s exceptionally difficult, even by Souls game standards. | Read review |
| SECTOR.sk | Tomáš Kuník | 8.5 / 10 | 03-28-2019 | It’s harder than Souls games, it’s still cool and it’s different. Japan is great and combat as well. It will not disappoint you. | Read review |
| Shacknews | Sam Chandler | 9 / 10 | 03-29-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands tall among some of From Software’s most renowned titles. The challenge is clear and present, the story and mystery are equally intriguing, and the beautiful vistas and soundtrack work in perfect harmony. | Read review |
| Slant Magazine | Jed Pressgrove | 2 / 5 stars | 03-27-2019 | Its boss fights highlight the contrived lengths that FromSoftware has gone to in order to satisfy players’ thirst for difficulty. | Read review |
| Softpedia | Alexandru Papp | 9 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro is a beautifully realized next step in the evolution of From Software’s staple genre, but the renewed focus on combat mechanics and increased difficulty level might prove too much even for some Souls veterans. If you keep at it, however, the game’s world, level design and story (not to mention the nicely done nods to previous Miyazaki games) make all the effort more than worthwhile. | Read review |
| SomHráč.sk | Karel Šír | 95 / 100 | 04-04-2019 | FromSoftware did it again. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is pure adrenaline and one of the likely candidates for game of the year. | Read review |
| SpazioGames | Domenico Musicò | 9.1 / 10 | 03-25-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the hardest game created by From Software and is also their most ambitious IP. It is a great example of game and combat design. | Read review |
| Stevivor | Luke Lawrie | 9 / 10 | 03-26-2019 | Sekrio: Shadows Die Twice continues FromSoftware’s dominance, showcasing that it’s on another level when it comes creating action games in fantastical worlds. You’re going to die, and you’re go die a lot. But these brilliant gameplay systems that come together to form experiences that we don’t see in other triple-A games is why people get excited for what Hidetaka Miyazaki is doing at FromSoftware. | Read review |
| TechRaptor | Joe Allen | 9.5 / 10 | 04-06-2019 | With pin-sharp combat, peerless world-building, and masterful movement mechanics, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice breathes brutal and savage new life into action gaming. | Read review |
| Telegraph | Tom Hoggins | 5 / 5 stars | 03-25-2019 | Few games task you so harshly or dare to drive you to such frustration, but few games are as rewarding or exhilarating when you succeed. | Read review |
| The Digital Fix | Yannis Vatis | 9 / 10 | 04-11-2019 | Challenging and enthralling shinobi action with the usual From Software brand of difficulty, quirks and all. | Read review |
| The Escapist | Unknown | 4 / 5 stars | 04-04-2019 | “I just want you to know: I hate-respect you.” I think about Alec Baldwin saying these words to a dramatically lit Will Arnett on an early episode of 30 Rock approximately 82,000 times a day. It’s a little Zen Buddhist koan I use to rein in my critical brain when I experience revulsion. Two things… | Read review |
| The Games Machine | Erica Mura | 9.2 / 10 | 03-29-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is not a soulsborne, and it’s not another Tenchu. However, the breathtaking landscapes of a war-torn Japan and a mysterious but compelling story make a perfect outline for a rhythmic, stimulating and particularly challenging gameplay. | Read review |
| The Outerhaven Productions | Keith Mitchell | 4.5 / 5 stars | 04-04-2019 | Fromsoftware’s gamble to put down the sword and shield and take us to the Sengoku Japan period, with a lovable one-armed Shinboi has paid off. While being a fantastic hack and slash title, with an outstanding combat system that forces you to do better that’s only matched by visuals and amazing sound production. Lots of action, with even more content to play through. Sekiro is one of the best gems of 2019 and I simply can’t put it down. | Read review |
| TheSixthAxis | Jason Coles | 9 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an incredible blend of story, gameplay and world design. I don’t think it trumps Bloodborne, personally, but it may well be the next best game that FromSoftware has created. | Read review |
| Too Much Gaming | Miguel Samson | 9 / 10 | 04-28-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an amazing action-adventure game and a fresh departure from the titles that FromSoftware built its reputation on. It rewards players who are eager to learn how to play and use the tools and abilities given to them and stands toe-to-toe with its brutal siblings as a showcase for how FromSoftware’s approach to the action genre has evolved. | Read review |
| TrueGaming | Unknown | 9 / 10 | 03-21-2019 | Sekiro gave me an overwhelming sense of freedom in gameplay as there is a whole lot of technique and tools that’ll make you feel like a true Ninja once you’ve mastered them. | Read review |
| Twinfinite | Zhiqing Wan | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-28-2019 | As you’ve probably expected from FromSoft at this point, Sekiro is a game that relishes in its ability to challenge and punish the player with little to no room for error. The developer’s methods of storytelling may start to feel a tad stale at this point, but the game still manages to capture that immense feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment like no other. | Read review |
| Unboxholics | Σάκης Καρπάς | Recommended | 04-16-2019 | A pure single-player hardcore gaming experience. | Read review |
| USgamer | John Learned | 4 / 5 stars | 03-26-2019 | Sekiro is a demanding and rewarding game. Harrowing to the point of emotional exhaustion, some players will bounce off after a few of the meaner boss encounters without the now-classic FromSoftware multiplayer. Brave individuals that persevere, though, will dig through a rich, textured game crammed with spectacular levels and enemy encounters. | Read review |
| VG247 | Kirk McKeand | Recommended | 03-25-2019 | It’s Bloodborne but faster, with fewer crutches yet somehow more fair. It’s also one of the best games released so far in what’s already looking like a strong 2019. | Read review |
| VGChartz | Rex Hindrichs | 9 / 10 | 04-22-2019 | Die, die, die again. Curse your enemy, curse the game, think of quitting, then pick the sticks back up and keep trying. | Read review |
| Video Chums | A.J. Maciejewski | 7.8 / 10 | 04-27-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice succeeds in its incredibly visceral combat and stealth all while being set in an engaging game world. | Read review |
| VideoGamer | Josh Wise | 10 / 10 | 03-26-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the work of a studio at the height of its powers – beautiful, cruel, and moving. | Read review |
| Wccftech | Nathan Birch | 8.5 / 10 | 03-27-2019 | You can tell From Software was happy to try something a little different with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The game has a few mechanical issues, which can be largely chalked up to new series jitters, but its energy and excitement mostly make up for its flaws. While I haven’t finished my journey through Sekiro yet, I’m fairly confident those with the Bushido to face its challenges will have a bloody good time. | Read review |
| We Got This Covered | Aaron Weeks | 4.5 / 5 stars | 03-29-2019 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a beautiful and innovative take on what we have come to expect from the “Soulsborne” genre of games. Both veterans of previous FromSoftware games and new players seeking a challenge will not be disappointed. | Read review |
Awards & Recognition
RECOGNITION
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