Sekiro is From Software's purest distillation of a game design philosophy that values skill-based combat and isn't afraid to challenge the player at nearly every moment. Eschewing big weapons, flashy magic and "jolly co-operation," Sekiro is squarely focused on timing and the sometimes imperceptible...

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is unmistakably the work of FromSoftware. It tells a story about the curse of eternal life and how loyalty can break the chains of a man bound by mortality.

The makers of Dark Souls and Bloodborne return with a ninja-themed game that is exactly as difficult, and rewarding, as you'd expect.

Intense combat is as thrilling as it is punishing, with versatile stealth mechanics and an interesting array of unlockable gadgets and special abilities; Typically excellent level and art design

The punishment for death is extreme, even for a FromSoftware game; Some questionable artificial intelligence and no multiplayer

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.

If you loved earning every brutal victory in Dark Souls, you'll find the same masochistic enjoyment in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

FromSoftware created a genre with Demon's Souls, a formula that was catapulted to superstar status with Dark Souls and continues to grow, evolve and innovate with bold new changes.

Every combat encounter is brutally satisfying; The world is gorgeous and brimming with deep; dark secrets; Doesn't hold your hand and is all the better for it; A wonderful setting filled with fascinating tales and characters

Camera can prove frustrating at times

After the stunningly good Dark Souls series and the masterpiece that is Bloodborne, FromSoftware have made quite the name for themselves. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the latest game from FromSoftware – the one downside to the company is forcing me to type "from FromSoftware" – and it's making some...

Fantastic combat; Varied enemies; The grappling hook is amazing; Ninjas that don't run with their arms back; Fantastic combat; Varied enemies; The grappling hook is amazing; Ninjas that don't run with their arms back

A very harsh and unforgiving start

An intense, challenging realization of the ninja fantasy comes to life in From Software's latest offering.

Though FromSoftware's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has relentlessly kicked my ass, I can't put it down. Hidetaka Miyazaki and company have once again succeeded at injecting their Soulsborne formula into a title that's both fresh and familiar.

Challenging and satisfying combat; Excellent traversal mechanics; Beautiful setting; Effective storytelling

Relatively dumb AI; Lackluster stealth mechanics; Minor graphical hiccups

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.

Combat is furious and rewards skill; Good enemy variety keeps it from getting boring between bosses; Great world design; Best story in a From Software game yet

Lock-on and camera sometimes go haywire; Tags