Sekiro

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an action-adventure video game developed by FromSoftware and published by Activision outside Japan. Released in 2019 for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One, the game is set in a fictionalized Sengoku-era Japan and follows a shinobi known as Sekiro, or the One-Armed Wolf, as he protects a young lord named Kuro, who possesses the power of immortality.

Gameplay blends stealth, exploration, and melee combat. The core combat system centers on precise parries and deflections to break an opponent's posture, creating opportunities for powerful stances and deathblows. The protagonist wears the Shinobi Prosthetic, a modular arm that can be equipped with tools such as a grappling hook, shuriken, and flame explosive devices, expanding traversal and combat options. The game also features a Resurrection mechanic that allows players to continue after death, at the cost of a life in the world.

Plot elements revolve around political intrigue within the Ashina clan and the race to save Kuro from those who would use his Dragon's Blood to achieve immortality. The journey spans locales including the Ashina Reservoir, capital fortress, and ancient temples, with a mix of stealth segments, environmental puzzles, and challenging boss encounters.

Development and reception: Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, Sekiro represents FromSoftware's evolution of the Souls-like formula, emphasizing mobility, vertical traversal, and a streamlined leveling system. Upon release, it received widespread critical acclaim for its design and combat, while its difficulty was a focus of public discussion. It won multiple awards and is regarded as a landmark title in modern action games.

Legacy: Sekiro contributed to the popularity of FromSoftware's portfolio and influenced subsequent titles in the studio's repertoire, though it remains distinct from the studio's Souls series in its mechanics and pacing.