Sekiro: Shadows Die Twices Shikibu Toshikatsu Yamauchi is a Bonafide Litmus Test

by

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twices Shikibu Toshikatsu Yamauchi is a Bonafide Litmus Test

Highlights

  • Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offers thrilling parry-based combat that starts easy but ramps up in difficulty.
  • Seven Ashina Spears is a tough mini-boss that acts as a checkpoint for players to gauge their progress.
  • Yamauchi sets the difficulty floor in Sekiro, forcing players to improve their combat skills to move forward.

As a fan of FromSoftware’s challenging action RPGs, I cannot help but admire the design philosophy behind Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’s mini-boss, Yamauchi – one of the Seven Ashina Spears. The game’s opening areas can be deceptively simple, with many bosses and mini-bosses presenting an accessible challenge before ramping up the difficulty significantly. However, Yamauchi serves as a valuable checkpoint for players to gauge their progress and readiness for the game’s more demanding encounters.

In the beginning stages of “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” some battles against bosses and mini-bosses may seem deceptively uncomplicated. However, a hidden challenge awaits players as the game’s true test of skill unfolds in the mid-to-late gameplay experience. Yet, an optional encounter early on can serve as a valuable indicator of one’s proficiency with “Sekiro”‘s distinctive combat system before encountering the significant increase in difficulty.

Nestled back at the beginning point of “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” lies the formidable Seven Ashina Spears, represented by Shikibu Toshikatsu Yamauchi. This adversary boasts an intricate combat sequence that unfolds more gradually than many other mini-bosses. Consequently, a string of combinations materializes, which while distinctly recognizable, arrive in rapid succession and mete out severe retribution for any missteps by the player, resulting in a swift demise if they are unable to maintain the grind and keep pace with this enduring conflict.

The Seven Ashina Spears Earn Their Title With Raw Power

A Powerful Foe Defends Against Another Escape from the Ashina Reservoir

After Lord Kuro has been successfully rescued, it might seem that there isn’t much left of significance at the Ashina Reservoir, where Sekiro’s journey begins. However, following Kuro’s daring escape, additional security measures have been put in place in this region. One of the Seven Ashina Spears now guards the shack where Lord Kuro was formerly imprisoned. In a brilliant example of game narrative storytelling, the challenging nature of this boss battle underscores just how seriously those in power within Ashina view Kuro’s liberation.

As a passionate fan of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, I cannot stress enough the significance of overcoming Yamauchi, one of the title holders of the Seven Ashina Spears. This formidable foe presents a formidable challenge early in the game, making him a worthy adversary for any traveler. Unlike other daunting bosses in Sekiro, Yamauchi doesn’t rely on increased speed to increase the difficulty; instead, he uses raw power in his devastating attacks. These strikes can quickly deplete your health bar, making Yamauchi a relentless guard that effectively deters players from revisiting the game’s starting point unless they have the skills and determination to face off against this merciless mini-boss.

Shikibu Toshikatsu Yamauchi Sets the Upcoming Difficulty Floor

When initially encountering Yamauchi, players might find himself a formidable adversary, dishing out substantial damage. However, as progression continues towards Ashina Castle, this level of punishment will become standard. In essence, Yamauchi serves as a benchmark battle, indicating the readiness of players for the upcoming challenging mandatory bosses such as Sekiro’s Guardian Ape. Players who find themselves struggling against Yamauchi may face significant challenges moving forward since this is where the game’s difficulty level starts to escalate. To overcome these difficulties, players should focus on enhancing their combat skills with Sekiro and mastering enemy combo patterns.

In contrast to the common perception, Yamauchi’s challenge isn’t all one-sided. While it may seem daunting initially, there are strategies that can make the battle with him less arduous. One such strategy is the effective use of Mikiri Counter against his Seven Ashina Spears. The spear’s thrusting attacks can be easily anticipated and countered using this skill, significantly reducing the overall fight difficulty. Moreover, employing Sekiro’s stealth abilities offers an opportunity to deal a free deathblow to Yamauchi even before the battle commences. Mastering these tactics early on not only helps overcome Yamauchi’s challenge but also proves beneficial against later bosses like the Corrupted Monk.

Read More

2024-07-14 19:06