Why FromSoftwares Next Level After Sekiro is So Promising

Why FromSoftwares Next Level After Sekiro is So Promising

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has left an indelible mark on the action-RPG genre, and it’s not just because of its stunning visuals or immersive storyline. The combat system is nothing short of breathtaking, a delicate yet lethal ballet that sets it apart from other games in the genre.


Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands as a remarkable competitor in the realm of best combat within a FromSoftware game, which is no small feat. The influence that FromSoftware has had on action-RPG combat over the last decade cannot be understated; games such as God of War (2018) and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order might never have come to be without Dark Souls serving as their muse. However, the exquisitely crafted combat arena in Sekiro, where each battle unfolds like a graceful and deadly dance, is an exceptional and unparalleled experience.

One significant factor making Sekiro an exciting and innovative gaming experience is its departure from many conventions found in FromSoftware’s past titles. Unlike previous games, defensive strategies are less effective in Sekiro, as there are no invincibility frames for dodges, and blocking attacks can sometimes cause more damage than it prevents, since posture rather than health is usually crucial. Instead, players are motivated to remain aggressive against enemies, capitalize on every attack opportunity, and master the art of deflecting blows at precisely the right moment to avoid damage while depleting enemy posture. This unique blend of gameplay elements results in an unyielding, intense, and ultimately empowering gaming experience that leaves one wondering how FromSoftware could possibly surpass it.

Miyazaki Thinks FromSoftware Can Top Sekiro’s Speed and Intensity

Hidetaka Miyazaki’s Comments About Cranking Up Speed ‘One More Level’

In a conversation with Game Informer over the summer, FromSoftware’s head Hidetaka Miyazaki discussed the creative triumph of Sekiro. He emphasized that Sekiro served as a significant milestone for the studio, marking the highest level of balance between offense and defense achieved so far. This game was the culmination of years of refining defensive and offensive strategies, starting from the era of Demon’s Souls, and even before that with King’s Field. These insights align well with the studio’s evolution in game development.

Something he said that was considerably more surprising, however, is that he believes the studio can take the speed, action, and fluidity of Sekiro up “one more level.” For those who have experienced Sekiro‘s white-knuckle combat firsthand, this may seem like something of a ludicrous statement, and in some ways, it is. But if any developer could realize such lofty ambitions, it’s probably FromSoftware.

FromSoftware Has Been Making Its Games Progressively Faster

Regarding FromSoftware’s games, the combat style in both Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls 2 didn’t undergo significant fundamental changes. However, when Bloodborne was released in 2015, it signified a substantial shift in FromSoftware’s combat strategy. Although it retained many Dark Souls-like elements, defensive play was deliberately weakened: shields were scarcely present, invincibility frames (I-frames) were drastically reduced, and the traditional parry system was swapped for gun parrying, making even a fundamental defensive move an offensive one. These concepts carried over to Dark Souls 3, which maintained its series’ roots but showcased a more aggressive playstyle due to a faster player character and enemies.

This trend peaked with the game Sekiro, where traditional defensive strategies are absent for the player. The character Wolf, from Sekiro, doesn’t rely on hiding behind a shield or dodging enemy sword attacks. Instead, he aggressively confronts enemies, embodying his namesake. The game elevates Bloodborne’s blend of offense and defense, as the player’s primary offensive action, the precise deflection, depletes the enemy’s vitality gauge, bringing them closer to defeat with each successful strike.

Just as Sekiro significantly escalated the speed and intensity from Bloodborne, a future game from FromSoftware may further develop upon the foundation laid by Sekiro. While this unforeseen game might not have been expected, it’s exactly these unexpected creations that make FromSoftware an exhilarating developer.

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2024-11-16 22:34