Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro is indisputably the best game FromSoftware has ever created in terms of mechanical combat. It delivers a hyper addictive gameplay loop that demands absolute, unadulterated skill. While many label it the hardest entry in the "Soulsborne" pantheon, it is also easily the most deeply rewarding to master. The genius of Sekiro lies in its Posture System, which is vastly deeper, more intelligent, and frankly way less goofy looking than standard action games. In typical Souls games, your primary defense is the panic roll you spend half the boss fight repeatedly tumbling across the floor like an acrobat just to escape a hit. Sekiro eliminates that entirely. You don't run, and you don't roll. You stand your ground, look a ten-foot-tall boss dead in the eye, and meet their blade face-to-face. Because perfect deflections deal posture damage, defense becomes an offensive mechanic. Every parry is a statement. It transforms the combat into a beautiful, high-stakes dance of clashing steel where you feel like an absolute anime legend slashing, hacking, and controlling the rhythm of the blade. The narrative and setting get a massive plus. Unlike other FromSoft titles, the lore isn’t buried in cryptic item descriptions you don't need to read the underwear of a zombie soldier just to understand the plot. Sekiro delivers a clear, compelling, and emotionally driven story from start to finish. Because the narrative actually moves forward, the New Game Plus (NG+) cycles stay fast and aggressive, never letting the momentum run dull. 9/10 strongly recommends

My only regret is waiting till 2026 to play this masterpiece. The game is very hard early on when you still don't know the basics, so prepare to die a lot until you learn how to play. Whoever treats it as an action game will suffer and get frustrated. While it's a FromSoftware game, it feels different from the other titles, doesn't play the same, and only shares a few mechanics with the Souls games. Graphics are still good in 2026, with very nice scenery, and while it's kind of an open world, it's small enough that it doesn't even have a map. Bosses and mini bosses are well crafted, each one challenges you to apply what you learned, and some bosses act like a skill check, you shall not pass until you learn how to play this game. Most importantly, there is no difficulty setting, the only way forward is to get good, and once you do, you'll appreciate the time spent mastering your skills. In the end, you'll reach a level where the fights feel like a rhythm game. Easily one of the best combat systems in gaming and among the very best when it comes to parrying. I was never this satisfied after beating a boss in a game. Highly recommended for anyone patient enough to learn instead of just button mashing, this game is as memorable as it gets.

Sekiro shadows die twice has some of the craziest gameplay ive ever experienced. The combat is fast, the bosses are amazing, and every fight keeps you locked in. Definitly deserved its GOTY award.