Why Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Deserves a Unique Game Approach Like Elden Ring

Evolution of 'Dark Souls' gameplay in Elden Ring opens up possibilities for a similar treatment to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
Why Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Deserves a Unique Game Approach Like Elden Ring

Highlights

  • Elden Ring integrated core Dark Souls elements but lacked Sekiro's distinctive combat style.
  • Sekiro's focused combat system with deflection and aggression is ripe for a grand successor akin to Elden Ring's relation to Dark Souls.
  • Blending Sekiro's combat and movement mechanics into an expansive Elden Ring-style open-world game could result in a rich, refined gaming experience.

FromSoftware successfully expanded the Dark Souls gameplay foundation into a vast open-world setting with Elden Ring. It's an opportunity for the studio to consider a similar approach for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The distinct combat mechanics of Sekiro were absent in Elden Ring, and with no direct sequel in sight, a spiritual successor could leverage its intense combat principles.

Previously, FromSoftware diverged from the Dark Souls series with Bloodborne in 2015, offering familiar gameplay with a stronger emphasis on offensive combat. However, Sekiro introduced a radically different combat system, deviating from traditional Souls gameplay.

Elevating Sekiro's Combat Mechanics

Sekiro emphasizes a linear combat structure requiring players to master deflection, aggression, and creative use of Shinobi tools. This unique gameplay is notably absent in Elden Ring, which aligns more closely with Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Despite this, a return to Sekiro's combat style is not out of the question.

Elden Ring diverges from Dark Souls lore and offers a less restrictive open-world experience. Expanding on successful gameplay concepts is a strategy that could be applied to Sekiro.

Envisioning a Sekiro-inspired Elden Ring

Key Elden Ring elements like an open world could complement Sekiro's combat-focused gameplay. While Sekiro emphasizes combat over exploration, its traversal mechanics, including a grappling hook and wall jumping, have potential for enhancement in an open-world setting. In contrast, Elden Ring offers limited traversal options.

Transplanting Sekiro's combat system into a larger, more ambitious game would allow for a deeper experience. The intricate posture system, deflection mechanics, and Shinobi Arts could flourish in an expansive game akin to Elden Ring, offering numerous challenges, gear discoveries, and immersive locations.

While combining Sekiro's focused combat with the scale of Elden Ring poses challenges, it's worth exploring how FromSoftware could reincorporate these essential gameplay elements. The exceptional combat and traversal mechanics of Sekiro make it a strong contender for a similar treatment to Elden Ring.