Sekiro, Challenge, and Learning
Sekiro, Shadows Die Twice is the story of 7/8ths of a Shinobi and his swiss-army-hand stabbing their way through a host of semi-mythical beings and drinking some sake. More realistically, it’s a dark and beautiful portrait that, in another setting, might pass for prime Magical Realism. The sights and sounds of Sekiro are a fiction, but they evoke a truth we would love to believe about lineage, duty, and honor in old Japan. This post is not, however, about the design that makes Sekiro beautiful to any of the senses (taste included). Instead, it’s about why Sekiro, in spite of its notorious challenge level, is healthy and fun. And it IS fun. Even after Madam Butterfly has reminded you that you’re just a pup for the hundredth time and you have to walk away from your console just to cry a little, it’s fun. It’s not suffering that makes this challenge one of quality, though. Many know the games of yesteryear where certain levels in Battle Toads or Ninja Gaiden were considered in...