I loved every minute of it I was like playing as Karate kid.vs 100 soldiers please make a sequel to this it was like Ghost of Tsushima without the Open world.
5 Reviews
Karate Kid vs the World
jamesnightingale-3836922 May 2022
Martial Arts loveletter with quality over quantity in mind
Andrew4263 April 2023
Every now and then a special type of game comes about that is completely unique from anything else that's come before, and I'd say that Sifu is that type of game.
This is NOT for those looking for a casual game; Sifu has a steep learning curve that only seems to get more difficult the further you go, but it is so satisfying when you get the start getting the hang of things! On top of the steller gameplay mechanics, the presentation is top notch! The first three out of five levels are all visual treats (the fourth fees a bit of a step down from the latter) and the bosses have fantastic face value designs and personalities. It's a shame not more time was spent developing them and your characters' dynamic, but hey, AA budget so not all beggers can be choosers.
There are also plenty of great references to other media, from The Raid, to Oldboy to even John Wick (maybe?). The games plot itself is basically an homage to a classic Kung Fu film. The antagonists are simple, but very distinctive, and the ageing mechanic to signify how revenge takes its tolls on a person's life is masterfully woven into the game.
However, Sifu isn't flawless. A few negatives: Though presentation and gameplay is great, the English dubbing is pretty awful (play with the Chinese Dub). Replay value is stretched a little far to compensate for its short length, and it can get annoying having to replay the same level over and over due to the perma-death mechanic. Music is awesome, but I have this nagging feeling that it could have been even better - something just feels missing about it.
Overall the game isn't perfect, but it is such an outlier in a market full of clones and duds that the ambition alone to create a game like this is truly admirable.
Can't wait to see what sloclap do next! Perhaps a blend of both Sifu and Absolver?
This is NOT for those looking for a casual game; Sifu has a steep learning curve that only seems to get more difficult the further you go, but it is so satisfying when you get the start getting the hang of things! On top of the steller gameplay mechanics, the presentation is top notch! The first three out of five levels are all visual treats (the fourth fees a bit of a step down from the latter) and the bosses have fantastic face value designs and personalities. It's a shame not more time was spent developing them and your characters' dynamic, but hey, AA budget so not all beggers can be choosers.
There are also plenty of great references to other media, from The Raid, to Oldboy to even John Wick (maybe?). The games plot itself is basically an homage to a classic Kung Fu film. The antagonists are simple, but very distinctive, and the ageing mechanic to signify how revenge takes its tolls on a person's life is masterfully woven into the game.
However, Sifu isn't flawless. A few negatives: Though presentation and gameplay is great, the English dubbing is pretty awful (play with the Chinese Dub). Replay value is stretched a little far to compensate for its short length, and it can get annoying having to replay the same level over and over due to the perma-death mechanic. Music is awesome, but I have this nagging feeling that it could have been even better - something just feels missing about it.
Overall the game isn't perfect, but it is such an outlier in a market full of clones and duds that the ambition alone to create a game like this is truly admirable.
Can't wait to see what sloclap do next! Perhaps a blend of both Sifu and Absolver?
Unique gameplay , visuals and fights
AvionPrince1621 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I really love that game !
Despite its difficulty , Sifu is a unique game ! I havent seen this before and let me tell you its one of the best in term of animations, graphic style and fights .
The mechanics are quite simple to learn but really hard to master : i didnt finished it yet but im at the museum level and i really have hard time with the parry sometimes : the great timing and confused me a bit (what buttons i need to press to dodge that particular kick from my opponent and the short tutorial dont really help to undertand that)
But in terms of intensity , fights and ambience ( big mention to the level name the club and the museum thati found stunning visually ) with also the music who elevate the tension during fights .
I love also the dying system that relate about the age and how unique it is. This game is brilliant in every aspect and even the difficulty can be frustrated but when you succeed to past a level without dying its something so much satisfying that i love that sensation. The abi ity to unlock was good but to be honest i really prefer to have all these mechanics from the beginning and let us see all the differents combos that we can made because it take a little bit time to unlock everything and some of them are really important but it was ok i guess
So yeah ! A very original game and give me a unique feeling during the fights since the Batman Franchise and this time is more something subtle and need time to master and to fully understand . I like the bosses and how different they are and have a particular look and fights .
If you like tense. And hard fights try Sifu ! You will love it as much that you will suffer with it.
Despite its difficulty , Sifu is a unique game ! I havent seen this before and let me tell you its one of the best in term of animations, graphic style and fights .
The mechanics are quite simple to learn but really hard to master : i didnt finished it yet but im at the museum level and i really have hard time with the parry sometimes : the great timing and confused me a bit (what buttons i need to press to dodge that particular kick from my opponent and the short tutorial dont really help to undertand that)
But in terms of intensity , fights and ambience ( big mention to the level name the club and the museum thati found stunning visually ) with also the music who elevate the tension during fights .
I love also the dying system that relate about the age and how unique it is. This game is brilliant in every aspect and even the difficulty can be frustrated but when you succeed to past a level without dying its something so much satisfying that i love that sensation. The abi ity to unlock was good but to be honest i really prefer to have all these mechanics from the beginning and let us see all the differents combos that we can made because it take a little bit time to unlock everything and some of them are really important but it was ok i guess
So yeah ! A very original game and give me a unique feeling during the fights since the Batman Franchise and this time is more something subtle and need time to master and to fully understand . I like the bosses and how different they are and have a particular look and fights .
If you like tense. And hard fights try Sifu ! You will love it as much that you will suffer with it.
"Who wants to go first"
jsssamsing7 July 2022
I downloaded the game after watching CoryXKenshin playing the game. I was deeply in love with it, already after my friend introduced me to it saying "its a game where you do nothing but beating up people". Not just the mechanics and the epicness, but the story is breathtaking. This game is definitely worth the money.
Mastery Through Trial and Error
Pixelsinflow8 August 2023
A 3rd-person beat-em-up with roguelike elements mashed in, bringing kung-fu to the forefront and actually succeeding where few have before. The only downside I had with it is the time to beat, since you are engrossed from start to finish and it all just ends abruptly. Although Sifu is a pretty short game, it more than makes up for it with all the masterfully crafted levels.
As gaming has become more mainstream, more people are joining the hobby each day, but a well-made tutorial is a requirement even for seasoned players. Sifu handles its tutorial the correct way; it explains every system and how it works, giving you just enough leeway to figure everything else out on your own.
Now, let's talk about the gameplay, or as they say, the fun part. Sifu throws everything it has at you and challenges you to get the upper hand and ultimately beat it. As you start going through the levels, you'll experience both pain and joy.
Pain comes in the form of dying a whole bunch, but you don't feel like you were cheated. The game telegraphs every attack to an extreme level, so you can never blame the game; only that the NPC was faster. Mastery comes from repetition and constantly striving to improve.
Joy comes from feeling like a badass martial artist as you defeat countless enemies and improve your timing and precision. Normal enemies range from cannon fodder to some even achieving boss-level difficulty. Take, for instance, the Legendary system from Fallout 4, where when you get an enemy to half health, you receive a notification saying blank has mutated and it starts doing more damage and is again at full health. Well, something like that.
The bosses are where these types of games shine, and in Sifu, it does not disappoint. It's becoming more commonplace in games, but every boss has a second phase, with a standout being one named 'The Artist'. Each has its own form of combat that you need to study and ultimately overcome. As much as every boss is cool with their unique moves and style, something that's also a standout is their level design. All of their battles have absolutely breathtaking designs, and some scenes are straight out of movies, which is always a plus.
Since we were discussing level design and overall design, Sifu blends tradition with the new wave and brings something unique, even surpassing some AAA games, which is a feat in itself, but still requires some work to achieve. The levels are masterfully constructed, from every leaf to every large neon sign. It uses visual storytelling as an immersion technique and to engage every player in the long run. The world of Sifu looks beautiful, unique, and, pardon the overused saying, 'lived in'.
Soundtrack and sound design are once again high points. Depending on the circumstance, the music needs to pump up your adrenaline during fights and tense moments and ease up when you're just walking around. Every hit and crack sound crisp, and every weapon has a much-needed 'WHACK' to it. In the moments you get to breathe and calm down, the accompanying soundtrack elevates the immediate surroundings. Music is an integral part of the whole video game experience; bad sound can ruin an experience, while some soundtracks receive as much love as the game itself. An example would be The Witcher. Sifu does not reach such heights, but it is above average for sure.
Lastly, let's touch on the story. Sifu follows the tale of a troubled student out for revenge after his master is killed, and that's as far as I can go without spoiling the story. It's not groundbreaking, nor should it always be. It's a satisfactory story for a solid game. After beating it, you can play it again to get another ending.
With so many new games coming out, whether indie or AAA or anything in between, Sifu delivers satisfying gameplay, hard-hitting music, and beautiful level design. Ultimately, it's a game worth playing!
As gaming has become more mainstream, more people are joining the hobby each day, but a well-made tutorial is a requirement even for seasoned players. Sifu handles its tutorial the correct way; it explains every system and how it works, giving you just enough leeway to figure everything else out on your own.
Now, let's talk about the gameplay, or as they say, the fun part. Sifu throws everything it has at you and challenges you to get the upper hand and ultimately beat it. As you start going through the levels, you'll experience both pain and joy.
Pain comes in the form of dying a whole bunch, but you don't feel like you were cheated. The game telegraphs every attack to an extreme level, so you can never blame the game; only that the NPC was faster. Mastery comes from repetition and constantly striving to improve.
Joy comes from feeling like a badass martial artist as you defeat countless enemies and improve your timing and precision. Normal enemies range from cannon fodder to some even achieving boss-level difficulty. Take, for instance, the Legendary system from Fallout 4, where when you get an enemy to half health, you receive a notification saying blank has mutated and it starts doing more damage and is again at full health. Well, something like that.
The bosses are where these types of games shine, and in Sifu, it does not disappoint. It's becoming more commonplace in games, but every boss has a second phase, with a standout being one named 'The Artist'. Each has its own form of combat that you need to study and ultimately overcome. As much as every boss is cool with their unique moves and style, something that's also a standout is their level design. All of their battles have absolutely breathtaking designs, and some scenes are straight out of movies, which is always a plus.
Since we were discussing level design and overall design, Sifu blends tradition with the new wave and brings something unique, even surpassing some AAA games, which is a feat in itself, but still requires some work to achieve. The levels are masterfully constructed, from every leaf to every large neon sign. It uses visual storytelling as an immersion technique and to engage every player in the long run. The world of Sifu looks beautiful, unique, and, pardon the overused saying, 'lived in'.
Soundtrack and sound design are once again high points. Depending on the circumstance, the music needs to pump up your adrenaline during fights and tense moments and ease up when you're just walking around. Every hit and crack sound crisp, and every weapon has a much-needed 'WHACK' to it. In the moments you get to breathe and calm down, the accompanying soundtrack elevates the immediate surroundings. Music is an integral part of the whole video game experience; bad sound can ruin an experience, while some soundtracks receive as much love as the game itself. An example would be The Witcher. Sifu does not reach such heights, but it is above average for sure.
Lastly, let's touch on the story. Sifu follows the tale of a troubled student out for revenge after his master is killed, and that's as far as I can go without spoiling the story. It's not groundbreaking, nor should it always be. It's a satisfactory story for a solid game. After beating it, you can play it again to get another ending.
With so many new games coming out, whether indie or AAA or anything in between, Sifu delivers satisfying gameplay, hard-hitting music, and beautiful level design. Ultimately, it's a game worth playing!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
