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A Brutal Journey of Revenge and Mastery – Sifu Review

Writer's picture: Nathan WaltersNathan Walters

Image: Sloclap


Sifu, developed by Sloclap and released in 2022, is a single-player action game with a focus on martial arts and close-quarters combat. Players take on the role of a skilled kung fu practitioner on a quest for revenge against the assassins who murdered their family.


Gameplay (9/10) Sifu offers a tight and engaging gameplay experience, with the game's core mechanics centered around a deep and nuanced combat system. Players can utilize a variety of martial arts techniques, including strikes, grapples, and counters, to dispatch their enemies with precision and style. The game's controls are responsive and intuitive, making it easy for players to chain together combos and execute devastating attacks. One of the most unique aspects of Sifu is its aging mechanic, where the player's character ages each time they die, gaining new abilities but also having their overall health reduced. This mechanic adds an additional layer of strategy and challenge to the game, encouraging players to master the combat system and learn from their mistakes.


Graphics and Sound (8/10) Sifu features stylish and visually appealing graphics, with detailed character models and atmospheric environments that evoke the feel of a gritty martial arts film. The game's animations are smooth and fluid, lending a sense of weight and impact to each strike and counter.

The game's sound design is equally immersive, with a dynamic and adrenaline-pumping soundtrack that complements the game's intense combat sequences. The sound effects, such as the crunch of bone and the clash of fists, further enhance the game's visceral and satisfying combat.


Performance and Optimization (8/10) Sifu generally runs smoothly on various platforms, with stable performance and minimal technical issues. The game's controls are responsive and precise, allowing players to execute complex combos and techniques with ease.


Content and Replayability (8/10) Sifu offers a wealth of content, with a challenging and engaging single-player campaign that takes players through a variety of diverse environments, each filled with dangerous enemies and intense boss encounters. The game's difficulty and aging mechanic encourage players to hone their skills and master the combat system, providing ample replayability for those seeking to perfect their technique. While the game's narrative may not be as deep or intricate as some players might hope, the focus on intense, skill-based combat ensures that Sifu remains a rewarding and satisfying experience throughout multiple playthroughs.


Conclusion Sifu is a challenging and stylish action game that delivers a thrilling and visceral martial arts experience. With its deep and satisfying combat system, engaging aging mechanic, and atmospheric graphics and sound, Sifu offers a unique and rewarding experience for fans of action games and martial arts enthusiasts alike. While occasional performance issues and a somewhat sparse narrative may detract from the experience for some players, the game's intense combat and high replayability make it a standout title in the action genre.


Overall Score: 8.3/10

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