Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
News, coverage and analysis tracking Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice across the outlets.
Evening Reading - July 6, 2026The video game industry is facing significant challenges, with Microsoft confirming mass layoffs that will lead to Double Fine Productions and Compulsion Games becoming independent. Xbox has appointed Helen Chiang, head of Mojang Studios, as its first Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, Nintendo plans to discontinue original Switch consoles in Europe in 2027, while Microsoft is being sued in Wisconsin over data center practices.
Dark Souls isn't "an especially difficult game," former Tekken boss says – it's in its world where FromSoftware boss Hidetaka Miyazaki's "true creativity shines through"Former Tekken lead Katsuhiro Harada believes Dark Souls' true strength lies not in its difficulty, but in Hidetaka Miyazaki's creative world-building. Harada describes Miyazaki as a unique and serious developer whose obsessive approach to creativity shines through in the intricate worlds of FromSoftware's games, including Dark Souls and Elden Ring.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword release date pushed forward, its devs deciding they'd rather fight vampires than cosmic entities and Scottish horrorsCapcom has moved the release date for Onimusha: Way of the Sword forward to September 4th, avoiding a crowded September release window. The game will feature an "early adopter bonus" for those who purchase it by September 25th on Steam or Epic Games Store. The article also discusses the game's genre, comparing it to titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and the Nioh series.
I attended a Tomb Raider and Horizon developer's boss design masterclass and came away both weary and enchantedPrincipal gameplay designer Marcin Matuszczyk, formerly of Guerrilla Games and Nixxes Software, shared insights on boss battle design at Digital Dragons. He broke down boss encounters into stages: Introduction, Escalation, Midpoint Twist, Climax, and Resolution, emphasizing clear 'tells' for player attacks and learning opportunities. Matuszczyk also touched on the design challenges of multiplayer boss fights and the inspiration drawn from animals for Horizon Forbidden West's bots.
Somewhere between QWOP and Tekken, Stranger Than Heaven has one of the most interesting combat systems I've played in some timeStranger Than Heaven features a unique and interesting combat system that maps left and right limbs to controller bumpers and triggers, allowing for complex offensive and defensive maneuvers. While initially difficult to grasp, the system rewards players who adapt to its rhythmic, timing-based dueling, offering a fresh take on the genre. The game is a distant prequel to the Like a Dragon series, developed by Ryu Ga Gokotu Studio.
I usually skip souslikes not made by FromSoftware, but one Steam demo just won me overThe soulslike game Prison of Husks, currently in demo on Steam, has impressed a reviewer who typically avoids non-FromSoftware titles. Its retro PlayStation 1-inspired visuals, blending Demon's Souls atmosphere with Sekiro-like combat, and its action-focused mechanics set it apart. The game also runs well on the Steam Deck and is planned for release this year.
Valor Mortis is the first soulslike I've immediately enjoyed, and not just because it's in first-personValor Mortis is a new soulslike game that distinguishes itself with a first-person perspective, blending traditional soulslike mechanics with first-person shooter elements. Developed by One More Level, known for the Ghostrunner series, the game aims to offer a unique and fluid combat experience set in an alternate Napoleonic era. Director Radosław Ratusznik highlighted the freedom of choice in combat and the developer's experience in creating fast-paced, fluid gameplay.
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy devs learned to make melee combat on the jobAsobo Studio, developers of Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, discussed the challenges of implementing melee combat for the first time. Lead level designer Valérian Robert explained that the team drew inspiration from games like Ghost of Tsushima, Sekiro, and Sifu to develop their combat mechanics. The game focuses on Sophia using speed and environmental interactions to defeat armored soldiers, aiming for a balance between challenging and accessible gameplay.
PC Gamers, come rate my videogame vinyl collection and decide whether it was worth the $$$This article discusses the author's personal journey and extensive collection of video game and anime soundtrack vinyl records, highlighting titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Elden Ring. While acknowledging the enjoyment and ritual of collecting, the author concludes that for most people, it's an expensive and cumbersome hobby compared to digital listening.
(For Southeast Asia) PlayStation Store: May 2026’s top downloadsPlayStation Store has revealed the top downloaded games for May 2026 across PS5, PS4, and PS VR2. In Asia, '007 First Light' led the PS5 charts, while 'NTE: Neverness to Everness' topped the Free to Play charts.- Phantom Blade Zero Delayed to October 29, Pre-Orders Open This SummerPhantom Blade Zero has been delayed to October 29, 2026, from its original September 9, 2026 release date. Developer S-Game cited a need for further polishing of character models and environments as the reason for the delay. Pre-orders for the action RPG on PlayStation 5 and PC will open this summer, with a new trailer and a dedicated State of Play presentation planned.
I'm sorry, but I'm here to say that I really do not enjoy parrying stuff in videogamesThe author expresses a strong dislike for parrying mechanics in video games, finding them intrusive and unenjoyable, particularly when they appear in genres like turn-based combat. While acknowledging the skill and thoughtfulness parrying requires for some players, the author feels it detracts from their preferred strategic gameplay and wishes for developers to reduce its prevalence.
Anomalith Launches October 29 on PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2Furyu has announced Anomalith, a survival horror action game set to launch on October 29, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The game features third-person combat, resource management, and reality-bending environments, with development contributions from notable creators like Yuka Kitamura.
Survival Action Meets Anomaly Horror and FURYU’s Trademark Bishoujo Action in ANOMALITH, Launching October 29FURYU CORPORATION announced ANOMALITH, a survival horror action game featuring anomaly horror elements, set to launch on October 29, 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. The game introduces a "Demi-Humanization System" for character abilities and features a story about an investigator battling mysterious "Otherworlds."
Anomalith, a Japanese survival horror action game, revealed for Nintendo Switch 2FuRyu Corporation and Winning Entertainment Group have revealed Anomalith, a survival horror action game for the Nintendo Switch 2, set to release on October 29, 2026. The game features investigator Reona Minazuki battling mysterious "anomaly" creatures in warped Japanese environments, with gameplay elements including third-person gunplay, melee combat, and a "Demi-Humanization System" for acquiring abilities. Notable talent involved includes composer Yuka Kitamura, known for her work on Elden Ring and Bloodborne.
FuRyu announces action horror game ANOMALITHFuRyu has announced ANOMALITH, a new action horror game set to release on October 29th for PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5. The game features third-person gunplay, survival horror elements, and a unique "Demi-Humanization System" for character abilities. ANOMALITH boasts a creative team including scenario lead Romeo Tanaka, character designer MON, and composer Yuka Kitamura, known for her work on FromSoftware titles.
Johan is like if Sekiro were about a medieval manuscript of a rabbit came to life that's on a quest for revengeJohan is an upcoming action game from Vercors Studio that draws heavy inspiration from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Players control a rabbit protagonist who has emerged from a medieval manuscript seeking revenge against knights. The game features Sekiro-like parrying mechanics, a grappling hook, and a unique summoning system where Johan can call upon various medieval creatures for aid.
The Anime of Elden Ring Dev's Secret Best Game Hits Japanese Theatres in SeptemberAn anime adaptation of FromSoftware's game Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, titled Sekiro: No Defeat, will premiere in Japanese theaters on September 4, 2026. The anime will later stream globally on Crunchyroll. The story follows Sekiro, a shinobi tasked with protecting the Divine Heir in a fractured Japan.
Sekiro: No Defeat premieres September 4 in JapanThe anime adaptation of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, titled Sekiro: No Defeat, will premiere in Japan on September 4 for a three-week theatrical run. Kadokawa Corporation, Crunchyroll, Qzil.la, and ARCH announced the premiere and revealed the main visual. The anime will stream globally on Crunchyroll, excluding certain regions.
A Questionable Dark Souls Remake Claim Has the Entire Souls Community TalkingA rumor originating from a social media post by YouTuber Shirakko claims a Dark Souls Trilogy Remake is in development, sparking widespread discussion among fans. While the franchise is popular and a remake is plausible, the source is unconfirmed, and FromSoftware is reportedly working on other projects, with Bluepoint Games, known for the Demon's Souls remake, having been shut down by Sony.