Unveiling Sekiro's Unparalleled Traversal: A Stunning Journey That Cannot Be Ignored

FromSoftware surprised the gaming world a few years ago with the release of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Published by Activision, it seemed to be an attempt at reviving the Tenchu franchise. Unlike FromSoftware's other modern titles, Sekiro stood out due to its unique gameplay features. Players took on the role of Wolf, a character who relied primarily on his sword and Shinobi Prosthetic arm for combat, instead of a wide variety of equipment. While there were different techniques and Prosthetic Tools to acquire, the level of customization found in Dark Souls or Armored Core was absent.

What set Sekiro apart even more were the significant emphasis on stealth and traversal mechanics. These elements seamlessly blended into the regular gameplay, eventually leading to the challenging combat that FromSoftware is known for. Elden Ring, another upcoming title from FromSoftware, took inspiration from Sekiro's experimentation by incorporating a jump button and stealth crouch. However, it would be unfair to overlook the significance of these features in Sekiro itself. In fact, Sekiro introduced a level of freedom of movement that was unparalleled in recent FromSoftware games. It would be a missed opportunity if the game's high mobility and empowering grappling hook were not further explored in future titles.

Grappling Is An Integral Part of Sekiro’s Appeal

Sekiro stands out from other games in the Soulslike genre due to its unique absence of a stamina system. Unlike previous FromSoftware titles, which required players to manage their stamina for optimal attacking, Sekiro allows players to freely sprint, swing, and jump without any restrictions. The focus of combat lies in mastering parries and responding accurately to enemy attacks, rather than worrying about stamina depletion. Additionally, features like enemy stomping and wall jumps highlight the exceptional mobility of the protagonist, Wolf.

As players progress in the game, they are introduced to the Shinobi Prosthetic, a remarkable tool that takes center stage. Wolf's new arm is equipped with a grappling hook, enabling him to navigate the treacherous terrain of Ashina. While Elden Ring's jumps already had a significant impact on level design, Sekiro takes it a step further by incorporating verticality that is usually reserved for rare platforming challenges in Armored Core games. With a simple button press, Wolf can effortlessly traverse environments, sneak up on or evade troublesome enemies, and even exploit special vulnerabilities during boss battles. The addition of the grappling hook revolutionizes the gameplay of Sekiro and provides an exhilarating experience that should not be limited to just one game.

Other FromSoftware Games Should Learn From Sekiro’s Traversal

Another FromSoftware project should take inspiration from Sekiro's unique movement abilities. While the revival of Armored Core is a good start, the human character in Sekiro employs fluid traversal methods that better capture the essence. The grappling hook, in particular, has the potential to elevate FromSoftware's already impressive, interconnected level design to new heights. Similar to old Zelda games, permanent grappling points would provide additional shortcuts, allowing players to swiftly navigate through different areas.

There is definitely room within FromSoftware's game rotation for a highly mobile title, and the same can be said for the game industry as a whole. Sekiro's emergence came at a time when the innovative movement found in older action games like Ninja Gaiden's wall-running had become scarce. By reviving some of that spirit, Sekiro managed to stand out. With FromSoftware's consistent dedication to pushing the boundaries of game mechanics, it is inevitable that Sekiro's traversal elements will reappear in future projects, creating exhilarating experiences in new and fascinating ways.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.