Is Sekiro a JRPG? Unpacking FromSoftware’s Genre Defiance

The short answer is no, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is not a JRPG. While developed by a Japanese studio, FromSoftware, and featuring elements common in Japanese games, its core mechanics, structure, and design philosophy align more closely with the action-adventure genre, with strong influences from the “Souls-like” subgenre that FromSoftware themselves pioneered. It’s a meticulous blend of stealth, visceral combat, and intricate level design that prioritizes player skill and precise execution over traditional role-playing mechanics like character customization, expansive skill trees, and party management. Sekiro carves its own niche, standing distinctly apart from both typical action-adventure games and the broader JRPG landscape.

Why Sekiro Isn’t a Traditional JRPG

Several key factors differentiate Sekiro from the JRPG genre:

Limited Character Customization: JRPGs often feature extensive character customization options, allowing players to tailor their stats, skills, and equipment to create unique builds. Sekiro offers minimal customization. While Wolf gains new combat arts and prosthetic tools, his core stats are largely predetermined, and the focus is on mastering his existing abilities rather than forging a fundamentally different character. This makes the game far less about “role-playing” and more about mastering a pre-defined role.
Linear Progression: JRPGs tend to have complex, branching narratives with multiple paths and choices that impact the story. Sekiro’s narrative is relatively linear. While there are some choices affecting the ending, the overall narrative arc is largely predetermined. The game’s focus is on conquering the challenges presented in a specific order, rather than forging a unique path through a sprawling world.
Emphasis on Action: While many JRPGs feature combat, it’s often turn-based or utilizes menu-driven systems. Sekiro’s combat is real-time, demanding precise timing, reflexes, and a deep understanding of enemy attack patterns. The deflection-based combat system is central to the gameplay experience, and mastering it is crucial for success. This emphasizes action over tactical planning or strategic character development.
Lack of Party Management: A hallmark of many JRPGs is the ability to control a party of characters, each with their own unique abilities and roles. Sekiro is a single-player experience. Wolf is the sole protagonist, and there are no companions to recruit or manage. This focuses the gameplay experience intensely on the player’s own skills and reflexes.
World Design: Classic JRPGs often feature a world map with towns, dungeons, and various points of interest to explore in a somewhat free fashion. Sekiro features a series of interconnected but distinct areas. Exploration is encouraged, but it’s more about discovering hidden items and shortcuts within a curated environment than traversing a vast, open world. The level design is meticulously crafted, rewarding careful observation and strategic planning.

Sekiro and the Souls-like Influence

Sekiro undeniably shares many similarities with FromSoftware’s “Souls-like” games (Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Elden Ring). These similarities include:

High Difficulty: All of these games are known for their challenging gameplay, demanding patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
Intricate Level Design: All of these games feature meticulously designed levels with hidden paths, secrets, and challenging encounters.
Cryptic Storytelling: The narrative in these games is often fragmented and open to interpretation, requiring players to piece together the story through environmental details and item descriptions.
Demanding Combat: Combat in these games is unforgiving, requiring precise timing, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of enemy attack patterns.

However, even within the Souls-like framework, Sekiro stands apart. The focus on posture breaking, the prosthetic arm, and the emphasis on stealth create a unique gameplay experience that differentiates it from its predecessors.

Action-Adventure Roots

Ultimately, Sekiro is best classified as an action-adventure game. It features a compelling narrative, intricate level design, challenging combat, and a strong emphasis on exploration. While it incorporates elements from the Souls-like genre, its core gameplay mechanics and overall structure align more closely with the action-adventure archetype. The focus on mastering a specific set of skills, rather than developing a diverse character build, further reinforces this classification.

FAQs: Exploring the Nuances of Sekiro’s Genre

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Sekiro’s genre and its relationship to other games:

Is Sekiro Considered a Soulsborne Game?

While Sekiro shares many similarities with the Dark Souls and Bloodborne games, it’s not strictly considered a Soulsborne title. The fundamental differences in combat mechanics, character progression, and narrative structure set it apart. Many fans consider it a spiritual successor, sharing DNA but ultimately forging its own identity.

Is Sekiro a Good First Souls-Like Game?

Generally, no. Sekiro is often considered one of the hardest FromSoftware games, due to its demanding combat system and limited character customization. Dark Souls or Elden Ring are often recommended as more accessible entry points into the Souls-like genre because they offer more flexibility in build and gameplay.

Is Elden Ring Harder Than Sekiro?

This is subjective, but many players find Sekiro harder than Elden Ring, particularly on an initial playthrough. Elden Ring offers more options for overcoming challenges, including summoning allies, using powerful weapons, and employing diverse strategies. Sekiro demands mastery of its core combat mechanics.

Is Sekiro Inspired by Berserk?

Like many FromSoftware games, Sekiro draws inspiration from the manga Berserk. The dark fantasy setting, the themes of struggle and sacrifice, and the visual design of certain characters and environments evoke the world of Berserk.

Did Miyazaki Say Sekiro Is Not a Souls Game?

Yes, Hidetaka Miyazaki has stated that Sekiro is a separate entity from the Dark Souls series. While it shares the action aspect and some design sensibilities, it’s intended as its own creation with a distinct identity.

Why Is Sekiro So Small in Size?

Compared to open-world games, Sekiro’s file size is relatively small because it’s not an open world. The game prioritizes quality over quantity, featuring a meticulously designed world with a consistent theme and focused gameplay.

Why Is Sekiro So Hard?

Sekiro’s difficulty stems from its precise combat system, which demands perfect timing and quick reflexes. The margin for error is small, and players must master the art of deflection to succeed. The game also features challenging boss fights that require careful observation and strategic planning.

What’s Better: Sekiro or Ghost of Tsushima?

This depends on personal preference. Sekiro has a more unique and challenging combat system, while Ghost of Tsushima offers a more accessible experience with a compelling story and beautiful open world. Ghost of Tsushima mixes ideas from other series like Red Dead Redemption and Assassin’s Creed, but the combat stands on its own. Both games offer exceptional samurai gaming experiences.

Is Sekiro Harder Than Bloodborne?

Many players find Sekiro harder than Bloodborne. While Bloodborne features faster-paced combat and more aggressive enemies, the rally mechanic allows players to regain health, and the game offers more build variety. Sekiro demands precise timing and mastery of the deflection system.

Is Ghost of Tsushima a Copy of Sekiro?

No, Ghost of Tsushima is not a copy of Sekiro. While both games feature samurai themes and challenging combat, they differ significantly in their gameplay styles, settings, and visuals. Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world action-adventure game, while Sekiro is a more linear, stealth-action game.

Who Is the Hardest Boss in Sekiro?

Many players consider Isshin, the Sword Saint, to be the hardest boss in Sekiro. He is followed by the Fiery Demon Of Hatred, and Hirata Estate’s Owl Father.

How Many Hours Is Sekiro?

A typical playthrough of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice takes around 29-30 hours. Completionists can expect to spend around 70 hours to achieve 100% completion.

Should I Get Nioh 2 or Sekiro?

This depends on your preference. Sekiro emphasizes precise combat and posture breaking, while Nioh 2 offers a wider variety of techniques and a robust skill tree. Nioh 2 is the choice if you desire a wider variety of techniques and a robust skill tree

Is Sekiro Repetitive?

Some players find Sekiro repetitive, particularly in its combat system. The focus on deflection and Mikiri counters can feel monotonous to some. However, others appreciate the precision and skill required to master the combat.

Is Sekiro Ever Getting a Sequel?

There are currently no confirmed plans for a Sekiro sequel or DLC. While fans eagerly await a follow-up, FromSoftware’s focus is currently on other projects.

Conclusion

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice defies easy categorization. It is a beautifully crafted action-adventure game that borrows elements from the Souls-like genre but ultimately forges its own unique identity. While it may lack the traditional RPG elements of character customization and branching narratives, it offers a compelling and challenging experience that rewards player skill and strategic thinking.

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