Sifu is a classic revenge narrative presented as a beat ’em up action game. Players control a young Pak Mei Kung-Fu practitioner embarking on a quest to avenge their slain master. Set in a fictionalized Chinese city, the protagonist must master kung fu techniques to defeat the master’s murderers. Each failure results in aging, imparting experience but reducing the time remaining. The price of revenge is time itself; adaptation and learning from enemies are crucial for survival.
Sifu, released in February 2022, has achieved significant success, selling over three million copies. While this figure may seem modest compared to titles like GTA V with its 195 million units sold, it’s important to note that Sloclap, the developer of Sifu, is a relatively small independent studio founded in Paris in 2015. Their accomplishment in creating a visually stunning and engaging game with limited resources is noteworthy.
The combat in Sifu draws inspiration from Bruce Lee and other iconic Chinese action stars like Jackie Chan and Jet Li. The animations are exceptionally well-crafted, reflecting the developers’ dedication to delivering an authentic Kung-fu movie experience. The narrative, while simple, serves as a vehicle to propel the player into the next encounter. When facing numerous opponents, players can utilize environmental objects like bottles and pipes. Mastering combat combinations and defensive maneuvers is essential for survival. Death results in aging the character; repeated deaths lead to accelerated aging, potentially reaching the character’s 70s. Reaching an advanced age and dying results in replaying the level. Skilled combat can reduce the aging penalty. This mechanic, while unconventional, integrates effectively into the revenge-driven storyline.
The game features a stylized and visually appealing aesthetic. Environments are richly detailed, complemented by cinematic sound design. Testing Sifu on PC revealed that the recommended specifications include at least 10GB of RAM and a GeForce GTX970 graphics card, or equivalent.
One potential drawback of Sifu is that, despite its stylish presentation, the core gameplay loop can become somewhat repetitive. While new skills are acquired throughout the game, combat often involves repetitive button inputs. Furthermore, precise timing for defensive actions can be challenging, leading to frequent defeats, especially early on.
Sifu presents a significant difficulty curve from the outset, often requiring multiple attempts to complete the initial level. The game offers little in the way of easing the player in, and the limited number of lives can be a deterrent.
In conclusion, Sifu is a stylish and engaging title with considerable appeal. While the initial difficulty may hinder immediate enjoyment, mastering the controls unlocks a more satisfying experience, ultimately justifying the game’s commercial success.
Sloclap provided a review code for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence editorial objectivity.
