Last February, beat ’em up game Sifu was announced during PlayStation’s State of Play livestream event. Although not a big budget AAA title, the fluid combat it showed off in its trailer wowed viewers. And we’ve been hooked ever since.
Originally scheduled for release in 2021, developer Sloclap pushed Sifu‘s release date back to 8th February 2022 to avoid overworking their team or compromising on quality. Of course, February has a number of big releases lined up. Dying Light 2, Horizon: Forbidden West and Elden Ring being the three biggest. But thanks to Sifu‘s refreshingly unique concept and awe-inspiring combat, it could be one of 2022’s surprise hits.
With that in mind, here are the top three reasons you should be excited for Sifu.
Three Reasons To Be Excited For Sifu
1. Silky smooth combat
If there’s one thing about Sifu that stands out, it’s the hand-to-hand combat. Offering beat ’em up action focused on Pak Mei kung fu, Sifu has over 150 unique and beautifully fluid attacks that can be chained together to seamlessly dispatch enemies. Throws, environmental attacks and found/stolen weapons can also be used to strategically better opponents. All this makes for cinematic looking fights that would rival any classic kung fu movie.
That film-like style is something Sloclap set out to achieve with this new game. “Sifu is a tale of vengeance inspired by Asian martial arts action movies,” explained executive producer Pierre Tarno. He went on, “Jackie Chan is an inspiration here, not for the action comedy type of vibe, but more in combat where it’s one vs multiple enemies, you’re getting surrounded, you have to use the environments around you, and you have to be agile.”
At first glance, it’s impossible not to be impressed with the combat on display in Sifu. But when you sit back and watch all the footage that Sloclap have shared, it is apparent that it isn’t simply impressive but potentially groundbreaking for the genre.
2. Age and experience is key
OK – so we know Sifu is a fighting game that focuses on kung fu. But to present an authentic kung fu experience, Sloclap have found an innovative approach to mirror the slow, sometimes painful, but always rewarding experience of martial arts mastery.
Here, every in-game death ages the player. “The more you die, the faster you’ll age,” Sloclap explain. As you age, your attacks become stronger (as they would with experience). However, your increasing age also makes you more fragile, realised here through an ever-decreasing health gauge. All this is made possible by an “ancient pendant” with magical powers that resurrects the player when fatally injured. However, its power is limited. Once the pendant is all used up, that’s it. Game over.
Thankfully, you can train at the kung fu school in between levels to sharpen your skills. As you progress you can also unlock new skills to help with defeating your opponents in combat. This all equates to a challenging experience where practise should make perfect.
3. Compelling story
If there’s one thing any great kung fu movie needs, it’s a reason to fight. Luckily, Sifu gives you ample reason to be invested in pummelling your enemies thanks to its compelling tale of vengeance.
Sloclap says, “Sifu tells the story of a young Kung Fu student who has spent their life training for a day of reckoning after the brutal murder of their entire family by a mysterious assassination squad… Hunt down the murderers one by one as you explore gang-ridden suburbs, hidden corners deep within the city, all the way to the cold hallways of corporate towers.”
Sounds intense. I can’t wait to get stuck in.
Sifu Release Date
Sifu is due for release on the 8th February 2022 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Will you be picking up Sifu when it comes out next month? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
