'Sekiro: Shadows Dies Twice' Needs To Respect Its Players And Add An Easy Mode

"People say that From Software respects its players by not adding an easy mode, but I think it's just the opposite. Respecting the player would mean adding an easy mode to 'Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice'." Forbes says.

[Nitrowolf2]

STOP

Of course it’s forbes

If I can beat the game, than anyone else should be able to. It’s part of the game, fromsoftware is respecting its player base by giving them the challenge they want

They give you the tools to make it easier like different tools to stun bosses

You want an easy mode, go use trainers on pc or cheat devices on console

Why is Forbes always writing the most garbage things

[LordoftheCritics]

''If I can beat the game, than anyone else should be able to.''

That's what all billionaires think I guess. If I can be one so can anyone else.

But yes, it doesn't necessarily need to have reduced difficulty but it should be advertised as a very difficult game so buyers don't go in excepting to match most other games. Most games that exist today have a certain difficulty average. These death simulators have their own difficulty setting going on. Also the controls and camera are quite poor compared to most games out there.

I remember buying Dark Souls based on a review. Sold it to a friend after a few hours. It wasn't my cup of tea. I wasn't angry at the game, I was angry that it wasn't marketed that way but rather marketed as if its a dark version of some kind of action rpg that we are used to.

[jjb1981]

Git Gud

[LegoIsAwesome]

"Controls and camera are quite poor" Ok you lost me there mate. Are we really playing the same game??

Agree with jjb. Git Gud mate. You need it with FromSoft games. The reward after killing those hard enemies sure feels good. So git gud. Try to get better. Not get better on ranting how hard a game is lol. It makes you pathetic.

[ArchangelMike]

The camera defiantely needs attention. I found that lone shinobi warrior mini-boss behind Ashina Castle in that small underground corridor. Between his jumping spin kicks, my jump and dodge steps and the game's camera - the whole sequence just becomes practically unplayable.

[Nitrowolf2]

Big difference I suck at the game but learned to be patient with it. Usually the first boss takes me several hours, but there’s nothing better than the feeling of satisfaction after beating them. Plus they usually give you the tools to make it easier. I remember reading people dying to the butterfly lady, found a skill that made her easy enough to dodge, as with the enemies with spears.

Buying dark souls based off a review? I’d like to see that review that gave you the impression it wasn’t hard. Understandable that it wasn’t ur type of game, but it’s odd to read that it mislead u like that

Ur right the camera needs work

[opc]

You're comments convinced me to not buy this game. I just can't be bother getting good at games. I'd rather practice a skill. Spending hours on the same bosses is lame.

Look at all of the comments here talking about a "sense of pride and accomplishment" after beating a tough enemy.

[Omnisonne]

Different strokes for different folks as they say.
Also don't buy games without doing some basic research on it, it's a purchase after all. I've learned the hard way too, turns out I absolutely despise racing games.

[himdeel]

LMAO get the fuck out of here. If you're unable to gitbetr too bad. This game just isn't for you, STFU LOL!

[jznrpg]

@OPC it wasn’t made for you most likely. I am learning a new language and work on other skills as well so I get what you are saying . There isn’t enough time in the day for everything (48hr days would be perfect for me and sleeping less) but I do find this game fun and satisfying . I don’t spend all day on it though as I have other things to do .

[cyx]

@LordoftheCritics How bout git gud or know what youre getting into? Its not from software's fault noobs and casuals don't do research or want to jump into a series blindly . if you're any bit of a gamer in the slightest you would already know about soulsbourne difficulty lol. Smh asking for easy modes in souls games now?

@opc lol wtf? You just contradicted yourself. So wait , you rather practice a skill .....but dont wanna git gud?!!....huh?!...nani?!

[BlkMonk-EKing]

Here is the thing it's a Fromsoftware game. So that means people should already know that the game is going to be hard. It not up to the developer to advertise the game as hard. That's 1 the job of the distributioner and 2 Its on the consumer to do the research to decide of this game is for them. Its your money so spend it wisely

[salmonade]

It wasn't my cup of tea? Meaning you suck

[IGiveHugs2NakedWomen]

Seikiro isn't that hard dude. Dark Souls and Bloodborne are much harder games.

[DaDrunkenJester]

Lol who ever your friend is that gave you the review obviously didnt tell you anything.

Also, the Souls games really arent even that hard. They just take practice and patients. You sold it only after a few hours so you obviously didnt give it enough time.

[jetsnut_28]

How would you “advertise” it as a very hard game? By nonchalantly stating that in trailers? Not sure there is a positive way to spin difficulty besides saying “satisfying challenge” or something along those lines, and even then, people still wouldn’t understand how difficult it is. People should be doing research on games before they spend their money on them in the first place, which I’m sure pretty much anyone who has made an article on the game in a review sense has stated that it is very difficult.

[starchild]

The controls and camera are great. Especially the controls. The camera occasionally gets into a bad perspective of the action but that's true of most similar games including Nioh and Devil May Cry 5 which I have played recently. Stop making excuses. If you aren't good enough or willing to put in the time to get good enough that's fine, but don't say things about the game that aren't true.

[Jimneous]

The tag line for Dark Souls is prepare to die, I feel like that's a pretty good indication of the difficulty.
I'm terrible at those kinds of games and I get frustrated by the camera and cheap deaths by the dodgy hit detection. Usually I go back and keep trying, thinking maybe this time I can do it and sure enough I manage to overcome it after letting my frustration cool off.

[DVAcme]

It's a From Software game, there's no need to advertise its difficulty cause that's their bread and butter. And the Soulsborne metaseries is well know enough that you'd know what you're getting into, no need to out a warning on the box.

[LegoIsAwesome]

The game is really really hard. Harder than all the Souls/Borne game. But killing those mini boss and boss, after so much tries really does feels good. So nah I'm good with Sekiro's difficulty

[LordoftheCritics]

@Git Gud @LegolAwesome

It's not about getting good. I am good at the games I enjoy.

I just don't find any value in relation to time spent in the Souls based games, that's all. I hoped it would be something different with Sekiro, but nope no value for me there either.

I don't really enjoy dodgeroll roll roll roll roll roll roll roll roll hit or die - respawn run to boss and repeat.

[RDF]

Get good

[MajorLazer]

Your tears taste delicious

[LegoIsAwesome]

Who said anything sbout Sekiro being a doge hit and run kind of thing? Didnt you tried parrying then deathblows? That way every combat in the game feels intense rather than dodge and hit and run and repeat lol

[salmonade]

You don't know what you're talking about. You are just crap

[antz1104]

Lol youd get curb stomped in this game rolling constantly. You never played this.

[shadowraiden]

fact you only thought dodge roll roll roll etc shows you havnt played this game or many of the others where really that isnt the only way to play. Sekiro if anything is about being aggresive and deflecting hits the dodging is close to bad and will more then often actually kill you in Sekiro.

also dont find any value yet every RPG worth its salt has some difficulty where you will be running back to beat a boss

[RedDevils]

Hah what a noobs

[TheSaint]

"I don't really enjoy dodgeroll roll roll roll roll roll roll roll roll hit or die - respawn run to boss and repeat."

That is NOT how you play Souls games, git gud.

[notachance]

dodge? roll?
you never played sekiro do you?

hell, you never even played souls game if that's what you think souls game is. Probably tried just a little bit and gave up on the first boss and think he knows all about souls game by looking at the memes and videos

[Void000]

Try an easier game. You sound like a candidate for solitaire.

[ravinash]

Why does this argument always coming up each time a From Software game comes out.
After all the Souls games, we know they are hard.

You just need to adjust your game play... or you know....get good.

[chris235]

because the most garbage things yield the most clickrevenue.

[frostypants]

Forbes online is little more than a blogging platform with semi-screened contributors. Forbes didn't write anything. Some dummy that got approved on their network did.

[Christopher]

Gamers need to respect the developers choice to put out a game they envision and not what every gamer wants out of it. Not every game is for every gamer. We don't force tactical RPGs to be turned into action RPGs, why would we force the main design element of a game here to be changed just because some gamers have trouble playing them?

[Christopher]

People should watch this video to understand the business behind Souls games.

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[LordoftheCritics]

Oh completely.

I always saw them as Mobile games. Like the hundreds of diablo format clones on mobile or whatever, the souls have a very very basic and bland format to it. One size fits all concept.

The souls games are perfect for publishers as cost of entry is probably the lowest.

From the video:

1. Few cinematic
2. Almost no tutorial
3. One difficulty level (never have to balance the game much for any other difficulties, great for a single type of audience, bad for a large audience.)
4. Sparse music
5. Limited multiplayer
6. Not cutting edge engine

and so many other things that most AAA games have.
poor animations, mo cap etc not even required, very basic combat that provides the illusion of depth, a non existent narrative structure.

All of this is perfect for the targeted hardcore audience. Whats bad is the slow bleeding over into AAA games. I would rather not see those compromises in the games that I love.

[Hungryalpaca]

@lord

And had you actually played the game you’d know literally none of that is true aside from one difficulty.

There’s a tutorial you can activate and practice anytime you want and having one difficulty allows them to balance it better than just buffing or weakening enemies.

Keep crying. The game is selling extremely well. It’s clear you’ve never even touched a souls like game.

[remixx116]

@lordof...

Dude analysis of the series shows just how little you actually know (or rather lack of qualoty appreciation) about these games, the games very much have a tutorial, it's just different from what you've come (been brainwashed) to expect, the game puts in you in the thick of it while giving you tools and explanations to get out if the thick of it.

The musical scores in these games are stellar, it's just regulated to boss and mini boss fights. There's a reason why dark souls 3 comes with a separate soundtrack CD.

You talk about how the cost of entry is the lowest yet at the same time the target audience is the lowest as well (if people like this article are anything to go by) so it balances out, none of that Hollywood ass mocap, expensive voice actors, celebrities, and over abundance of cinematic cutscenes type bullshit, just you and your game but people like you have come to expect that kind of thing from AAA gaming despite it taking up development resources and forcing devs to seek additional avenues for monetization to make up for the funds they spent on all that fluff.

You claim that it's slowly bleeding into AAA gaming...but where?? As from I can see most AAA games are currently hooked up to the Battle Royale, lootbox and gaas IV and are practically handing their pitiful player bases feel good juice with things like increased aim assist on guns (destiny, Halo), incredibly disappointing amounts of challenge (kingdom hearts 3, ffxv) and so on. Most AAA devs aren't doing what from soft is doing and I would kill for the mentality of a little challenge to bleed back into gaming.

The game obviously isn't for you, just take that flag and move to whatever more casualized experiences out there you enjoy and let those of us who enjoy difficult games have fun with one if the few games out there that are willing to be challenging by default.

This game is made with the enjoyment of it's target audience in mind first and that's why we love it unlike most devs tryna nickel and dime you to death with rng and feel like a winner gameplay.

[Cobra951]

Yeah, I get that. "We're too elite for most people. That makes us and our players special." Exalts the few; turns away the many.

[Cobra951]

Respect is not the issue. To me, it's rather the puzzling attitude of turning their backs on most people who like to experience gaming. The differences in dedication and skill level in that group are huge. Of course they can choose to cater only to the cream of the skilled players. But it would be so easy to add more tractable challenge levels, so that more of us can enjoy the worlds and experiences they have created. They can gate off certain achievements or features behind a difficulty wall, if they feel that the best players deserve more rewards than the mere mortals. They don't need to exclude so many of us. They don't need to leave so much money on the table.

I played my way through the first several generations of consoles, beating many an insanely difficult game. It's not a question of can I do it. I just don't want to anymore. Games don't need to expand their longevity by killing you around every bend anymore. There is plenty of memory and performance for truly epic experiences without that.

[Christopher]

***I just don't want to anymore. Games don't need to expand their longevity by killing you around every bend anymore.***

I think you're equating a game about skill to expanding longevity and that's an unfair and downplayed method of discussing the game.

Are these same criticisms aimed at the plethora of other skill based games or is it just a game world that you might be interested in but choosing to ignore the gameplay aspects to suit your own desires?

If I'm bad at multiplayer games do I demand that the companies make that easier for me?

Do we ignore the small size of the development studio and how much work it would take to add multiple balancing levels to the game, let alone shrug off the long desired outlook that their games are hard and unforgiving by making an option accessible to people who don't want to make the effort to learn to play the game?

With the number of games available today, asking one game to change to suit your desires is extremely selfish when there exist hundreds of other games to this one that would fit your desires. It's like me asking every game to utilize RPG character building and leveling aspects because that's what I like. So many games already do that, it's not needed in every game and not every game needs to be for me. It's why I stopped playing RDR2 and didn't write an article saying they should change the game to suit me when obviously the game was made for a plethora of other games who greatly enjoy what it is.

Let alone the type of game has been defined by the studio. It's not their fault others have copied them. It is their fault it's become so popular.

Not everything needs to be mainstream accessible. If it is, then things begin to lose identity and it becomes much harder to create these type of genres within the industry as every game becomes less of one thing just to appease a casual aspect.

[ECHOINFINITY]

These games are difficult metroidvanias. If you don't want to play a difficult metroidvania, you can move on. Walking 50 feet in these games is exciting because just getting to the next checkpoint feels like an accomplishment. They don't need to change anything.

[Cacolaco]

It's a shame that more companies don't have the same attitude as them.

I'm not saying that I enjoy games like Sekiro/Bloodborne/etc., because they're really not my cup of tea, but clearly many people enjoy them. It's the attitude that games should cater to most players that has watered down the gaming experience in so many titles. I see a lot of this in MMOs (where are the true EverQuest and Ultima Online successors?) and also in the Battlefield series, which tries more and more to cater to the CoD people and strays slightly further from its formula with each iteration. Heck, gameplay in the Final Fantasy series doesn't resemble its most revered entries at all anymore, because it's just too slow and boring for the action people (kudos to Square for sticking with it for the Dragon Quest series).

Catering to the largest group results in watered down, mediocre games, that all resemble each other and game studios need to stop doing it. I don't have to want to play every game, and that's the way it should be.

[Felix_Argyle_Catbro]

The fucks at Forbes should respect the game.

[solideagle]

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[Chaosdreams]

"I suck - please - give me a method to play (but not really play) this game - kk, thanks, sincerely Forbes."

[rdgneoz3]

It's like they never played From Software game before...

[Chaosdreams]

From Software - We respect you. The challenge will be challenging. You'll die a lot, you might not even finish, but the journey of overcoming said challenge is the game itself.

Forbes - Why doesn't the game win for me? Such disrespect. Make it easy or behold my wrathful opinion, hur, de le dur.

[Omnisonne]

I think it's telling of the modern times though. Arcade games decades back used to be hard as balls, death meant replay the entire thing, there was a thing called ''beating'' the game which was not at all guaranteed.

Now it's all about everyone, no matter the skill level, being able to finish a game without too much effort. Instant gratification, insta-win buttons in competitive games etc. FromSoft's titles are one of the last few that still offer that challenge of beating a game.

[Ninjamonkey82]

Back then we clocked game

[Ethereal]

HAHAHAHAHHAHA

[Gamist2dot0]

Add a training mode or put in an Easy mode but player will only complete 50% of the actual game with a short generic ending.

[Hungryalpaca]

There is a training mode. The game is pretty clear about that. You can practice any new technique the entire time you play the game if you like.

The game is completely about timing, reaction, skill and exploration. Adding an easy mode would completely ruin the experience.

[neoandrew]

Nope, it would not ruin anything, it would be a player choice, if u want the hardest dev designed difficulty, fine, no one is stopping you, but why stop ppl that dont have the time and skill to make it thru and just add a second mode, maybe not easy, but a normal like mode would be great.
There is really no argument to defend the lack of in game choice.

[Mr_Writer85]

@neo

"but why stop ppl that dont have the time and skill to make it thru "

Well technically they're not. You choose to do that.

Don't have time? Play another game? One you can beat.

You don't have a devine right to have every game you see be made for your skill /time.

[Futureshark]

Forbes really is the low brow of video game journalism. Perhaps if they find Sekiro too difficult then stick to watching streamers if that's how you want to have your gaming spoon fed to you.
Personally I prefer a challenge in a game, otherwise whats the point?

[Donnie81]

come on it’s not that hard.

[Thundercat77]

Lady butterfly joined the chat.

[ThatDudeMunkee]

Get it right. Sheesh. Juzo the Drunkard has joined the chat. He was my brick wall up until Headless.

[Alek83]

Dark Souls says hi.

This was considerably easier. I don't get why so many people think its hard.

I guess an easier difficulty would be OK with me, but remove some achievements and trophies from it. Want to get everything? Play the game as it was meant to be played.

[NapalmSanctuary]

I think that would be a good balance. Maybe give a bronze trophy upon completion that is something like: "Congratulations, the controller has not defeated you". Something like that with a light mocking tone to it.

[Donnie81]

I agree it is easier than souls. Dark souls multiple enemies is a reason to run. Seikiro you can take on 3 or 4 at a time no problem. It’s far from easy though

[NapalmSanctuary]

You still have to be very careful how you approach multiple enemies and you have to be very aware of whats going on around you throughout the skirmish.

[OneEyedSteve]

All these types of games are absolutely rubbish imo, they provide me 0 enjoyment.

[Hungryalpaca]

Then go play easy games.

[drunkenspy007]

thanks for chiming in with something that no one cares about, says a lot about you.

[Christopher]

Sports and racing games provide no enjoyment for me. I just don't play them. End of story.

[Fluxour]

No

[metalgod88]

To be perfectly honest, this game is hard, but very very good. If they added a difficulty which increases player damage a little bit, I think it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. By adding a lower difficulty setting, it allows less skilled players to get through it, while leaving the more skilled players unhindered.

With that said, I do feel like challenge is a major part of what makes this game so great. So rather than From Software worrying about multiple difficulties, they stuck with one difficulty they thought was challenging, but not impossible.

This game has intricate design when it comes to the challenge. There are a handful of strategies and skills you can use to take down the various enemies/mini-bosses/bosses and part of the fun(I hope) is figuring out what works best. If the game is too easy, then all the time spent on those designs goes out the window and you basically have a mindless hack n' slash ninja game.

I see both sides of it, but ultimately I think the way it is, is exactly how it should be. To those who are stuck, keep trying, keep practicing and you'll get through it; just don't give up!

[LoveSpuds]

Another aspect that is being overlooked is that of From Software's right to creative expression. From are not just making tougher games to cause grief to the gamer, it is part of their design philosophy, their creative choice, they want to elicit particular feelings of triumph and a sense of achievement in the gamer.

In the same way, they look to instil a sense of mystery and wonder in their games by way of opaque story telling and delivery of lore in weapon and item descriptions.

Why should From sacrifice their creative freedom and alienate the audience who love the products they create just to satisfy a minority of internet moaners who have a myriad of other games that cater to their needs anyway?

[Chaos_Order]

"From are not just making tougher games to cause grief to the gamer, it is part of their design philosophy."

EXACTLY. I say, more power to the people who make our games. I don't like RTS or sim type games but I have absolute respect for developers who pour all their efforts into making the best RTS/sim they can, not trying to tempt people like me with "okay, we'll simplify things and change stuff around so everyone will like it!" They tried that with Command and Conquer Tiberian Twilight and look how that ended up. Fromsoft decide deliberately to have a single difficulty setting and to pour all their efforts to balance that difficulty setting to nudge the players into playing a particular way and provide the best experience. There is a meaning in what they do.

I was a bit put off starting up Sekiro. "What? You just attack attack attack until it breaks their guard and deathblow?" But then in the next area that tactic gets me decimated, and I realise that stealth is paramount and maneuvering around the environment effectively is just as important as success in combat. It changed my approach entirely and suddenly I was having way more fun.

[Arty84]

Are we at the Press x to insta kill boss for $2 point yet?

[DrumBeat]

Yeah, thankfully there are no ridiculous Sen, Spirit Emblem, or Seed packs.

[spicelicka]

This is just the wrong way of approaching the issue. Personally I would like an easy mode because I want to experience this game but just don't have the time or patience, although I understand the challenge is part of the experience.

I don't think it has to do with respect, it's their choice ultimately. But I do feel an easy mode would get more people to play the game, and really it has no effect on people who play it how it's meant to be played.

[LordoftheCritics]

I usually get a trainer for somewhere to see all the boss designs and then im bored and uninstall the game.

[Hungryalpaca]

That’s your own fault. It really just sounds like you don’t pay attention and want an instant win button.

[salmonade]

What about an amazing puzzle game? Do you think there should be an easy mode so the puzzles are easier, so other people can enjoy the game? No?

Developers choice ALWAYS. Whinging gamers just have to accept that. Like the morons at Forbes

[Dark_Knightmare2]

I’m on my new game plus run already and I’ve beat every other soulsborne game so many times I’ve lost count and unlike the tough guys in here I won’t downvote or disparage you because you want to enjoy a game that is currently too hard for you. I’m a souls vet and I would have no problem if there was an easy mode for people like you who don’t have the time or skill to play as long as I still got the challenge FromSoftware intended. I want more people to play and see how amazing FromSoftware games are so they get even more sales and more love. That git gud crap is just immature and so annoying like why do people not want FromSoftware to have more fans and have more people experience their games

[FanboySpotter]

This is so damn sad. My little brother just started playing bloodborne and dark souls 3 and he's doing alright. This is a boy that spends most of his gaming time on roblox. How bad of a gamer is the writer?

[xXxSeTTriPxXx]

REALLY? Easy mode in a game like this is disrespect.

Know what your playing before you purchase.fromsoft games are for a niche group of gamers, they understand that and they're successful for it.

[salmonade]

It's just ridiculous.

It's like saying, "Please, put an easy mode in this puzzle game, so I can enjoy it. Make the puzzles more easy. It's too hard and I don't feel good. Developer should put an easy mode. Developer need to respect me and my limited ability" - FORBES

[ReelBigMike]

Since it's not hurting anyone by including it, I tend to agree with the article. More options is rarely a bad thing, especially in a single player game. It's 100% the devs decision and I don't mind if they see it another way, but for me personally, adding an Easy mode wouldn't hurt anyone playing on other difficulty levels and would probably net you a few more sales.

[Traecy]

This is true. I'm guessing FS knows this & wants to keep their games in the niche genre.

[Hungryalpaca]

An easy mode would completely change the game. That’s what you people don’t understand. The difficulty and overcoming a challenge and trying until you succeed is part of the gameplay.

I’d HATE to see you people play games from when you had one life. You’d all be crying in the corner.

[chronoforce]

How would having an easy mode change normal mode ?

[salmonade]

Maybe in hard PUZZLE GAMES they should also put an easy mode for people who are crap. Make the puzzles more easy so everyone can play and enjoy. :P

Article is TRASH.

[chronoforce]

Maybe an easy mode in this so called hard puzzle game could do things like give the player more hints. This could allow the puzzles to remain technically the same as the ones in hard mode. Everybody wins.

The truth is your ilk think an easy mode degrades the accomplishment of beating a soulslike and the players don't want that accomplishment degraded. Its silly because there would still be a normal mode.

[salmonade]

I'm not talking about a casual mobile puzzle game with a hint button. REAL puzzle games DO NOT have pathetic hints. It cheapens the whole experience. People of your ilk should just learn to let certain things go. Know that there are just some games that aren't for you. My girlfriend is crap at games. There is not an easier mode for her to be able to beat even a game like Devil May Cry 5. Are you saying, that should make an even easier mode so that someone like her can enjoy the game? I mean how low do you go? My point is, that your ilk are selfish and entitled. Your ilk just need to accept that you can't have everything you want.

[uth11]

here we go...

I have not played Sekiro, but if it's like the Souls games, then difficulty in am essential is part of the appeal. Without it, you will breeze through those worlds in no time, probably feel ripped off and complain about "lack of content"

it would greatly disrespect the genre to add easy mode

[MoshA]

The minibosses are near impossible. The actual bosses are too easy. Defeated all of them on my 2nd try. Awfully unbalanced game, no clue what happened.

[Hungryalpaca]

Hey it’s the liar again!

[MoshA]

Who lied about what?

[Imortus_san]

Hahahahaha, Easy Man.

[Xaevi]

Every time a new Souls style game releases we get the same article, hilarious. The difficulty is half of these games, take that away and you take away the fun

[XxMajeSteRxX]

I can’t remmber how many times i cursed at this game yesterday,i even slammed my controller on my table, it really sucks dying like 43 times and not getting further,this is my first time playing this type of game,as soon I managed to beat this particular boss its was sooo satisfaying,and that makes it worth it for me, apologizie for my bad English,not my native language

[MetalGearAlex]

I haven't posted in a looong time. NO. just NO. if you're writing this article or believe it, then YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND why these type of games are made. so -- NO.

[NapalmSanctuary]

While I am not opposed to an easy mode, it creates a problem with the player not being able to quite understand the value of the mechanics, and the value of mastering the mechanics. Thats where the fun is in any video game. The problem with many video games is that there isn't much there to master or that there isn't really a need to master the mechanics, or the game itself, in order to do well. But that is whats popular, which is ultimately the danger of adding an easy mode to games like this. That said, Ninja Gaiden is a much harder game that is not negatively affected by having an easy mode (Ninja Dog).

[Chaos_Order]

"The problem with many video games is that there isn't much there to master or that there isn't really a need to master the mechanics, or the game itself, in order to do well."

Yeah, I think a lot of older JRPGs have that issue where instead of learning unique strategies, you can just grind and level over the enemies, taking away the possibilities of using the entire repertoire of abilities and magic. I think the Persona series did a great job of dealing with this, by providing huge benefits for finding enemies' weaknesses, giving you ample reasons to switch between characters, limiting how long you can stay in a dungeon by having very few methods of SP regeneration, and severely lowering XP gain once your character's level goes over a certain threshold, basically saying, "You can stop here. You should be strong enough to take on the boss at this point. Leave the dungeon for now and go do something else." When you hit a brick wall you should be thinking "What am I doing wrong? Is there another way around this?" not "Oh man this BS is impossible." That's the kind of feeling the Fromsoft games do well at IMO.

[pecorre]

Don't try to make a game what it's not. Sekiro was designed around it's difficulty. If you don't like this, don't buy it.

[2pacalypsenow]

"it's players" know what they're getting into when they buy these games.

I don't buy Dark souls because it's an easy game.

[tontontam0]

Well if you feel disrespected you have the choice to not buy the game.

[Positivelypositive]

I like the idea of difficulty drops being based on just lowering the enemies health. The game isn't easier in most ways but it allows for a bit of an edge. Also this strategy still teaches you to get better at the combat as it designed by the developer. I also have no problem with games including a very easy mode. I don't have to use it. I know this causes outrage to hardcore FROM faithful players because they see that as not even really playing the game. In reality it in no way hurts their experience.

[Soybetaboy]

Yes , I agree

[isarai]

These game are built around the immense satisfaction from succeeding in something that challenges you. You take away the difficulty you take away the core of what make this game fun. Not every game is for everyone

[Imalwaysright]

This is exactly the type of game that respects us. There are many games out there that handhold you at every turn so you can just go play them.

[Vizigoth04]

Cry

[KickSpinFilter]

It is respecting it's players by not dumbing it down to "Millennial" standards.

[Vizigoth04]

That's Forbes saying they could complete their review because they need GameShark stat! Codes, gotta have codes.

[Tototot]

Git gud

[jackwei22]

Makes me wonder however wrote this article must've died an unknown number of times and got fed up who is now taking it out their frustration on the game.

[Fraggle1987]

I'm all for the harder difficulty in the game as long as the gameplay systems don't come across as cheap. I don't feel that has been the case with from software games. Tough but fair for the most part.

However, having an easier option would do nothing to harm the game for the intended gaming audience and allow other gamers with less time to "get gud" to enjoy the game.so it would be a win win scenario for everyone. No real reason not to include an easy option.

[Hungryalpaca]

Except the amount of resources it would take to test and balance an easier game mode. What would constitute easier? Less boss damage? Less damage in general? Enemies already die insanely fast in the game. The game is balanced around if you mess up, you get punished for it.

[chronoforce]

How about starting with more blood vials/ estus flasks, having less enemies around or rearranging the position of existing enemies to perhaps make it easier for players to engage with enemies one by one. The point is there are several ways to balance the game for other difficulty levels that do not resort to just damage scaling.

If an easy mode were just to scale damage I'm not sure how this would degrade the game as whole, a good soulslike game will likely have a well designed map that will be fun to unravel while encountering new enemies, shorcuts, good rpg systems, well designed bosses and perhaps a corpse run system too.

The real reason why so many souls players don't want an easy mode is because they think it will hurt their sense of accomplishment.

[Fraggle1987]

It's not a lot of resources to make a game easier. Literally nearly every game ever made has an easy mode. Just make there be less enemies/health and you hitting harder would help, it's really not hard. The game is balanced the way u say it is for all other difficulties and that's great but this wouldn't be the case for an easy mode which is also fine. It's sad to see people defend against something that would be easy to implement and help other players enjoy the game. I suspect it's the outcry from people like you that makes from software reluctant to do it. A shame.

[Nacho_Z]

They've never compromised and have unwaveringly stayed true to their vision, I respect that. As soon as they start making concessions they're taking steps towards mediocrity. Stick to your guns From and crack on with producing top class games.

[DaGR8JIBRALTAR]

The bull is stomping a mudhole in me right now but I just need to get better.

[Hungryalpaca]

I ran in circles, attacked his butt twice and backed off. Rinse repeat. Don’t forget to use the shirikens. 17 knocked off about 1/4 health

[CrustifiedDibbs]

yeah that guy sucks. firecrackers do a good job stunning him for a few free hits.

[Traecy]

I love playing games on easy or normal mode because I don't have time to be frustrated,but after playing & beating BB I like the difficult factor & that's when I played & beat DS3. I'm playing Sekiro now but I'm not a master at these difficult games so before pressing on to a badass boss I'm just sticking around Hirata Estate & leveling up majority of my skills.I wouldn't want From Software to scale down the difficulty because that's what their games are all about,it's all about dedication patience & learning the game otherwise don't bother.

[Veneno]

Ok let's destroy the whole reason why we love From Software so much and why they became so successful. Does this loser even know what disrespect even means?

[BadElf]

hahaha.

NO, you need to respect From Software and learn what its like to play a badass, hard game. One that doesnt hold your hand. You lil baby.

[Acecalibur]

How about they go play an easier game. Every game shouldn't have to stoop to your level.

[CrimsonWing69]

No it doesn't, you scrub! The game is made for hardcore and skilled players who have the patience and ability to learn the mechanics and get better at the game. If you can't do that then it isn't for you.

What a joke!

[TheGamez100]

If you want an easy mode then use cheats on pc? Dont be lazy and just "git gud" lol.

[ShinRon]

easy mode should be the game saying "keep trying, youll get there" instead of "death"

[Kurt Russell]

This isn't going to be the popular opinion, but I wish there was an easier setting. I can't "git gud", I am getting old, I relfexes are slowing down and I have only 3 working fingers on my left hand (literally). I was able to beat games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne because I could grind areas and basically over level... This one I just suck and there is no work around for me to enjoy it.

Don't get me wrong I am not mental salty over it, I just wish I could enjoy and play this one and FSoft tend to completely grip me in terms of their world building and story.

[chilopirrin]

jajajaa que maricones

[BlaqMagiq1]

Only whiners and babies will agree with this

[nyctophilia13]

Respect the art and play it as the developers intended. If it's too hard for you, play another game. Or grow some balls and learn from your mistakes. Nothing in these games is impossible.

[jznrpg]

Hehe , this is funny . How about play another game? This is made for a specific gamer, people who want a difficult game. There are plenty of games you can coast through or put on easy mode.

[l33t_haxx0r]

'Sekiro: Shadows Dies Twice' Needs To Respect Its Players And Add An hard Mode...

There I corrected the title for you.

[Hungryalpaca]

And my work needs to accommodate the time I WANT to wake up.

[giovonni]

I mean, I’m all for it being challenging. It’s when the challenge becomes more of a punishment and the reward doesn’t justify the punishment. Take Shanobi for PlayStation there was a level with invisible Floors! Mind you, it’s a platformer, and when you beat the level( depending if you broke your controller) you go on to the next level, naw son! If a programmer’s intent for making a game is too frustrate the leveling hell out of you with little reward, I say add difficulty settings.

[Tzuno]

Hard? Then you never played on NES some games...

[JesusBuiltmyHotrod]

Sigh....I wish forbes contributors did not exist..how about respect the artists vision? Almost every game out there caters to casuals and mainstream..not every game needs to be for everyone. Another awful piece.

[JesusBuiltmyHotrod]

Controls are poor??? What? It is one of the best playing games this gen wtf.

[Bourne414]

I haven't even had a chance to pick the game up yet, and the title already pissed me off.

Maybe theres just a certain type of gamer out there that likes to challenge themself, quit trying to ruin games we love, because you cant enjoy it yourself.

[FACTUAL evidence]

I respect from software and their decisions on soul games. I’m not particularly agreeing with the article but I can see in some cases where players are frustrated with the learning curve.

Soul games are very punishing if you don’t get passed certain habits. I know a lot of casuals interested but just don’t have time for the trial and error approach soul games have.

You can’t blame them for trying the game because FSW has a unique look and robust techniques with their games. The games they make looks very pleasing and attractive, not to mention the games play well.

I’m not agreeing with the article or the people who want the game’s difficulty lower, but I see where their frustration peeks.

As mentioned before, the games are beautiful and plays well; so it’s hard to not want to try the game and be pissed you die by the first 5 enemies everytime.

[mandingo]

Snowflake

[trooper_]

I hate to be THAT person but...

git gud.

[tulholdren]

More Forbes B. S. just crying.

[ufo8mycat]

If you want easy/kids games, maybe go play on Switch. Leave these games for the adults.

[WelkinCole]

For any long time gamer that played since the Atari and especially the NES era. Souls games are a breath of fresh air.

We use to have no any point in game saves. Only 3 lives. No regenerative health. The souls games are not hard.

There are hundreds and thousands of other games out there that are easy. Go play them if you don't have the patient/attention to play these games.

[katzura66]

The game is not geared for casuals, if it was you bet your ass Activison would have pushed for microtransactions.

[ziggurcat]

No.

[SpineSaw]

Ummm they have a "easy mode" as all SoulsBorne games do........easy mode=watch someone else play it and beat it on Twitch!....... Git Gud or GTFO with your easy mode.

[Malice-Flare]

or, perhaps those people should just return the game and ask for a refund. that'll give them a clearer message...

[BLUEKNIFE]

The more options the better, if they add an easy mode for casual players I am ok with it, as long as they keep the standard hard mode available as well

[Father__Merrin]

All from software games should have ninja dog mode with less bosses and less loot to collect etc. Would make a. Compelling reason to play through again

[HaVoK308]

Generation Easy strikes again.

[victorMaje]

It’s out of respect for gamers that there is no easy mode. If you don’t/can’t/won’t understand that you should not be playing this game.

[Exvalos]

This a early April fools joke?

[Stanjara]

No, this is the true vision of the developer.

[TheUpbringer]

"Sekiro needs to respect its players and add an easy mode (And by players, I mean me who is awful at understanding a game's mechanics and having to understand the game is making my job demanding and I can't have that now, can I?)"

[salmonade]

Forbes? Ok I'm outta here

[jagermaster619]

Haha wow some people are sissies.....

[amazingmax7]

Lol, get good.

[CptDville]

No.

[whyisthehorsestaring]

😂😂😂
28514;😂😂㈳ 4;

[jordan22290ps]

I honestly agree with fans that they should leave it as is... FromSoftware built their own genre and it's the consumer's responsibility to look into a game before buying, at which point they'll see that it's not an easy game, buttttttt...... can we retire "git gud"? It's the dumbest argument and doesn't help in the slightest. It causes unneeded conflict and honestly makes you sound like a no life douche. But yes, give their games time to actually get good at them and you'll appreciate them. That being said, I suck at them and know not to buy as I'll just stop trying after 20 attempts and switch to something else lol

[EricHonolulu]

Here we go again.

I don't have this game yet, but I remember people bitching about Bloodborne's difficulty. From Software is awesome and this is reality. Monsters are not gonna take it easy on anyone.

DEAL WITH IT!

[MWH]

Sorry but you don't understand what those games are about. Simply put, they are not made for you.

There's a game called Spelunky, try it, it may help you come to terms that this is a genre within a genre.

[Ninjamonkey82]

Issue is its how easy gaming has become today a challenge comes along and the players that have been drip feed todays AAA titles throw there dummies out. I want my era back no saves and limited continues that in some cases had to be earned through gameplay.

[william_cade]

They respect their players by not having an online mode and releasing a complete game. This writer must not respect gamers.

[patterson]

Seems like gamers need to quit being dumbasses and do some research before buying a game. Part of the reason why you buy a game like Sekiro is because of it's high difficulty, high reward/satisfaction of completing it.

[AK91]

Um that defeats the purpose of the game though.

[stanr]

This is why you don't hire a filthy casual to write about video games for your publication.

[krauley]

From soft hasnt put an easy mode in any of the past games that people whine about needing one so they will not do it to this game either. We good now? Ok lets move along!

[Psychotica]

Seems like we had this same conversation after each Dark Souls release

[Sophisticated_Chap]

Are University and college students complaining again?

[Pyrofire95]

It's rated M, don't be a baby.

[NukeDaHippies]

Them not putting in an easy mode, IS a form of respect. They think people are perfectly capable of beating their game.

Evolve or die.

[InKnight7s]

I can understand why fans want KH3 to be harder, but no reason to ask for easier. It meant to play that way. If Dark Souls or any From Software RPG style have easy option it would be so silly and pointless and loss it purposes. Just imagine if you dont have to dodge enemies and just rush on enemies just like Tales of or FFXV way, the Souls would be the most boring. Critical strategies, limited options and the hard nature of Souls is what make the experience. (I am not even a fan of the genre nor did ever finish of them).

[tochi]

It's hard to believe that so-called journalist in gaming industry doesn't know classic 'gamer vs. developer' concept.
Modern iteration of this concept was one of many reasons that Demon's Souls was praised by retro gamer. The unique online system was obviously designed to unite players against the developer's challenges. We had a fun beating FromSoftware, together.

I think this is still the heart of Souls series. We want to beat FromSoftware, right?

[GUYwhoPLAYSvideoGAME]

i'd rather not, there's something to be said for the knowledge that when you beat a boss, you are part of an elite group of people who are the only ones to experience what you have experienced. It's like "nobody has ever been here, unless they went through what I just went through, this means something" it gives a much more feeling of adventure. I honestly despise most options to lower difficulty.

[Gatsu]

Well said!

[GUYwhoPLAYSvideoGAME]

genki desu

[Uglyday]

I like my tears cold filtered when I praise the sun.

[PurpHerbison]

LOL

[shadowraiserx]

Just get good dude.

[Sadist3]

Some people like a challenge. Some people like everything handed to them. If you want easy, go play Devil May Cry. These games (Dark Souls, Sekiro) are for players that want a challenge, who find entertainment is accomplishing difficult tasks

[sKiiTs8]

I don't really get why they dont do what DMC5 did - having 2 difficulties and maybe not letting players change between them? Can anyone give me a reason why? How is it disrespecting the fanbase? If so, makes the fanbase sound a bit lousy...

[jetsnut_28]

One word. Snowflakes

[Mulletino]

If this game were easy it wouldn’t be very good. The difficulty is 50% of the game.

[_LarZen_]

I like a challenge. But I don’t enjoy games that are excessively hard. And is why I skipped buying SSDT and other games like this. Even tho I think they look really cool. Adding an option for those who lack the skill level won’t ruin the game for those who have it and enjoy it.

[pietro1212]

This article is a joke.

[DafunkyRebel]

The fact that this game is “single player only” with no online coop means that if you get stuck and can’t beat a boss your game becomes trash and you essentially threw $60 bucks in the toilet. Having an easy mode for players who want to play through and enjoy the game makes sense since they did pay for it and there is no one to help them out when they need it so the difficulty needs to be fair for those players for progression sake.

[BioDead]

I was horrible at Bloodborne and Nioh, but with Sekiro I really focused on the gameplay and controls and I learned the mechanism easily. If I can do it then can anyone else. This player on Forbes might have ADHD or something. Some video games takes time and if this ahole who wrote that article thinks Sekiro is just smashing attack button to kill all enemies is wrong. Adding easy mode won't fix the gameplay and controls for you. If this game not pleasing you; you can always play something else.

[Alexmaru]

If you can't handle it - stay away from the game and play something else. :)

[8bitswarrior]

The guy from Forbes must suck playing these type games, well, GITGUD!!!!

For me they can even raise more the difficulty, nowadays lot of games in mormal mode are sort of walking in the park :(

[Profchaos]

Some games are more than just press X to win some players enjoy a real challenge

[Fritzwochel]

I'd say they need to respect their players and OPTIMIZE THE BLOODY GAME. The frame pacing is just horrible on the base consoles, and the framerate is too variable on the Pro and X. And the Pro performing better than the X clearly indicated lazy devs.

[Mylove1516]

If after demon souls and all the dark souls games you haven't figured out how from software do things then it is your own fault.

[GameStallion]

It respects its players by not including an easy mode.

[DVAcme]

You do not deserve to enjoy a Souls game if you can't git gud. I finally defeated Genichiro today, and damn do I feel proud.

[froy402]

Sekiro: Shadows Dies Twice' Needs To Respect Its Players And Add An Easy Mode

?? Hahahahha this is a fromsoftware souls type of game you idiot, EASY mode, smh

[bangoskank]

More clickbait nonsense.

[jaycptza]

Forbes is really a piece of shit. They only do lists and shit like this. Can they F-OFF

[Silly gameAr]

lol. That sounds more like an insult.

[LuzCB1987]

Always remember. There was no easy mode on Flappy Bird.

[Mr_Writer85]

I'm not great at these games.

But so what? Plenty of people want this type of game, I say fair play to From for sticking to their vision.

May not be to my personal taste, but I respect them for not making compromises.

[darx]

Game sounds like a waste of time.

[Drakul]

Forbes needs to respect its readers and stop being idiotic.

[noob_zero]

No. Fromsoft doesnt need to change anything. Thats the way they wanna make their games and they shouldnt have to switch up their formula just cuz some people are having too hard of a time. Like many others I cant count how many times Ive died in a soulsborne game. Yes theres plenty of annoying shit. Traps, ambushes, Giant enemies with incredible range, dying in three hits etc. but thats the point of their games. You gotta learn, adapt, and overcome. If you cant do that just go play something else. There are literally thousands of other options out there for you

[smashman98]

Lol no it does not

[Void000]

Back in my day we didn't have ez modes. You either got gud, or died trying.

[QuePasa87]

How about no

[BongSmack]

Don't play a game made by From Software if you don't want to get figuratively punched in the face by what you're playing. That's why I don't. Though to be fair, I might complain about it too if I did try it.