Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Is a Bit of a Departure for From Software
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, From Software’s upcoming game, is shaping up to be different from the kind of atmosphere and aesthetic the developer is known for. Contrary to the gothic, fantastical realms of Bloodborne and Dark Souls, Sekiro seems a bit more grounded and attached to its historical setting.
But From Software CEO Hidetaka Miyazaki says that the game is still going to contain fantasy elements and isn’t going to be hinged to historical accuracy. However, the fantastical elements are going to be approached in a much more grounded manner.
“We’re not 100 percent rooted in reality,” Miyazaki said. “Of course it’s important to retain a sense of faithfulness, but we’re not trying to to make a historical depiction of the Sengoku era. While we explored more drastically fantastical elements in our previous games, we want to approach this with a little more dignity this time – a little more carefully, maybe.”
“But, rest assured, you’re not just going to be fighting humanoids the whole way through,” he said continued. “There are going to be some things beyond human, even a little supernatural, hidden within this world. In order to make these fantastical, mystical or even grotesque beings seem even more so, the initial groundwork is a lot more realistic.”
In the same interview, Miyazaki revealed that he likes working on sequels and new franchises equally, pointing the to different opportunities that each process brings.
“Personally, I have no preference,” he said. “That largely comes down to the business decision in the end – to what everyone wants to do. Personally I think both have their merits. A brand-new IP like Sekiro allows me and the team a lot more creative freedom to try new ideas. But a sequel is equally as fun because it allows me to refine existing ideas, to improve things that I maybe regretted doing not so well the first time around. As both a creator and a player, there’s this level of creativity that means both are on equal ground.”
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is planned to launch sometime in early 2019 for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC.