Sifu Developer’s Next Game Is Absolutely Not What You’re Expecting

A Surprising Shift in Direction

Sifu is known for its unforgiving difficulty, grounded martial arts combat, and unique aging mechanic. In contrast, Stray Blade embraces a more traditional fantasy setting, featuring sprawling environments, mythical creatures, and character customization. The decision to abandon the elements that made Sifu so unique has surprised many fans and industry observers.

Exploring the Roots of the Change

According to Sloclap, the shift in direction reflects the team’s desire to explore new genres and challenge themselves creatively. Creative director Pierre Tarno told IGN, “We wanted to do something different and not just stay in the same niche. We wanted to bring our own touch to a different genre.” The team also wanted to create a game that was more accessible to a wider audience than Sifu.

A Closer Look at Stray Blade

Stray Blade is set in the ancient land of Acrea, a world ravaged by the Xhinnon, a horde of corrupted creatures. Players take control of Boji, a Xhinnon hunter, and his companion, the Xhinnon wolf Io. Together, they travel Acrea, battling Xhinnon and uncovering the secrets of the land.

The game features soulslike combat, with a focus on dodging, parrying, and punishing enemy attacks. Boji can wield a variety of weapons, from swords and axes to bows and staves. Io also plays a vital role in combat, assisting Boji with attacks and providing support abilities.

Balancing Accessibility and Depth

Stray Blade‘s shift to a more accessible genre has also raised concerns about the potential loss of depth. However, Sloclap maintains that the game will offer a challenging and rewarding experience. Lead game designer Francois Tarrain stated, “We want to make sure there’s a lot of depth for players to explore, whether it’s through the combat system, the exploration, or the character progression.”

New Gameplay Mechanics

Stray Blade introduces several new gameplay mechanics that set it apart from traditional soulslike games. These include:

• Aerial Combat: Boji can leap into the air for extended aerial combat, allowing for new combat options and enemy encounters.
• World Events: Dynamic events occur throughout Acrea, such as monster hunts and puzzle challenges. These events offer rewards and contribute to the game’s sense of immersion.
• Co-op Mode:Stray Blade supports two-player co-op, allowing players to team up and explore Acrea together.

Critical Reception and Industry Impact

Stray Blade‘s announcement has been met with mixed reactions from critics and fans. Some praised the studio for its willingness to experiment and break away from its comfort zone. Others expressed concerns about the potential dilution of Sifu’s distinctive formula. It remains to be seen how Stray Blade will be received upon its release in 2023.

Regardless of the critical reception, Stray Blade represents a significant milestone for Sloclap. It demonstrates the studio’s desire to push boundaries and create unique gaming experiences. Its success or failure could have a broader impact on the industry, inspiring other developers to step outside of their established niches.

Conclusion

Sifu developer Sloclap’s next game, Stray Blade, is a bold departure from the studio’s previous work. The game’s shift to a more accessible action RPG genre has surprised many fans, raising questions about the balance between accessibility and depth. However, Sloclap’s commitment to creating challenging and rewarding experiences suggests that Stray Blade will offer something unique and engaging. The game’s success or failure will be a testament to Sloclap’s ability to adapt and evolve as a developer.