[Mista]

IGN: 9/10

Sifu's brutal learning curve and unique structure that requires you to beat it in just one lifetime are significant barriers to overcome, but on the other side is truly one of the best modern action games around.

GameSpot: 9/10

Sifu's unique aging mechanic and top-tier combat make the journey from a headstrong student to a wise kung fu master utterly thrilling.

Press Start: 9/10

Through neoteric ideas around what combat can be, many of which were conceived with Absolver, Sloclap has carried the classic beat 'em up into the present with Sifu. It might be brutal and unforgiving, but it never feels cheap and it's a pleasure to continually learn the complexities of kung fu while bathing in the world's surplus of flair and ferocity. So push through and persevere, because there's one hell of a game on offer here.

Hardcore Gamer: 3/5

When taken as but a sampling of the entire experience, there does still linger some joy to savor in the combat and manner of challenge posed in Sifu. Set-pieces that unashamedly kick off with questions being asked and players put on the back-foot, even if said sequences never evolve beyond such basic a pitch as clearing out groups of foes.

Game Informer: 7.3/10

Like a 20-year-old combatant, Sifu comes out of the gate strong. Its core combat feels excellent, and the moment-to-moment action looks better than most Hollywood blockbusters. Sadly, as you progress, the action begins to show its teeth and eventually becomes a tiresome grind. Sifu deserves props for its incredible sense of style and tone, but it is also a great example of why growing old isn't always fun.

Gaming Nexus: 9.5/10

Sifu is the epitome of a well-made martial arts video game that infuses cultural storytelling, brutal combat and a dash of roguelike. With its beautiful art direction, excellent soundtrack, and immaculate attention to detail, it is sure to rivet the attention of anyone interested.

TechRaptor: 9/10

Sifu's a revenge-fueled romp through five spectacular levels combined with a complex and exciting combat system. Just don't get too burned out by the bosses -- they're tough!

COGconnected: 88/100

Sifu is built around the idea of mastering a skill. Whilst this is the mantra of the protagonist, you will also play by this code and refine your skills after each attempt. The combat is sophisticated, containing enough variety and depth to be challenging yet accessible. Without any difficulty options, some may struggle as it requires time and patience, however, learn the mechanics and you'll find one of the greatest and most rewarding fighters in the genre.

VGC: 4/5

Sifu is a master of hand-to-hand combat, injecting its kung-fu showdowns with exhilarating fluidity, tactical depth and cinematic scale. Its structure is harder to fully embrace, though, as it demands a lot of repetitious dedication to even reach the final stages. At times that feels needlessly punishing, but the thrill of the fight should help pull you through.

 

[Kadayi]

Was really struck by this when it was revealed, but EGS...Hard Pass until the Steam release in a years time (at a guess). By then hopefully, they'll have ironed out any issues as expressed by some reviewers.

 

[The Bloody Nine]

 

[Bullet Club]

 

[Rock And Roll]

This wasn't on my radar at all but now I'll have to make a mental note about this one. Looking forward to reading D-Pad impressions if anyone picks it up

 

[GreyHorace]

Nice. Looking forward to playing this soon.

 

[Mista]

Very well made game. Easy to learn, tough to master

Stuck on the 2nd mission and now got to finish after repeating it 2 times

Great game!

 

[Zefah]

Wow, I had never even heard of this before. Looks awesome.

 

[OuterSpace]

Enjoying this one.

Beat the first two stages but was too old to make it through the 3rd stage. Had to go back and complete the first two levels at a younger age.

Didn't expect it to be quite so much of a "git gud" game but eventually you start recognizing and "feeling" all the attack patterns and such. When you're on a roll shit can look pretty awesome.

If I had to take issue with anything it's the camera gets wonky if you're backed against a wall and d,u move command in a game with a moving camera can be annoying.

 

[Nymphae]

Been in my wishlist for a long time but the asking price is way too high imo for an indie roguelike. Probably wait for a sale.

 

[DonDonDonPata]

Been planning to get it ever since I saw the first trailer. My only fear was that it would be paper-thin combat, but it sounds like they truly delivered on the core concept.

 

[Kadayi]

Of course, in about six months you'll have people doing no damage taken play-throughs using a custom ukulele interface whilst in the back of high-speed pursuit though. 'This game is hard, but how can I make it harder?'

 

[Ferdinand the Cowfish]

Of course, in about six months you'll have people doing no damage taken play-throughs using a custom ukulele interface whilst in the back of high-speed pursuit though. 'This game is hard, but how can I make it harder?'

I'm looking forward to Luality doing a full play-through using a dance pad, like she did for Dark Souls 1 - 3 and Bloodbourne

 

[Grinchy]

Been kinda interested in this since it was first revealed. I'm glad it came out and is getting mostly positive impressions. It just has such an awesome look.

 

[BFNoise]

Just noticed it's Epic exclusive. Fuck em! Is there any info when it comes to Steam?

 

[Dreamlord]

Have you guys played Absolver? The dev team's previous game. If not, I totally recommend it. Great game.

 

[Lady Marmalade]

Gave this a play last night on PS5. I can see how difficult it's going to be already, but the gameplay mechanics are very very satisfying. I can see this being a game I spark up every now and then and give it a crack, like a roguealike.

 

[Concern]

No ot for this?

Loving this but its kicking my ass lol

 

[Zefah]

Of course, in about six months you'll have people doing no damage taken play-throughs using a custom ukulele interface whilst in the back of high-speed pursuit though. 'This game is hard, but how can I make it harder?'

Can't wait to see the no-hit blind dance pad playthrough.

 

[Noboru Wataya]

Bought this yesterday on PS5 and got to the last level at age 48 so far. Need to really nail that club boss to bring that age right down. I am really enjoying the game, but the telegraphing of moves is a bit harsh. Knowing whether an attack is gonna be high or low is very hard to read at times. I have had a few glitches where I have been stuck in the scenery and unable to move. The surround audio is also completely borked, the audio comes out of the surround speakers only, so I have to force it to stereo. It's a very pretty game and runs with amazing stability. I noticed a couple of flickering texture glitches when running through the levels but nothing crazy.

I may be doing it wrong, but the upgrade tree doesn't really add much I care about or make me feel like I am learning anything useful? Aside from an odd couple of abilities. It would be good if they continued to work on polishing the game with better audio cues. I am not sure how much they supported absolver after it was released.

 

[DonDonDonPata]

I am not sure how much they supported absolver after it was released.

They supported it for quite a while. However, that may be due to the multiplayer/online nature of Absolver. Hopefully they iron out the wrinkles with Sifu, maybe even expand it with more content if the core mechanics are solid enough.

 

[Noboru Wataya]

That was an amazing game. It has some flaws with progression and audio. But that platinum was super fun. Mastering each boss to perfection was a great challenge! Sad it's over.