The martial arts beat ‘em upSifuhas received a substantial content patch to the delight of the many fans it won over with its satisfying, visceral combat and world-class level design. There are plenty of additions included in this third Title update from Sloclap to keep current players engaged as well as entice new players who are looking to trySifufor the first time.Sifuwasreleased in February 2022 to an overwhelmingly positive reception, garnering a cult following, and establishing studio Sloclap as an indie powerhouse in the beat ‘em up genre. The studio’s previous entryAbsolverpresented a unique combat system and progression mechanic that hybridized fighting games and RPGs. Sloclap took the best components fromAbsolver,added a dash of the roguelike genre’s replayability, plus a novel approach to death/rebirth,andSifuwas born. Now a dark horse candidate for 2022’s game of the year among certain critics,Sifu’s intensely satisfying and deep combat has wonmany over.RELATED:Viewers Watching The Game Awards on Twitch Will Get DropsSifu’sFall Update trailer, released on December 8, with a day-and-date release for the content, includes many of the features fans have been clamoring for, as well as a few that should be a surprising yet welcome addition. A replay editor will now allow aspiring fight choreographers to hone in on their visions. Several new outfits provide an aesthetic refresher, and a couple new gameplay modifiers refresh the combat. Among the gameplay modifiers are “touch of death,” which makes each strike a one-hit KO, and “free throw,” where players can utilize the throw mechanic at any time. This update comes a month afterSifuofficially launched on Switch.
Sifu’sfirst two title updatesbolstered an already well-regarded experience, adding outfits, gameplay modifiers, a training mode, and a revised scoring system. This most recent update caps off what has been a hallmark year for Sloclap’s sophomore entry, now fine-tuned into a package easily recommended to even cursory fans of the beat ‘em up and roguelike genres. Approaching the start of awards season and top-10 lists for the year, it should not be a shock to anyone to seeSifu getsome due recognition.
Whatever is next for French Studio Sloclap, if it applies lessons learned fromSifuthe same way it innovated fromAbsolver,fans should be in store for quite the treat. No plans are known about the studio’s next game, though thankfully, between the generous free updates to the game and its rock-solid foundation, gamers won’t be getting sick ofSifuanytime soon.
Sifuis available now for PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch.
