Side by side
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice vs The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
61 positive (81%) · 7 mixed (9%) · 7 negative (9%)
Trust + time weighted: +71%
AI summary — not a quote
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is widely regarded by players as one of FromSoftware's most polished and challenging titles, distinguished by its rhythmic, parry-centric combat and vertical level design. Unlike other Souls-like games, it emphasizes individual player skill and mastery over character leveling or equipment stats. While its difficulty is notorious, many find the combat deeply satisfying once the mechanics are mastered, though the experience is occasionally hampered by camera issues and encounters involving multiple enemies.
Pros
- Deeply satisfying parry and counter-based combat system
- Exceptional level design with significant verticality and density, particularly Ashina Castle
- Skill-based progression that rewards player mastery over grinding levels
- Fluid movement enhanced by a grappling hook mechanic
Cons
- Frustrating camera angles, especially in tight spaces or during specific boss fights
- Combat mechanics are optimized for single targets and can feel awkward in group fights
- Tedious 'run-backs' to bosses that sometimes require repeated stealth-killing of minor enemies
- Specific environmental sections, such as swamps, are cited as frustrating
Top excerpts
Got the Platinum on Sekiro and gave it a hero's uninstall.
Running through Sekiro a few times over has been fun though. Everything becomes faster. ... It feels like a victory lap, a celebration of mastery over this game. The only thing I wish is that the experience checkpoint system was different.
Parent context: The game is hard but it's fair Reply: My issue was all the (mini?)bosses with 3+ mooks I had to sneak around and stealth kill to avoid fighting everyone at once. Then if I lose to the boss, I have to do that whole rigamarole again. I guess that's "fair," but it was such an unfun waste of time that I gave up on the game.
The last two samurai games I've played are Tsushima and Sekiro, both super serious.
I played Sekiro until I mastered it, like I completed the mortal journey but I never have an itch to go back and play.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
66 positive (70%) · 17 mixed (18%) · 11 negative (12%)
Trust + time weighted: +59%
AI summary — not a quote
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is widely celebrated for its revolutionary approach to open-world design, emphasizing player freedom and creative traversal. While it is considered a masterpiece by many for its 'system-driven' gameplay and sense of discovery, some players find the story secondary and the price point frustratingly high for an older title.
Pros
- Exceptional traversal mechanics including climbing, gliding, and a flexible fast-travel system
- Unparalleled player freedom to tackle objectives and the final boss in any order
- Engaging system-driven gameplay that provides a solid set of rules and tools for experimentation
- Beautiful and atmospheric world design that rewards exploration
Cons
- High price point remains static years after release, even for used copies
- Soundtrack is considered less memorable by some compared to previous Zelda titles
- Storytelling is often viewed as secondary to exploration and systems
- Completionist tasks, such as collecting all Korok seeds, can feel draining
Top excerpts
Parent context: I think the big issue with open world games is just how boring traversal is. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom did it different because you could traverse the map on different ways. Reply: I think the big issue with open world games is just how boring traversal is. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom did it different because you could traverse the map on different ways. Easy fast travel system that can’t be triggered from anywhere instead of needing to go TO a fast travel point (like Cyberpunk, AC, etc). You can traverse on foot or by land vehicle (most if not all games do this), but you also have elevation, and a glider, which legit makes it fun.
As someone that played Tears first, it’s definitely hard to get into BoTW now lol. Tears just improves everything on an already nearly perfect game.
The last boss was a little disappointing. Too easy for a powered-up Link!
For BotW I took the overwhelmed-ness as a sign that the game might wear out its welcome, and did a sub-40 hour completion (one pro controller charge!), getting just enough hearts to get the Master Sword.
For *BotW* I took the overwhelmed-ness as a sign that the game might wear out its welcome, and did a sub-40 hour completion (one pro controller charge!), getting just enough hearts to get the Master Sword. *Breath of the Wild* was still a little too easy for me after finishing all the temples. The last boss was a little disappointing. Too easy for a powered-up Link!