Sekiro Shadows Die Twice (translator's note: Sekiro means ninja fuckery)

[Himu]

This game requires fighting game discipline.

“I’m not going to attack, I’m going to wait for an opening and get the read.”

[Coax]

Slash, slash, firecracker. Circle back and strike rinse and repeat is a good way to get the vitality of quicker enemies down. Its the only way I was able to kill the fucking Ashina Spear midboss fuck me.

I remember using flame attacks for a couple attempts. That was the enemy that made me get better at Mikiri Counters since I realized a) the in-game menu note about it doesn't mention you're better off pressing forward+dodge than just dodge as it suggests and b) the timing changes for each enemy using a spear (ie: the delay between the unblockable signal and the time to successfully counter).

Ultimately ended up using a stealth deathblow first, then immediately the Ichimonji combat art (held down version) for a little initial posture damage, deflected his attacks and used Mikiri Counters, and in between land 2-3 hits mostly after he lands the jump attack which takes him a few seconds to recover from and also when he raised his spear in an overhead twirling motion.

Felt so damn good to finally get it all done successfully and only took about a minute of actual combat time, which felt longer given all the previous deaths

[Himu]

This is how I beat the general and I wanted to share.

[bork]

This is how I beat the general and I wanted to share.

Nice! 

One thing I found with him is that you can run on the rooftops and jump down from behind.  You won't stealth kill him, but it will take away one lifebar.

[Himu]

Does he drop anything because I didn’t get shit.

[AdmiralViscen]

Just took down Tenzen Yamauchi

So far I’ve stealthed a free lifebar off every boss

[Don Rumata]

It's not impossible or that hard. 

Nah, it's pretty fucking hard. Souls imprinting doesn't help things, but even when you compare it to other notoriously hard games (like Ninja Gaiden) it definitely qualifies as hard as fuck.
You're right that's not impossible but probably above the threshold of a lot of people who thought Souls was already pushing it.
If you're used to playing action games like NG, Godhand, DMC, or fighting games somewhat competitively, then that's another story, but to most people, this is probably the hardest game they'll come across in a while.

[bork]

Does he drop anything because I didn’t get shit.

Don't remember. 

[Himu]

It's not impossible or that hard. 

Nah, it's pretty fucking hard. Souls imprinting doesn't help things, but even when you compare it to other notoriously hard games (like Ninja Gaiden) it definitely qualifies as hard as fuck.
You're right that's not impossible but probably above the threshold of a lot of people who thought Souls was already pushing it.
If you're used to playing action games like NG, Godhand, DMC, or fighting games somewhat competitively, then that's another story, but to most people, this is probably the hardest game they'll come across in a while.

I play fighting games competitively and it’s pretty darn hard.

[BlueTsunami]

Slash, slash, firecracker. Circle back and strike rinse and repeat is a good way to get the vitality of quicker enemies down. Its the only way I was able to kill the fucking Ashina Spear midboss fuck me.

I remember using flame attacks for a couple attempts. That was the enemy that made me get better at Mikiri Counters since I realized a) the in-game menu note about it doesn't mention you're better off pressing forward+dodge than just dodge as it suggests and b) the timing changes for each enemy using a spear (ie: the delay between the unblockable signal and the time to successfully counter).

Ultimately ended up using a stealth deathblow first, then immediately the Ichimonji combat art (held down version) for a little initial posture damage, deflected his attacks and used Mikiri Counters, and in between land 2-3 hits mostly after he lands the jump attack which takes him a few seconds to recover from and also when he raised his spear in an overhead twirling motion.

Felt so damn good to finally get it all done successfully and only took about a minute of actual combat time, which felt longer given all the previous deaths

I think thats what was messing with me. I was always dodging off center so the mikiri counter wouldn't engage. Man, whoever thought of that skill is a monster. It requires a leap of faith to roll into an otherwise unblockable attack that will take off a shitload of health. Spear wielders are my nemesis.

On the flip I'm finally getting over contantly roll dodging. It cant be overstated that this game wants you to stand toe to toe with these enemies so trying to roll and strike will always be a recipe for frustration.

[Don Rumata]

BTW i love that in this game you can completely remap the controller, so you can map the attacks to the face buttons (always hate the attacking with bumpers bullshit that FROM does).
Especially since the bumpers in these fucking xbox controllers are made of paper, apparently.

[Himu]

I like this game so much I’m considering getting the Souls trilogy for PS4 and give the series another try.

[Don Rumata]

I like this game so much I’m considering getting the Souls trilogy for PS4 and give the series another try.

30 fps.

[bork]

I like this game so much I’m considering getting the Souls trilogy for PS4 and give the series another try.

30 fps.

Did not know that- thought they were 60 FPS on PS4. 

[Himu]

I like this game so much I’m considering getting the Souls trilogy for PS4 and give the series another try.

30 fps.

Digital.

[Rahxephon91]

There's a physical copy.

https://www.gamestop.com/ps4/games/dark-souls-trilogy/167297

[Himu]

There's a physical copy.

https://www.gamestop.com/ps4/games/dark-souls-trilogy/167297

He’s saying PS4 version is 30 FPS. Which implies that the steam version is superior. Steam is a digital only platform. I’m literally saying I’d rather sacrifice 60 FPS for a physical copy.

[Don Rumata]

I like this game so much I’m considering getting the Souls trilogy for PS4 and give the series another try.

30 fps.

Did not know that- thought they were 60 FPS on PS4. 

Actually 1 and 2 are probably 60fps on ps4. 3 is 30 and unlocked on pro I think (which makes it worse since it hovers in the uncanny 45 valley).
Personally I loathe having phisical discs taking space tho so that isn't an issue for me.

[Himu]

This game is full of nooks and crannies

[naff]

Actually 1 and 2 are probably 60fps on ps4. 3 is 30 and unlocked on pro I think (which makes it worse since it hovers in the uncanny 45 valley).
Personally I loathe having phisical discs taking space tho so that isn't an issue for me.

yeah, i remember some issues regarding framerates on the pc and ps4/xbone version of DkS2 

DkS3 is the first i played at 60fps. articles like this https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2018-dark-souls-remastered-console-pc-face-off bagging on reduced resolution, when there's a clear focus on getting better framerates are so dumb. hurr durr RDR2 looked so good at 30fps.

[Don Rumata]

Actually 1 and 2 are probably 60fps on ps4. 3 is 30 and unlocked on pro I think (which makes it worse since it hovers in the uncanny 45 valley).
Personally I loathe having phisical discs taking space tho so that isn't an issue for me.

yeah, i remember some issues regarding framerates on the pc and ps4/xbone version of DkS2 

DkS3 is the first i played at 60fps. articles like this https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2018-dark-souls-remastered-console-pc-face-off bagging on reduced resolution, when there's a clear focus on getting better framerates are so dumb. hurr durr RDR2 looked so good at 30fps.

res whores

I played all 3 on pc and 1 also on ps3.
Dks2 was pretty damn smooth for me, but of course looked liked a turd.
Dks3 still ran decently while looking good.
Dks1 was the problematic one because you needed the DSfix or whatever it was called and still had bugs with stairs and such.
But then the remaster fixed that stuff I think.

[bork]

I like this game so much I’m considering getting the Souls trilogy for PS4 and give the series another try.

30 fps.

Did not know that- thought they were 60 FPS on PS4. 

Actually 1 and 2 are probably 60fps on ps4. 3 is 30 and unlocked on pro I think (which makes it worse since it hovers in the uncanny 45 valley).
Personally I loathe having phisical discs taking space tho so that isn't an issue for me.

I'm a collector, but ultimately if I were to go back and try Dark Souls again I think it would be on Steam whenever the remastered version gets really cheap.  I waited to get the PS4 versions of all three games that way and also got a physical copy of Bloodborne GOTY Edition that has all the DLC on the disc- North America didn't get it as usual.  Can't say I really feel like playing those games right now since Sekiro plays so much better to me.

[naff]

lol, my late edit  it's a real bugbear for me we have all this hardware that would easily allow for more detail and higher framerates (at lower res), but instead there's an emphasis on rendering at 4k with the "pro" consoles. i get it, it's an easily sellable number. it makes sense, and keeps the plebs happy. it's pointless to be mad.

DSFix never worked very well for me either, but that was very early in it's release. i imagine it's fine now. My pc copy of DkS1 is more or less unplayed. ran through it a few times on og xbox, will prob pick it up on switch at some point.

Sounds like Sekiro still has some optimisation/nice to have pc features missing, but mostly seems From has sorted out their shit for PC releases now. pretty hard to believe it still hovers between 30-40 on the pro/x tho.

[Himu]

 I’ve played this since I got it today. Gdlk. Been years a non-fighting game has done that to me.

[Coax]

Does he drop anything because I didn’t get shit.

Yeah, a Prayer Bead (collect four of them from such mini bosses for leveling up vitality/posture) and a Gourd Seed (another one for health regen). I checked since I take screenshots of most things for occasional reference of locations/names/etc

I'm guessing since you received some spirit emblems that he has been registered as dead (wouldn't hurt to respawn and check) though surprising it didn't give it to you all the same.

[naff]

happened to me a few times in ds. sometimes id quit out, return, and items would be back at the original spawn. sometimes not.

[Himu]

Does he drop anything because I didn’t get shit.

Yeah, a Prayer Bead (collect four of them from such mini bosses for leveling up vitality/posture) and a Gourd Seed (another one for health regen). I checked since I take screenshots of most things for occasional reference of locations/names/etc

I'm guessing since you received some spirit emblems that he has been registered as dead (wouldn't hurt to respawn and check) though surprising it didn't give it to you all the same.

It didn’t count. I had to beat him again to get them.

[Himu]

Stuck on Jurou the Drunk but there’s a side path that leads to another part of the estate and I’m going to explore that.

[Raist]

I like this game so much I’m considering getting the Souls trilogy for PS4 and give the series another try.

Get Bloodborne instead. Seriously.

[BlueTsunami]

Some of the later upgrades (LVL4) of my arm sound CRAZY!

Are they really good against bosses or it's just the description making them so? I.e. the Gouge Shuriken/ Magic Kunai should deal at least 25% of boss damage bar when all Mana spent, right?

Pls no spoilers.

The shuriken is only really good for lower enemies, long range enemies or a momentary distraction for enemies with sword like weapons

[BlueTsunami]

Ahh, ok, so the Upgrades do not increase damage only add some special effects.

Crap

Oh they def cause more damage but, ss far as the shuriken, the higher damage seems to exist to keep pace with stronger long range enemies. Its a really useful prosthetic for taking out archers from a crowd since it wont alert everyone else. Although I'm only on the lv3 shurikens so I'm not sure what the higher level ones will do to melee enemies.

[Cerveza mas fina]

Im just enjoying reading you guys play this, will prob get it at some point and dust off the ps4

[Svejk]

Would love to see From touch back on some Otogi 3 also..  Lawd, would that game be gorgeous!

[Coax]

Bonus Prayer Bead in chest within secret room from Hirata Estate Audience Chamber. Who knew!

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Discovered via a Reddit comment for something else. Functions like the Headless doorway in the Senpou locale but disguised. Also has a few other items within. I wonder how many other potential secret doorways there are now.

Hug the wall where the painting is on the right side here:

[close]

[Himu]

Borys said that the prosthetics are pointless and I really really disagree.

[Himu]

https://m.

[BobFromPikeCreek]

The firecracker prosthetic is incredibly useful.

The combat clicked with me last night and now I'm having an absolute blast with this game. As much as I love DS, deflecting flurries of attacks feels soooo much more satisfying than dodge rolling around like a lunatic.

[Himu]

Borys said that the prosthetics are pointless and I really really disagree.

No shame in being corrected then.

Are you actively using them? Are you depending on them?

I mean it’s impossible to kill shield enemies without axe, ogre without fire;etc

[BlueTsunami]

The firecracker prosthetic is incredibly useful.

The combat clicked with me last night and now I'm having an absolute blast with this game. As much as I love DS, deflecting flurries of attacks feels soooo much more satisfying than dodge rolling around like a lunatic.

If you have the midair prosthetic skill, you can counter jump a swing or hold deathblow and rain down firecrackers on the enemy. The way this game allows these abilities to seamlessly add to a combo stream is blowing my mind.

[Himu]

What’s firecracker do?

[BlueTsunami]

What’s firecracker do?

They scare beasts but also paralyze humanoid characters for two or so seconds. It can also be chained with sword swings. So swing twice, then R2 will seamlessly throw the firecrackers.

[Himu]

This game needs a bank - somewhere where you can invest your money in case of death. Grinding for cash is already easy so why not.

[BobFromPikeCreek]

This game needs a bank - somewhere where you can invest your money in case of death. Grinding for cash is already easy so why not.

You can buy the gold pouches for 110 and when you pop them they give you back 100. Though I think there's a limited number you can buy.

[Svejk]

Anybody know if there's any DLC planned?

[Himu]

Borys said that the prosthetics are pointless and I really really disagree.

No shame in being corrected then.

Are you actively using them? Are you depending on them?

I mean it’s impossible to kill shield enemies without axe, ogre without fire;etc

No. I beat him without discovering the fire.

How

did you cheese the AI?

[MMaRsu]

There's a physical copy.

https://www.gamestop.com/ps4/games/dark-souls-trilogy/167297

He’s saying PS4 version is 30 FPS. Which implies that the steam version is superior. Steam is a digital only platform. I’m literally saying I’d rather sacrifice 60 FPS for a physical copy.

 

Where the f can I find the flamethrower?

I also beat the big chained uo dude (ogre?) without fire

[Himu]

I don't remember where I got the flame thrower. Hirata estates maybe?

[BlueTsunami]

Borys said that the prosthetics are pointless and I really really disagree.

No shame in being corrected then.

Are you actively using them? Are you depending on them?

I mean it’s impossible to kill shield enemies without axe, ogre without fire;etc

No. I beat him without discovering the fire.

How

did you cheese the AI?

I also beat him without the flame vent. I was basically able to get behind it, get a stealth kill, then kill it by bringing its health down. As big and aggressive as it is, youre able to block and deflect its attacks. Once its vitality is low you can start to build up its posture meter.

And yeah the flamr vent it at the estate

spoiler (click to show/hide)

in one of the campfires near the beginning

[close]

. It would have helped a lot though.

[Himu]

Riiiiight. The flame vent is near three guys in the estate huddled around a fire. Inspect the fire to grab it.

I found the Ogre's attacks harder to parry. Like his jumping kick attack. Christ the forward range.

I wish there were an option to refight bosses in a menu on the start screen or at the Undying's place.

[Freyj]

The firecrackers are situationally useful for bosses that are stunned by them. It’s a good “I fucked up please give me a few seconds” tool. Shurikens can also interrupt some attacks.

Mostly though bosses are about pattern recognition and less about load outs. That’s my main complaint with Sekiro honestly: I’d much rather the reactionary combat of Soulsborne than memorizing telegraphs.

[Himu]

I'm having a blast watching others play this game and how our play styles are entirely different.

Look at this shit.

[Cerveza mas fina]

Anybody know if there's any DLC planned?

For sure, Goty edition will be mine

[Freyj]

FUCK THIS HIRATA BOSS I WAS SO CLOSE (5% last health left)

 

[MMaRsu]

I'm having a blast watching others play this game and how our play styles are entirely different.

Look at this shit.

Damn this guy is a true shinobi

[Himu]

Headless :lupe

[BlueTsunami]

Came back from work, bright eyed and bushy tailed, to defeat the piece of shit midboss that I couldnt beat last night with no healing needed this time 

[Freyj]

4th try. Still hit & run tactics which made it a 20 minute fight - same as Drunkard. I cannot parry shit. Hopefully I can defeat the final boss fight... somehow

 

pls record the final boss if you do this

[MMaRsu]

Im at the castle and also need to do the boss Borys was on ( Lady B ).

Gonna get this shit done tonight!

[Himu]

Can you kill the snake

[Himu]

Sell me on Bloodborne. Will be my next From game.