Announced nearly a year ago as an action-packed kung fu game from Absolver developer Sloclap, the approaching release of Sifu boasts a simple story premise guided by intense combat and a unique aging mechanic. Following a kung fu apprentice as he carries out his violent mission of revenge, players face legions of opponents armed with an immense arsenal of real-world martial arts techniques. If killed in battle, the game sees players immediately resurrected and aged forward several years to continue on their path of vengeance.

With a unique and cinematic kung fu adventure likened to modern contemporaries like The Raid, Sifu is sure to boast no shortage of excitement from fighting game fans as well as members of the martial arts community. However, is the title adequately grappling with critics? Well, according to rising reviews, Sloclap appears to have crafted a worthwhile brawler, with many praising Sifu’s robust combat and stylish visuals. However, some outlets have also noted issues with the game’s difficulty and simplistic level design.

Sifu Review Round-Up

• 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.”

• Game Informer – 73/100

“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.”

• Hardcore Gamer – 60/100

“The game is not without some salvageable bursts of satisfaction, of which there are plenty to just about counter its middling level design and uneventful narrative alike. It’s for that reason why Sifu is spared from any less graceful a status than that of being inconsistent, rather than wholly underwhelming.”

• IGN – 90/100

“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.”

• Rock, Paper Shotgun – “Sign Me Up For More”

“If you get good enough at Sifu, you could probably run through the entire game without dying once. It’s the ultimate, get annoyed, put the game down, come back later and make tons of progress, type of game. I will say though, at one point, I was so frustrated with myself I thought I was going to eat my controller. Anyway, it nails so much on its first go that I desperately want this to be the start of a new genre. Sign me up for more. Make a Matrix spinoff if you’re feeling nuts!”

Sifu releases for PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 on February 8th. ​What do you think? Are you excited to finally throw hands with Sifu, or are these reviews leaving you with second thoughts? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day!​

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