So I spent 3 hours last night playing the Demo as a Champion. I’m not nearly as experienced as many of you who have followed From through the years. My SoulsSekiroBorne only really started 1.5 years ago, so bare with me.
There’s something magical about starting a new From game. The moment you start the adventure for the first time really makes you feel that you’re the one walking through the fog and stepping into the unknown. Here are my takeaways:
- The first thing that caught me was the sound. It’s brutal, it’s loud and it’s completely unforgiving. I had to turn down my volume a bit. Performing a backstab unleashes a vicious sound of violence. They may have reused the Sekiro sound here, but it gets me every time.
- As @Diogenes of Sinope said, the game is hard. Sure you have your one hit kills early on, but many enemies require multi-hit kills. Weapon skills and incantations help with groups but their startup times will take some getting used to.
- With that said above, stealth is an option, but learning how to take on multiple enemies seems like something to focus your skills on. I don’t believe this is the only area in the game with groups of people to fight. I believe From gave you the tools to assist you when dealing with camps. Just my opinion of course.
- Incantations, also mentioned above, could have long start up frames. I was killed several times trying to learn the distance and timing using Dragons breath. It will take some time getting used to. They seem to stun lock enemies, or mine did, but sometimes they got though, hit me and it canceled. Stun locks could very well happen on enemies weak to that incantation, I don’t know.
- The Champion: I’m having fun playing him. I picked up the leather shield and have been working on my parry. Light attacks only require a block after which you’re granted a strong heavy blow. Heavier attacks seem to require that you time the block which would then allow you the follow up.
- Tons of fascinating enemy variety so far and I love Froms creativeness with their design choices.
- Small dungeons scattered throughout. Will more than likely see these throughout the map.
- I’ve only beaten 4 bosses I believe which weren’t all the difficult.
- Sweaty Palms are here. No other developer I know of can make you feel like everything is on the line. For someone who loves horror movies and the overall genre itself, From is S+ tier. These games shake me to my core and I love it.
I made it to a high level boss really early in the game up at the top of Stormveil castle. Ran though with my horse. Would not recommend lol.
As much as I love the Champion, when the game drops, I might move into Bloodwolf. I favor more of a dex build than I do a strength. If the Enchanted Knight would carry a sword I would be all in.
Sorry it’s not the best list, but if you’re a fan of From, I think it’s safe to say that you’re going to be in good hands should you decide to pre-order. My journey continues again at 11am PST. If you have any questions, let me know!