Sifu Reviews
Sifu is a one-of-a-kind rogue-like that marries an engaging setup with sublime combat mechanics. It scratches that integral itch that fuels subsequent runs, and it tries its best to avoid the feeling that time has been wasted. Progression exists in many different forms, but Sloclap's standout title pulls off one of the more impressive versions of it. Sifu shows players they are actually getting better at the game.
A "must have" that, in addition to being original, is as beautiful as it is demanding and diabolical by its gameplay.
Review in French | Read full review
Whew… I mean if you are a martial arts fan this game is – as cliché as this sounds it’s really made for you. A special shoutout to developer Sloclap who has certainly honed own their skills to the level of ‘Sifu’ since the already amazing Absolver. With this final update you all have sent this off into the world like Caine from ‘Kung Fu’ for all to experience and as we all hone our martial arts skills; I think I speak for all the fans when I say we can’t wait for the next fight.
A rewarding experience from its start, Sifu delivers challenge after challenge, all of which are too exciting to turn down.
Sifu is one of the best indie games of recent years. The passion that Sloclap clearly had for this project can be felt in every aspect of it. From its story it takes the conventions of the Hong Kong action genre, and gives it an interesting twist, although coming to the conclusion is a bit clumsy; going through its great visual and auditory presentation, which manage to transport us to a world that is based on our reality, but also shows us the corrupted minds of the villains; to its gameplay that nourishes beat'em ups by borrowing a number of concepts from rogue-lites, and adds an original idea. What we see here is top-notch.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Wanting to think of a comparison that is not too bold, one could argue that Sifu is literally like a diamond: shining, very hard and evidently not within anyone's reach.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Sifu is a completely satisfying fighting game. Its mechanics and levels are perfect, being a short experience but highly recommended.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Through neoteric ideas around what combat can be, many of which were conceived with Absolver, Sloclap has carried the classic beat 'em up into the present with Sifu. It might be brutal and unforgiving, but it never feels cheap and it's a pleasure to continually learn the complexities of kung fu while bathing in the world's surplus of flair and ferocity. So push through and persevere, because there's one hell of a game on offer here.
Sifu gets a lot more right than not, and though I typically can’t stand to play games that force heavy-handed repetitive loops, I found myself enjoying Sifu too much to put it away for long. Playing Sifu is a cycle of emotions; it’s tough, fun, frustrating, and rewarding, not always in that order. I think Sloclap did a solid job overall and I would also point out that the game is priced very reasonably at about $50, too. If you enjoy detailed, authentic martial arts action, Sifu is not only one of the only choices out there, but it’s a great one.
Sifu's a revenge-fueled romp through five spectacular levels combined with a complex and exciting combat system. Just don't get too burned out by the bosses -- they're tough!
Sifu may be the most definitive martial arts game to date, offering unapologetic roguelike combat that rewards patient players with full mastery by the end.
A challenging brawler that punishes recklessness and demands perfection, Sifu’s genre-leading combat and roguelike mechanics blend together to create an early Game of the Year contender.
Sifu turned out to be exactly the game I've been waiting for since the first gameplay demos. The developers have made a rather complex combat system, which is revealed in all its splendor only when the player is thoroughly familiar with it. The game allows you to deal with most opponents very quickly, doing it in style, but for this you will have to work hard in training.
As a whole, the Nintendo Switch version of Sifu is very good. The action fighting game has a reliable theme, good visual elements, interesting combat with smooth mechanics, a decent challenge level with a multitude of controls/moves, and a solid story.
A brilliant take on the roguelike genre, Sifu is a game that is hard to beat, but even harder to put down. Timing, patience, and skill will see you to fulfilling your goal and exacting that sweet revenge.
The Easy mode is a welcome reprieve, giving several more lifeboats before letting your drown, but even that has the ethos of "you will be testing your limits". But if ready to climb that mountain, players will be rewarded with some of the most refreshing hand-to-hand combat out there with inspired stylistic flair. If you enjoy the struggle, SIFU is in the upper echelon of video game fighting.
If you're able to practice your martial arts, breathe in and have patience and persistence, you'll find a deep combat system, rewarding fights, and moments that make you feel like a flawless kung fu master.
Sifu is definitely the 2022 current-gen spiritual successor to Karateka in plot and design, but with kung-fu, naturally. If you jive with that concept and its unrelenting challenges, go all out with this showdown.
A potential GOTY contender already, Sifu is martial arts excellence that'll challenge and delight in equal measure.
Some people will hate its art style, while others will love it. Some people will call it way too punishing and overcomplicated. I may agree that it is a punitive game, but I couldn’t stop playing it. I loved almost everything the game offered me, from its slick graphics and neat storytelling, to the cathartic sensation of clearing an entire room full of goons without losing a single chunk of health. This is a game that will demand a bit more from players, but those who decide to stick with it will be rewarded for their patience.