Sekiro: The Second Life of Souls

by Ludovic Castro

After 3 episodes of Dark Souls and one Bloodborne, the studio From Software and this creator Hidetaka Miyazaki have reached the pantheon of video games. Their new title, Sekiro, displays the same strengths: a demanding gameplay and a mysterious narrative.

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

Published May 1, 2020

Reviews

[Jack Pilkington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the three books that analyse and discuss FromSoftware's "Souls" series of video games I think this was the best. Whilst Sekiro isn't my favourite out of the Souls games I think this book was much more focused than the other books with more of a point to say (likley due to being focused on one game as apposed to two or three) the analysis on the themes and the discussion of difficulty were two of the highlights of the book. I also feel like in the previous two books the universe section drags on, the story and characters are great in the souls games but the other two books take it a bit to far whereas this one felt much more quick to read.

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book about Sekiro out there but also the only you'll need. It's a nearly exhaustive account covering everything from gameplay and development to story analysis and cultural influences. You'll inadvertently learn a lot about shintoism and buddhism and it does a better job of explaining some shintoist practices than actual textbooks on the subject.

Of course it'll also add to your appreciation of the game as it's almost inconceivable that you'd pick up on every little story clue the game has to offer, at least on a first playthrough. I'd recommend playing through the game once blind, and then read this book before doing subsequent playthroughs.

[Alex J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating look at both the development of the game and all the underlying mythology and folk lore references. Must read for anyone who loved the game!

[Oli Kochana · Rating 4 out of 5]

sekiro sekiro sekiro i love sekiro🦙