Sekiro removes the build customization of the Souls series and replaces it with a deflection-based combat system where reading enemy attacks is the only viable approach. GPA scores it at maximum Difficulty — the highest in the database alongside Cuphead — with Action close behind.
Game Characteristics
Action
95%
High Difficulty
95%
Graphics
80%
Dystopian Setting
75%
Emotional Story
70%
Story Depth
70%
Dark
70%
Multiple Endings
55%
Player profile fit
Recommended for: Advanced players (A score of 50 or higher indicates a good fit.)
Lies of P retells Pinocchio as a Soulslike set in a Victorian-era city overrun by automatons. The weapon assembly system lets players combine handles and blades from different weapons. GPA scores it close to Elden Ring on Difficulty and Dark World, with the Soulslike tag shared across both.
Tag Similarity
Action
85%
High Difficulty
85%
Graphics
85%
Dystopian Setting
90%
Emotional Story
70%
Story Depth
75%
Dark
85%
Multiple Endings
65%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance puts cyborg Raiden's High Frequency Blade through the Blade Mode slow-motion cutting system, developed jointly by Kojima Productions and PlatinumGames. The boss encounters and soundtrack — Rules of Nature, Collective Consciousness — have maintained cultural presence far beyond the game's 2013 release. PS3/360/PC. GPA scores it at the top for Action — the hack-and-slash Soulslike crossover where the speed is the opposite of FromSoftware's design.
Tag Similarity
Action
95%
High Difficulty
78%
Graphics
65%
Dystopian Setting
65%
Emotional Story
55%
Story Depth
60%
Dark
55%
Multiple Endings
0%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Hollow Knight puts a silent knight in a vast underground insect kingdom built with hand-drawn art and a score that shifts by region. The map system withholds information until it's earned. GPA scores it at the top for Difficulty and Action among platformers, with Dark World running high — a combination that points at players who want atmosphere alongside the mechanical challenge.
Tag Similarity
Action
85%
High Difficulty
85%
Graphics
80%
Dystopian Setting
80%
Emotional Story
0%
Story Depth
70%
Dark
75%
Multiple Endings
65%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Nine Sols sets a Taoist science fiction narrative against combat directly inspired by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice — a deflection system that builds into a Talisman seal execution. Red Candle Games' first action title, following Devotion and Detention. Switch, PS4/5, Xbox, PC. GPA scores it at the top for Action among Metroidvanias — the genre entry where parry timing is the entire combat philosophy.
Tag Similarity
Action
88%
High Difficulty
85%
Graphics
72%
Dystopian Setting
78%
Emotional Story
72%
Story Depth
70%
Dark
70%
Multiple Endings
0%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Nioh 2 builds its samurai action around the Soul Core system and a Yokai Shift transformation that temporarily unlocks a second move set. The Burst Counter mechanic rewards reading specific enemy attacks. GPA scores it high on Action and Difficulty — the combination that places it in the Soulslike cluster while the transformation system provides a mechanical layer Dark Souls entries lack.
Tag Similarity
Action
90%
High Difficulty
90%
Graphics
80%
Dystopian Setting
70%
Emotional Story
50%
Story Depth
60%
Dark
75%
Multiple Endings
0%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Katana ZERO kills in one hit — both the player and every enemy — with a timeline rewind that frames each level as a premonition. The neo-noir story of a drug-dependent assassin unfolds through dialogue choices that can be interrupted mid-sentence. Askiisoft, Devolver Digital. Switch, PC. GPA scores it high on Action and Emotional Story — the 3-hour action game where the narrative density matches the mechanical precision.
Tag Similarity
Action
85%
High Difficulty
72%
Graphics
65%
Dystopian Setting
75%
Emotional Story
75%
Story Depth
72%
Dark
68%
Multiple Endings
0%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty reframes Three Kingdoms history as dark fantasy and builds its combat around a Spirit Gauge system where aggressive play generates meter for powerful deflections. GPA scores it high on Action and Difficulty, sharing the Soulslike tag with Elden Ring while running lower on Open World.
Tag Similarity
Action
85%
High Difficulty
80%
Graphics
75%
Dystopian Setting
50%
Emotional Story
50%
Story Depth
60%
Dark
60%
Multiple Endings
0%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Sifu builds its brawler around aging — dying adds years that increase damage dealt but reduce health. The counter and parry system rewards precise timing over button mashing. GPA scores it high on Action and Difficulty, with a low Beginner score reflecting the commitment the parry system demands before it feels rewarding.
Tag Similarity
Action
90%
High Difficulty
90%
Graphics
80%
Dystopian Setting
30%
Emotional Story
50%
Story Depth
50%
Dark
30%
Multiple Endings
0%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Ghost of Tsushima hands Jin Sakai a katana and an open version of feudal Japan and largely steps aside. The wind navigation system replaces minimap markers. GPA scores it high on Emotional Story and Dark World, with Open World sitting close behind — a combination that describes an action game built around atmosphere as much as combat.
Tag Similarity
Action
85%
High Difficulty
70%
Graphics
95%
Dystopian Setting
50%
Emotional Story
75%
Story Depth
80%
Dark
30%
Multiple Endings
50%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Phantom Blade Zero builds its wuxia action around high-speed sword combat with a response window that rewards perfect timing. The martial arts world-building draws from Chinese historical fantasy. GPA scores it high on Action and Dark World — the combination that describes an action game where atmosphere and mechanical precision sit at equal priority.
Tag Similarity
Action
95%
High Difficulty
80%
Graphics
90%
Dystopian Setting
60%
Emotional Story
50%
Story Depth
50%
Dark
50%
Multiple Endings
0%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Bloodborne moves through Gothic Victorian streets and cosmic horror architecture with an aggressive combat system that punishes defensive play. The Rally mechanic returns health through attacking immediately after taking damage. GPA scores it at the top for Dark World and near the top for Difficulty — the Action score is higher than Dark Souls entries, reflecting the faster combat tempo.
Tag Similarity
Action
90%
High Difficulty
95%
Graphics
85%
Dystopian Setting
95%
Emotional Story
50%
Story Depth
70%
Dark
90%
Multiple Endings
50%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Dark Souls III accelerates the series' pacing and sharpens its boss design into its most refined form. The lore runs through item descriptions and environmental detail rather than cutscenes. GPA scores it at 90% for both Difficulty and Lore Focus — two axes that define the experience more precisely than genre alone.
Tag Similarity
Action
85%
High Difficulty
95%
Graphics
70%
Dystopian Setting
90%
Emotional Story
0%
Story Depth
70%
Dark
90%
Multiple Endings
55%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown returns the series to 2D with Sargon as protagonist, using time-based abilities alongside the series' acrobatic movement. The Metroidvania structure reveals the map through ability acquisition. GPA scores it high on Action and Puzzle — the combination that describes a game that commits to the genre with current production quality.
Tag Similarity
Action
85%
High Difficulty
80%
Graphics
85%
Dystopian Setting
35%
Emotional Story
50%
Story Depth
60%
Dark
30%
Multiple Endings
0%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Demon's Souls was FromSoftware's proof of concept for the Soulslike format, and the PS5 remake preserves the original's structure in high fidelity. The World Tendency system changes enemy behavior based on in-game actions. GPA scores it high on Difficulty and Dark World — the combination that defines the series' origin point.
Tag Similarity
Action
85%
High Difficulty
95%
Graphics
80%
Dystopian Setting
90%
Emotional Story
0%
Story Depth
65%
Dark
85%
Multiple Endings
40%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Neva follows warrior Viola and her wolf companion through a hand-animated action game where the wolf's behavior changes as she grows from pup to adult. The combat timing rewards patience. GPA scores it high on Emotional Story and Action — a combination that correctly identifies a game where the relationship between the two characters is the mechanical engine.
Tag Similarity
Action
85%
High Difficulty
65%
Graphics
90%
Dystopian Setting
50%
Emotional Story
80%
Story Depth
70%
Dark
40%
Multiple Endings
0%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Metroid Dread returns the series to 2D after 19 years, sending Samus to planet ZDR to investigate a rogue EMMI robot. The stealth sequences against the indestructible EMMI units create a distinct tension layer on top of the Metroidvania exploration. GPA scores it high on Action and Difficulty — the combination that defines the series at its most mechanically demanding.
Tag Similarity
Action
85%
High Difficulty
80%
Graphics
80%
Dystopian Setting
50%
Emotional Story
60%
Story Depth
70%
Dark
40%
Multiple Endings
0%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Elden Ring takes FromSoftware's Soulslike combat into an open world designed by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. The Legacy Dungeons preserve the dense, interconnected level design of earlier entries while the Lands Between rewards patient exploration. GPA scores it at 95% for both Difficulty and Action — the highest Action score in the database.
Tag Similarity
Action
90%
High Difficulty
80%
Graphics
85%
Dystopian Setting
85%
Emotional Story
0%
Story Depth
70%
Dark
70%
Multiple Endings
60%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
Resident Evil Village follows Ethan Winters to a European village and a castle owned by Lady Dimitrescu. The horror atmosphere gives way to action in the second half. GPA scores it high on Horror and Action, with Story Depth above the series average — the expanded cast and lore push the narrative weight higher than Village's predecessors.
Tag Similarity
Action
80%
High Difficulty
65%
Graphics
85%
Dystopian Setting
75%
Emotional Story
70%
Story Depth
75%
Dark
65%
Multiple Endings
45%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
The Last of Us Part II follows Ellie's revenge arc and then Abby's perspective on the same events, making players responsible for actions from both sides. The violence is sustained and purposeful. GPA scores it high on Emotional Story and Dark World — the combination that identifies a narrative experience designed to be uncomfortable.
Tag Similarity
Action
80%
High Difficulty
70%
Graphics
90%
Dystopian Setting
60%
Emotional Story
90%
Story Depth
95%
Dark
75%
Multiple Endings
40%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
God of War: Ragnarök continues Kratos and Atreus's journey through the Norse realms toward Ragnarök. The relationship between the two protagonists carries more weight than the combat, which is itself excellent. GPA scores it at the top for Emotional Story and Graphics — a sequel that deepens what the 2018 game established.
Tag Similarity
Action
85%
High Difficulty
60%
Graphics
90%
Dystopian Setting
60%
Emotional Story
90%
Story Depth
90%
Dark
65%
Multiple Endings
50%
Chart tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting / Emotional Story / Story Depth / Dark / Multiple Endings
About "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice"
▸Game Composition (GPA Analysis)
SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE（隻狼） leads with its Action identity, anchored by the core feel of "Sekiro removes the build customization of the Souls series and replaces it with a deflection-based combat system where…." The headline profile reads Action 95% / High Difficulty 95% / Graphics 80%, making it a strong pick for fans of Action and High Difficulty. Oriented toward experienced players looking to push their limits.
▸Characteristics & Analysis
Our editorial team scored "SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE（隻狼）" by using its feel of 忍者, set in Japan, and parry mechanics as the primary lens, weighting Action and High Difficulty most heavily. Top similar titles include "Lies of P（ライズオブピー）", "メタルギア ライジング リベンジェンス（METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE）", "ホロウナイト（Hollow Knight）".
SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE — Mastering the Blade Through Death and Deflection
Game Overview
Released in 2019, SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE is an action-adventure game developed by FromSoftware. Set in a fictionalized version of Japan's Sengoku period, the game follows Wolf, a shinobi tasked with protecting the Divine Heir and seeking revenge against those who took him captive.
Like other FromSoftware titles, SEKIRO is known for its demanding combat and punishing difficulty. But unlike Dark Souls or Elden Ring, it places far less emphasis on character builds, equipment choices, or leveling. Instead, the game asks players to improve their own skills.
Gameplay Analysis
The defining feature of SEKIRO is its posture system. Rather than simply reducing an enemy's health, players can break an opponent's posture by repeatedly deflecting attacks and keeping up the pressure. Once their posture is broken, a Deathblow can finish the fight.
This changes the way combat works. Dodging every attack is not always the best option. Players need to stay close, read enemy movements, and deflect attacks at the right moment. Boss fights gradually become less about reacting blindly and more about recognizing attack patterns and controlling the pace of the battle.
The game also gives Wolf a grappling hook, stealth abilities, prosthetic tools, and the ability to resurrect after death. These systems create more options for approaching enemies and exploring the world, while keeping the focus firmly on skill-based combat. Our Top 15 Parry & Action Games list leads type ① full-parry — top tier on GPA parry difficulty.
Sekiro through GPA scores
Title tendency chart (Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice)
Action ◀
98%
High Difficulty ◀
96%
Story Richness
80%
Graphics
80%
Emotional Narrative
75%
* Based on GPA sub-tag scores. Type ③ parry/action flagship — mastery beats leveling.
Target player scores (50+ = recommended fit)
Beginner20
Intermediate65
Advanced95
Beginner-friendly 20% is low — deflect-first combat punishes Bloodborne or Elden Ring habits.
Action 98% and High Difficulty 96% front-load deflect duels. Story Richness 80% and Emotional Narrative 75% carry the heir-and-master bond. Graphics 80% marks the period aesthetic. You clear by learning tells, not out-leveling bosses.
Author's Thoughts
What makes SEKIRO so satisfying is the feeling that the player, rather than the character, is getting stronger.
At first, enemy attacks can seem too fast to react to. After several attempts, however, their timing starts to become familiar. Eventually, attacks that once felt impossible to deal with become opportunities to deflect.
That process of “dying and learning” is at the heart of the experience. The game rarely gives players an easy way around a difficult fight, so overcoming a boss feels like a genuine improvement in your own ability. Do not import Bloodborne or Elden Ring dodge-and-poke habits wholesale — deflect-first swordplay is the design.
Conclusion
SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE is a strong recommendation for players who enjoy challenging action games and want combat that rewards practice rather than character builds.
Its high difficulty can be intimidating, especially for players unfamiliar with FromSoftware games. But once the rhythm of attacking, deflecting, and breaking posture clicks, the combat becomes remarkably satisfying.
For players who enjoy mastering a difficult combat system through repetition and practice, SEKIRO remains one of FromSoftware's most rewarding experiences.
Q. What platforms?
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam) — released 2019. Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2019. Check platform badges at the top of this page.
Q. Similar titles?
Deflect neighbors: Lies of P. Broader From-style picks: 30 soulslike games — compare type ③ parry vs ② classic.
