Sifu, the upcoming kung-fu action game from indie developer Sloclap announced that it’s getting a reverse delay. After the initial delay to February 22, 2022, it’s now set to be released two weeks earlier, on February 8 instead.
Alongside the bumped release date is two video explainers about the combat and its aging mechanic.
Combat looks to be like a proper character action game with various moves and combos on offer. But it’s also closer to fighting games in which your defence options are not just pressing block or evade. You can duck or lean away to avoid high attacks, or jump to avoid low blows.
There’s also a parry (of course it would), and a balance meter for enemies and your character. Yes, another instance of a stun gauge/ posture meter is in Sifu. Like a good kung-fu movie, you can also use parts of the environment as your weapon.
The other video shows how the ageing mechanic works. As we kind of guessed already, it’s a live system that lets you revive upon death.
You can pick a new move to unlock, and you’ll revive at the same point older, and also stronger and wiser. There is a limit to how many revives per run.
Interestingly, there is a board of information where you can browse all accumulated knowledge of the five targets you need to face, including shortcuts and hidden weapons. This is tracked across your playthrough. Wait, is this a time loop game ala Deathloop? Or a kung-fu Hitman?
In any case, Sifu looks to be shaping up quite well. Sifu will now be set for release on February 8, 2022, for the PS4, PS5 and PC (Epic Games Store).