Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice review embargo won’t be lifting until after the game’s release date. A number of video game outlets have been told by Activision that they won’t be receiving early review copies. This means that content such as reviews and guides will not be available to consumers immediately upon launch.
Both Metro and VG247 confirmed they were warned at a Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice preview event that Activision would not be making review copies available before release. Both outlets voiced their concerns that this can often be indicative of a studio’s confidence in a game. However, both outlets also speculated that, in the case of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, there may be other reasons for the longer review embargo, such as logistical reasons or “the publisher being weird.” The two sites both had positive impressions of the game from the preview event and believe FromSoftware’s record somewhat alleviates concerns. Australian games outlet Skill Up tweeted about the situation:
Activision has said they wont be releasing review copies of #sekiro ahead of release date.
Usually this would be cause for concern, but it’s @fromsoftware_pr we’re talking about here; I think these guys have earned the benefit of the doubt.
— Skill Up reviewing #FarCryNewDawn (@SkillUpYT) March 7, 2019
FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has one feature to help set itself apart from other “Soulsborne” titles. In a recent interview, the studio’s manager of marketing and communications Yasuhiro Kitao confirmed the titular character Sekiro will have a voice throughout. This is in contrast to the create-a-characters in the Dark Souls trilogy and Bloodborne. One thing Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice won’t include from the Soulsborne games is any kind of multiplayer modes. Kitao commented on this as well, saying “so it allows us … to hone in on the player experience.”
Ahead of the game’s release, we can help out if you want to check whether your PC will be able to run the new FromSoftware title. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is slated to be released on March 22 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
