The reviews overwhelmingly emphasize Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice as a masterpiece in combat mechanics, with its parrying system setting it apart from other games. Players find the difficulty both a barrier and an attraction, often describing it as rewarding once mastered. There is consistent admiration for its visual design and atmosphere, capturing the essence of a mythical Japanese setting. However, some critique the lack of RPG elements and find the game's steep learning curve and intense difficulty frustrating, especially for newcomers. Despite these challenges, the general sentiment is extremely positive, celebrating Sekiro for its unique approach and intense satisfaction derived from success in battle.