Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice looks really bloody good, based on what we've seen and heard of the game up to this point. Developed by the talented folks over at From Software and published by Activision, we're looking forward to getting our hands on the action title when it launches later this month.
However, it's become clear that Activision isn't planning on providing review copies of the game. Now it's important to note that publishers aren't obligated to give sites like Push Square early access to upcoming titles for review purposes, and this isn't us complaining -- we're just here to inform you lot of the situation.
Like us, VG247 and a number of other sites have been told that review copies won't be distributed before Sekiro's launch, so unless something changes over the next couple of weeks, we won't have a review for you to read before the game is publicly available. Apparently, this also applies content creators, including popular YouTube channels.
Again, From Software has proven to be a reliable developer, crafting a number of excellent games over the last decade or so. With that in mind, we do wonder why the involved parties have decided against providing review copies, and therefore pre-release reviews.
Comments 21
Uh oh. Here come the ‘We need to talk about Sekiro’ videos on YouTube.
I love From Software games, but I think I'll hold myself from buying it now. Not because I'm afraid that Sekiro will be a bad game, but because they usually release DLC some time after launch and we end up with a "Complete" version for the same price as the base game. It happened with Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3, so there's no reason for this game to not follow the same, especially considering that Activision is the publisher.
It's okay, I have complete trust in Activision. They have proven themselves to be a pillar of integrity time and again
I watched a gameplay video yesterday on YouTube following his hands on session, he said they we’re keeping quiet about anything story related too so sounds like they just want to keep everything under wraps. Potentially a bit odd but I’ve no issue with them not providing reviews prior to release.
I dunno if I’ll get it at lauch, it looks very good but I dunno if I’ll miss the levelling up of my character. I really relied on that to get past some of the harder bosses in Bb/DS!
With so many “content” creators and “influencers” so motivated by freebies you feel something is going to give and less and less review copies will be sent out.
Of course these freebie hunters will flood YouTube and insta and Twitter and tell us to avoid this game as it isn’t a good sign they are being shunned.
It’s good to get a trusted opinion before release but they must send out 1000s these day.....
This isn't a good sign, but from what little I've seen of this game it looks like it should be fine. I'll need to see some reviews before I even think about buying it since it seems this game is still a big unknown (perhaps I missed some trailers or something).
masterpiece is coming .this game will get a 99 on meta.word up son
Unfortunate decision, but happy to wait for your review Also, after watching the EasyAllies discussion on a recent gameplay preview and the VaatiVidya one too over on YT yesterday then I've no doubt that this game will completely satisfy FromSoft fans (despite Activision publishing it) as it sounds like another Miyazaki masterpiece! When the complete edition is released then I think this will be the game that finally causes me to develop the patience to "git gud" (hate that phrase!) instead of giving up over and over, as I love Soulsborne lore videos and let's plays!
I realize the press received review copies for Bloodborne prior to release, but the review embargo didn't lift until 7PM the night before it launched.
Bloodborne had a “first 15 minutes” video released well before launch. As with death stranding I’m skeptic always of secrecy.
@kyleforrester87 from software isn’t known for coherent stories, though . Like, you can finish every game of theirs and barely be aware that there was a pretender if a plot, until you go watch vaatividya’s videos explaining it.
@Mega-Gazz yeah that’s why I was kind of surprised. That said they are all very interesting games, I guess it makes sense that they might not want whatever plot does exist to be revealed and discussed prior to launch.
@kyleforrester87 Most games who do that have a dirty little secret so i wont open up my copy before a review drops. Here in the Netherlands we a 30 day no questions asked return policy. 😁
And its Activision Blizzard who is publishing.

They can't allow early reviews cos they're waiting until the scale goes up to 11.
New goat incoming lol
But seriously, I think they've earned our confidence by now. No one else has their track record. They've gone from strength to strength the last few years.
Hard to see how they can improve on bloodborne, but I can't wait to see what they've got
So all that sucking up from you tubers was for nothing?
@Mega-Gazz I’ve definitely seen a clip around that size of Sekiro already though!
@Tsurii As far as I know, they've never released a demo. Sorry you didn't like most of the Soulsborne series. The games are all very similar, so I'm surprised you found one to like — I'm assuming Bloodborne?
From all the previews the game looks great so there's high probability it will review well, why activision didn't want free promotion?
@Tsurii I see. Thanks for sharing your opinion. Yeah I just love those games, and they are more like 70 hours for me on average, not 30. lol
@shogunRok might be worth linking this video, if people want a preview.
https://youtu.be/ZkUNLxeXaPY
@ShogunRok "Prepare to pay"
The Apex Legends Effect is taking place...
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