Sifu Now Available on Xbox, With a New Mode – We Spoke to the Developer to Find Out More

Sifu Today’s release is on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and, with the simultaneous arrival of the new Arena mode, it’s the perfect time to checkout this unique martial arts beat ‘em up. With high-skill action combat and a unique mechanic that sees your character age each time they’re killed, there’s nothing quite like it.

Pierre Tarno was the Executive Producer of Sloclap in Paris, which is behind the game. We had the chance to speak with him. We were able to learn more from him about the game. Sifu came to be, its success… and its future.

What was the story? Sifu born?

Jordan Layani (my partner in kung fu) is the one who gave us the idea for the title. He’s a huge martial arts fan and practices kung fu. We wanted to take inspiration from Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan movies, with this particular use of the environment, even if we can’t say that we kept this same action-comedy tone. Next, the title attempts as a philosophical answer to the question “Is one lifetime sufficient to learn kung-fu?” This question led to the concept of the main character’s aging, which is what makes the game so original.

You thought it risky to use that particular genre today, when it’s less common than 20 years ago.

When you’re an independent studio, you can afford to take a few more risks. We didn’t do a market study to check which segment of gamers and fans of martial arts movies would be interested in our game… Instead, we started from the principle that for a game to work from a commercial standpoint, it has to be very good. This genre is not very prominent in video games. We felt confident. Bare hands 3D beat ’em ups that also rely on the use of the environment are rare, so we knew that our game would find its audience. If we had decided to make an FPS, things would have been more complicated…

Absolver was your first title. It featured lots of hand-to–hand combat. Sifu Its heir?

With Absolver, we acquired a certain experience of action games: how the enemies clash during a fight, how to manage the distance between you and your opponents… But where Absolver focused on online multiplayer, Sifu This is a single-player game and Absolver shined in the one-on-one. Sifu It was designed to allow you to play against all opponents. Yes, there were a lot we learnt from the first game. But, we also had to modify and reinvent a lot.

Since the first trailers. Sifu got a lot of attention – what was your reaction?

It’s always nice to feel that a creative intention resonates with the public and it’s something very difficult, if not impossible to predict. We felt as though we had created something that was going to appeal to certain players. It was very motivating.

How did it all play out when the game was made available?

The difficulty of the game was likely too challenging when it was first released in 2022. On the other hand, we also saw some people playing through the game like no one else in the studio is able to, like… players completing it without taking a single hit. That’s why in our first update we created the less difficult “Student” mode, but also added the “Master” level, a higher difficulty mode. We added other gameplay mods which allow you to personalize the experience. Also, you can use the Replay editor to create your own Martial Arts shorts. Arena Mode is now available.

This new mode is what we can expect.

It’s a mode independent of the storyline, which you can start after finishing the prologue, and that also serves as a tutorial. There are nine arenas that were inspired from the campaign levels and you’ll be required to finish challenges in them. Some are related to the performance of your character and the age. Five different challenges are offered. It’s a way to rediscover the game mechanics in new environments, with new objectives and varied gameplay. If you like Sifu, I think you’ll enjoy the feeling of progression, of improving, of unlocking the next levels.

How can we hope and expect to see Sloclap’s future success?

An update for Arena mode is in the works, and it will include additional arenas. It will be available within a few months. A part of the team also works on the third project. We will be done once that is complete. SifuThe design phase will begin for the fourth project.

Our readers, one last thought

Just a quick thank you to all of the players that believed in me. SifuThank you to everyone who supported us, shared information about us with their friends, and became our ambassadors. It was all for you.

And it’s our turn to thank Pierre Tarno, for taking the time to answer our questions. SifuS|S.

Sifu

Sloclap, Kepler Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆
47

★★★★★

$39.99

Sifu is now available on Xbox One with huge updates. Arenas is a new expansion that adds a whole new mode to Sifu. It features 9 different locations, 45 challenges and will test your Kung Fu skills. Prepare for brutal enemies and spectacular fighting, as well endless opportunities to perfect your moves.

Does one have to live a full life in order to learn Kung Fu?
Whether you choose to play as a male or a female character, in Sifu, you will ponder that question on your path for revenge, hunting down your family’s assassins. You are alone against the world, have no friends, and many enemies. However, there is a mystery amulet that will bring you back to your life each time you die. Beware! The price for your secret weapon is high: Aging and the consequences.

Learn by Fire
Your enemies don’t wait their turn, and they don’t broadcast their intent. Use combos, dodge, strike and parry to make your way through stunning environments. Master your art by learning how to navigate a tall building, crawl through an underground gallery, and avoid being surrounded.

Survival is about adaptation
Your survival depends on your ability to position yourself correctly and make the most of your environment. Use everything at your disposal: throwable objects, makeshift weapons, windows, and ledges… The odds are stacked against you, and you will be offered no mercy.

Training never ends
Kung Fu can be defined as mastery by practice. It is a pathway for the mind and body. Learning from mistakes and unlocking unique skills will help you master Pak Mei Kung Fu.