Sifu, Sloclap's upcoming kung-fu brawler, will be getting delayed to early 2022, according to a stylish new cinematic gameplay trailer.
Gamers looking forward to the upcoming experimental kung-fu brawler Sifu have just gotten some bittersweet news courtesy of a new cinematic trailer, which revealed that the game will be getting delayed to 2022. The promotional video also showcased some more of the game's flashy and innovative martial arts gameplay, alongside its intriguing aging mechanic.
Sifu has been generating lots of buzz due to its tight and unique hand-to-hand combat mechanics, unique concept, and powerfully simple visuals. Additionally, the studio behind the game, Sloclap, has already proven itself capable of crafting a martial arts-focused game through its low-key hit Absolver, which was released back in 2017. Where Absolver leaned on a souls-like gameplay structure and multiplayer components, Sifu seems to be focusing more on its predetermined and comparably straightforward narrative and gameplay. This should make Absolver fans excited, as it shows that Sloclap could be taking the most well-executed aspects of their debut and applying them to a more original and esoteric concept.
Some gameplay particulars were exhibited in a short trailer released by PlayStation on July 8, along with the disappointing news that Sifu's release would be getting delayed to early 2022. While certainly not as ambitious as games like the much-maligned Cyberpunk 2077, Sloclap, along with collaborators Sony and Epic Games, have most likely pushed the release date back to avoid launching the game in an unfinished state. Since the game is only being delayed by a few extra months, negative fan reaction has not been too egregious as of yet.
With so many games releasing in unpolished or buggy conditions, the decision to keep titles like Sifu in the oven a bit longer can only be seen as a positive. Since Sony has had such a positive track record with its PlayStation exclusives over the past few years, especially on the performance front, it makes sense that Sloclap would be offered some wiggle room when it comes to ensuring the quality of its newest release. It should also be noted that, unlike other high-visibility titles that came out half-baked, Sifu is a new IP from an independent developer, meaning that investors likely aren't putting all their money behind it and demanding that it be released as soon as possible.
Aside from this bit of news, Sifu is looking better than ever. Its kung-fu mechanics and dynamic environmental combat integration are stylish and impressive, while its age-related death system looks to raise the stakes of each encounter. If the game's story and performance end up fitting the PlayStation standard, then this delay will have been well worth it.
Sifu will be releasing on PS4, PS5, and PC in early 2022
Source: PlayStation/YouTube
