Summary
In the decade followingDemon’s Souls' release, FromSoftware dedicated most of its time to improving upon its newly popular “Soulslike” formula, delivering critically acclaimed games likeDark Soulsand its two sequels, andBloodborne. But in 2019, FromSoftware releasedSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and while it followed a similar overall structure toFromSoftware’s Soulslikes, it deviated from the formula in a few distinct ways, and added its own swathe of new features and systems.
Along with its defining Posture system,Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicedelivered a slightly more straightforward narrative and removed the stamina system entirely. Another major addition inSekirowas its Shinobi Prosthetic Tools, a set of 10 equipable weapons that grant the player some kind of unique attack or ability. Some of these Prosthetic Tools have very specific uses, others provide more general benefits, and while not all are incredibly useful, they’re still nice additions to the game. But if aSekirosequel ever emerges, it’ll need to take this Prosthetic Tool mechanic to new heights, and one classic FromSoftware weapon could act as the perfect blueprint for a powerful new weapon type.
FromSoftware’s Spinning Saws Should Make Their Way to Sekiro
The Power of the Whirligig Saw and Ghiza’s Wheel
Back in 2011’sDark Souls, fans would get their first glimpse of what would soon become one of the most memorable weapon types in FromSoftware history. When venturing to Gravelord Nito’s humble underground abode, players will encounter the now-infamous Bonewheel Skeletons. A classic fantasy monster archetype but with a wheel stuck in the middle of its body,Dark Souls' Bonewheel Skeletonsinfuriate players by rolling into them, dealing damage with each spin of its teethed wheel and stun-locking those who don’t have enough Poise resistance. These skeletons occasionally drop a Bonewheel Shield, allowing players to wield just a fraction of their annoying power.
Upon activating the Bonewheel Shield’s two-handed heavy attack, players will spin the wheel in front of them, staggering any foes in front of them with low Poise. Though this Bonewheel Shield is little more than a meme weapon, it did go on to inspire two of the most impressive weapons in FromSoft’s arsenal:Bloodborne’s Whirligig SawandElden Ring’s Ghiza’s Wheel.
Functioning very similar to one another,Bloodborne’s Whirligig Saw andElden Ring’s Ghiza’s Wheelhave been lovingly referred to as “Pizza Cutters” by fans, essentially being serrated wheels on a long stick. The biggest draw of these weapons is their shared ability to spin at high speeds, dealing immense damage in a short duration and staggering enemies repeatedly so that they can’t hit back.
These Saws Would Make for an Ideal Sekiro Prosthetic Tool
IfSekiro: Shadows Die Twicereceived a sequel, then FromSoftware’s Pizza Cutters should inspire a new Shinobi Prosthetic Tool.Sekiro’s Posture systemis essentially a tweaked version ofDark SoulsandBloodborne’s Poise system, meaning that a Pizza Cutter Prosthetic Tool could come in very handy, with its repeated spinning strikes theoretically being able to build an enemy’s Posture meter quickly. While this tool would likely leave the player open to attacks from other assailants, it could be very helpful during one-on-one boss fights, pushing the boss' Posture meter to the edge just enough to achieve a Deathblow.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
WHERE TO PLAY
Carve your own clever path to vengeance in the critically acclaimed adventure from developer FromSoftware, creators of the Dark Souls series.In Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice you are the ‘one-armed wolf’, a disgraced and disfigured warrior rescued from the brink of death. Bound to protect a young lord who is the descendant of an ancient bloodline, you become the target of many vicious enemies, including the dangerous Ashina clan. When the young lord is captured, nothing will stop you on a perilous quest to regain your honor, not even death itself.Explore late 1500s Sengoku Japan, a brutal period of constant life and death conflict, as you come face to face with larger than life foes in a dark and twisted world. Unleash an arsenal of deadly prosthetic tools and powerful ninja abilities while you blend stealth, vertical traversal, and visceral head to head combat in a bloody confrontation. Take Revenge. Restore Your Honor. Kill Ingeniously.
