Which Sifu Ending is Canon?
The Final Fight
Sifu, a martial arts-inspired roguelike game developed by Sloclap, has captivated players with its challenging combat and striking narrative. The game’s story revolves around the student’s quest for revenge against those responsible for their sifu’s (master) death. In this article, we will explore the different endings available in Sifu and the controversy surrounding the canon ending.
The Two Endings
Sifu has two main endings: the Good Ending and the Bad Ending. To achieve the Good Ending, players must spare the martial arts masters throughout the game, while the Bad Ending is unlocked by killing all the bosses.
Good Ending
Requirements: Spare all 5 martial arts masters.
Rewards: A somber cutscene, which is a stark contrast to the usual climactic moments in games. The scene shows the student reaching Yang, the killer of their sifu, and their final confrontation is over. The game concludes with a sense of finality and closure.
Bad Ending
Requirements: Kill all 5 martial arts masters.
Rewards: A gruesome fight against Yang, which is as intense as it is brutal. After defeating Yang, the student achieves their goal, but at a great personal cost.
Which Ending is Canon?
So, which ending is canon in Sifu? Unfortunately, the game’s developer, Sloclap, has not explicitly stated which ending is the intended canon ending. However, it is clear that the Bad Ending is the more ‘common’ or ‘accepted’ ending, as it follows a more traditional narrative path.
Why Spare the Masters?
But why spare the masters in the first place? What motivates the student to do so? According to the game’s narrative, the masters are not evil characters. They are flawed human beings who have their own stories and motivations. Sparing them allows the player to explore the complex relationships between the characters and to see the consequences of the student’s actions.
Implications of Each Ending
Good Ending
• A different narrative direction: By sparing the masters, the game’s narrative takes a more redemptive turn. The student’s actions promote understanding and forgiveness, which challenges the traditional notion of good vs. evil.
• A more open-ended ending: The Good Ending leaves room for interpretation, leaving the player wondering what the future holds for the student and the other characters.
Bad Ending
• A classic tale of revenge: By killing the masters, the game follows a more traditional narrative path. The student achieves their goal, but at the cost of their own humanity.
• A conclusive ending: The Bad Ending provides a more conclusive conclusion, with a clear victor and loser. However, it is less engaging and less nuanced than the Good Ending.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both endings in Sifu are valid and impactful in their own ways. The Good Ending offers a more redemptive narrative, while the Bad Ending follows a more traditional path. Without an official word from Sloclap on the canon ending, we can only speculate on which ending is intended. Nevertheless, both endings provide a satisfying conclusion to the game’s story, and players will have their own preferences regarding the fate of the characters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrMklW_KRak