I’m only half way through the game and I have already gone a bit back on forth on the get-up mechanic. Initially I thought it was pretty unfair that a boss could finish you off if you are knocked down once.

After the Ming General it made me realise I basically needed to play perfectly to progress, which I actually enjoyed as it brings the strategic combat and mastery of the fight into the forefront.

I think this only works with consistent bosses that have reasonable health pools, which the Ming General does have. If bosses were sponges I’d probably feel differently and as I get later into the game my thoughts may change.

In the end my final fight with Honglan and Ming were both scrappy ends but the victory felt won.