Key information
Valor Mortis, developed by One More Level, is an unconventional Soulslike that blends traditional genre mechanics with high-speed parkour and first-person combat. Released on 13th October for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, the game follows protagonist William Dowsett in an alternate history French Revolutionary War setting.
The combat system evolves from cautious, stamina-based swordplay into a fast-paced experience incorporating firearms and magical abilities. Players utilize parries, dodges, and ranged attacks to exploit enemy weaknesses, such as randomized pustules. The game also features complex boss encounters and vertical, interconnected level design that encourages movement-based exploration.
Eurogamer praises the game's exhilarating momentum and visceral combat, noting it is more forgiving than many genre peers. However, the reviewer criticizes the title for being overly beholden to standard Soulslike tropes, such as bonfire-equivalent lanterns and corpse runs. Additionally, the critic notes that the game's inventiveness wanes in the latter stages due to repetitive enemy configurations and a predictable narrative.
Priced at $40, the game includes various accessibility options like camera shake toggles and remappable controls. While the reviewer feels the reliance on genre conventions prevents it from fully blossoming, they ultimately describe the experience as a gloriously entertaining and fluid adventure.
