If you’re a fan of the soulslike genre, you’re no stranger to the countless titles that have emerged in recent years, all vying to replicate the magic of FromSoftware’s classics. However, the genre continues to evolve, and “Lords of the Fallen,” not to be confused with its 2014 predecessor, emerges as a worthy contender, even as it borrows heavily from its peers.
In this review, we’ll explore the dual-reality mechanics, performance issues, captivating level design, and various nuances of the game that sets “Lords of the Fallen” apart in this crowded landscape.
A Familiar, Yet Fresh, Soulslike Experience
“Lords of the Fallen” plunges players into an unsettling fantasy realm, complete with third-person combat reminiscent of games like Dark Souls. But don’t dismiss it as another cookie-cutter soulslike just yet; it brings its own unique twists to the table.
One of the standout features is the dual-reality gameplay. You can seamlessly switch between the physical world, known as Axiom, and the ghostly Umbral realm using a magical lantern. This mechanic reshapes the way you explore and navigate the environment. Broken bridges that are impassable in the physical world become crossable in Umbral. It’s an intriguing mechanic that adds depth to the game.
What’s even more fascinating is the ability to interact with Umbral without fully entering it. By using your lantern, you can reveal parts of the Umbral realm in the physical world, providing a sneak peek at hidden secrets and barriers. This unique approach to exploration sets “Lords of the Fallen” apart from the rest.
The Umbral realm also plays a critical role in combat. Certain enemies are only perceivable when you’re in Umbral. This forces you to strategize your combat style and adds an element of tension to battles, especially since Umbral enemies are often tougher.
Technical Hiccups and Performance Woes
Despite its innovative mechanics, “Lords of the Fallen” struggles with performance issues. Players, even with high-end hardware, report stuttering and dropped frames, which can lead to frustrating experiences, including taking hits you’d otherwise avoid. Some of these technical problems are so consistent that they’re impossible to overlook.
The Thrills of Exploration and Level Design
When the game’s performance behaves, “Lords of the Fallen” shines in the realm of exploration. From the fiery city of Calrath to the treacherous mountain monastery, the game offers diverse and breathtaking environments. It takes cues from the original Dark Souls by connecting the entire map to a central hub. It’s filled with shortcuts, secret passages, and opportunities for backtracking. But be prepared to encounter doors that can’t be opened from your side, adding a dash of annoyance to the adventure.
Challenging Combat and Unique Character Builds
The heart of “Lords of the Fallen” lies in its combat. Engaging battles against hordes of abominations are filled with dynamic swings and parries, setting it apart from other soulslikes. You can tailor your character to your preferred playstyle, whether it’s a bruiser with a sword and shield, a nimble Bloodborne-inspired fighter, or a magic user. The game offers nine starting character classes and four unlockable ones, providing a wealth of replayability.
One remarkable combat feature is your magical lamp, which allows you to rip an enemy’s soul from their body, immobilizing them for a brief period. You can even toss their soul off a cliff, ensuring they meet a swift demise. This dual-reality combat mechanic adds a layer of strategy and fun to battles.
Boss Fights: More Epic Than Challenging
While “Lords of the Fallen” excels in exploration and combat, its boss fights leave something to be desired. They often feature slow, telegraphed moves and manageable health bars. Some serve as introductions to new elite enemies, making them unremarkable in comparison to other soulslike titles. Nevertheless, taking on massive foes remains an enjoyable experience.
A Touch of Jankiness
As with any game, “Lords of the Fallen” isn’t without its flaws. Players may encounter game crashes, stuck enemies, and other wonky issues. Furthermore, resting at checkpoints triggers a loading screen every time. These issues can disrupt the flow of the game, but they don’t detract significantly from the overall experience.
Co-op Play and New Game+
The game introduces co-op play, enhancing the experience. However, it comes with its quirks, including tethering players to the host and peculiar teleportation mechanics. Yet, the overall co-op experience is enjoyable and provides extra resources along the way. “Lords of the Fallen” also offers a New Game+ mode with new lore, a fresh skill tree, and additional challenges, keeping players engaged for more hours.
In conclusion, “Lords of the Fallen” enters the soulslike arena with confidence, showcasing its unique dual-reality gameplay and captivating level design. Despite technical hiccups, it manages to deliver an engaging experience with a wealth of character builds to explore. While its boss fights lack the intensity of its peers, the game’s strengths more than compensate for these shortcomings. If you’re looking for a fresh take on the soulslike genre, “Lords of the Fallen” deserves a try.