When the first “Lords of the Fallen” game debuted in 2014, it left a lot to be desired. Its gameplay was clunky, frustrating, and overall, rather uninspiring. As an initial foray into the Soulslike genre by a developer other than FromSoftware, it had merit, but fell short in execution, quickly finding its place in the bargain section.
Fast forward to 2023, and the new “Lords of the Fallen” has remarkably turned the tables. Surpassing expectations, it not only stands as a competent Soulslike game but also ranks among the best games I’ve ever encountered. The game features an impressively vast and interconnected world, reminiscent of the original “Dark Souls.” In fact, “Lords of the Fallen” not only competes with but, in some aspects, surpasses its Soulslike predecessors, marking a significant and praiseworthy evolution in the series.
Lords of the Fallen: Soulslike Experience
Lords of the Fallen deeply immerses itself in the Souls genre, mirroring Dark Souls in its world-building, combat, and characters. It’s so reminiscent of the Dark Souls series that it could easily pass for a sequel like Dark Souls 4. However, Lords of the Fallen transcends being a mere imitation. It innovatively builds upon the Souls formula, blending familiarity with fresh, unique elements.
A standout feature is the Umbral Lamp, an artifact that not only resurrects you but also allows travel between parallel worlds. The game’s world, Mournstead, is split into two realms: Axiom (the light world) and Umbral (the dark world). Dying in Axiom shifts you to Umbral, while dying in Umbral leads to a real death, sending you back to the last checkpoint.
This twin-world system necessitates frequent shifts between Axiom and Umbral to navigate challenges, defeat specific foes, and uncover hidden treasures. Umbral harbors unique paths and rare items but becomes increasingly perilous with more challenging enemies as time passes. This dynamic, reminiscent of the classic Legacy of Kain, adds a thrilling new layer to the Soulslike formula, making the exploration of Lords of the Fallen’s vast world a perilous yet immensely satisfying endeavor.
Shortcuts and secrets aplenty
In Lords of the Fallen, the worlds of Axiom and Umbral are not just stages for gameplay but are artworks in their own right, offering stunning vistas and awe-inspiring landmarks. From the sky-reaching colossal clawed hand to the grandiose gothic structures, the game’s visuals surpass even the iconic Anor Londo from Dark Souls. The vast expanses and intricately detailed environments are visible from multiple vantage points, each revealing new challenges and breathtaking views.
As one of the early games utilizing Unreal Engine 5, Lords of the Fallen sets a new standard in the Soulslike genre for its visual splendor, rivaling even Bluepoint’s Demon’s Souls remake. The landscapes crafted by Hexworks are not just impressive but immersive, often prompting players to pause and appreciate their magnificence.
Central to this world is Skyrest Bridge, a hub from which numerous paths and areas branch out. The game’s world design is intricate, with various routes and shortcuts that unlock as you progress, encouraging exploration and discovery. Approximately a quarter into the game, players are presented with multiple distinct paths, with upcoming areas hinted at on the horizon. This feature not only maintains orientation but also piques curiosity about what lies ahead.
Mournstead’s elaborate routes and hidden secrets make the world feel alive and captivating. Players will spend around 40 to 50 hours exploring every corner, becoming deeply familiar with the region. In Lords of the Fallen, the world itself is a central character, engaging players from the first moment to the final boss encounter.
Engaging Combat and Thrilling Boss Battles
In Lords of the Fallen, the combat system is a standout feature, offering a diverse and engaging experience. The game is populated with a wide array of unique enemies and bosses, complemented by extensive options for character builds, allowing for varied combat styles.
The combat mechanics are finely tuned, with weapon strikes feeling weighty and impactful. The hitboxes are precise, and the generous invincibility frames add fluidity to the combat, creating a rhythm akin to a dance, reminiscent of Sekiro more than traditional Souls games. Defensive maneuvers like rolling, blocking, and parrying are all effectively implemented, although mastering the timing for parries can be a welcome challenge.
The boss battles, while not as complex as those in Elden Ring or Lies of P, strike a balance between fun and challenge. Each boss fight is distinct, with about half featuring unique mechanics or phase changes that add complexity to the encounters. For example, one boss fight involves navigating an arena filling with lava, while another pairs a challenging miniboss in the dark world, encouraging strategic world selection.
While the difficulty level of the bosses may not satisfy those seeking extreme challenges, most attacks are well-signaled and dodgeable once timings are mastered, avoiding the erratic unpredictability seen in some recent Soulslike games. The focus in Lords of the Fallen is more on its immersive world than on overly tough bosses, making for an enjoyable journey where hours aren’t spent on a single fight. This approach to combat and boss design contributes to a gratifying overall experience that is both challenging and accessible.
Discover the gaming world through the eyes of Ana Luíza, the dynamic force behind howtoplay.blog. From a casual player to a respected author and redactor, Ana’s journey is a testament to her passion. Her writings transcend ordinary guides, offering deep insights and connecting every type of gamer with the essence of virtual adventures.
