It’s Dark Souls 4 and then some
When the first Lords of the Fallen launched in 2014, it was met with disappointment. However, the sequel, released in 2023, is a completely different story. Lords of the Fallen has transformed into one of the best games I’ve ever played, surpassing even the original Dark Souls. It takes the Souls formula and adds its own unique twist, creating a fresh and familiar experience.
The game introduces the Umbral Lamp, an artifact that brings you back from the dead and allows you to travel between parallel worlds. This feature sets Lords of the Fallen apart from other Soulslikes, as you must switch between worlds to overcome obstacles and find treasures. The interconnectedness of the world is reminiscent of the original Dark Souls, making exploration both dangerous and rewarding.
Shortcuts and secrets aplenty
Mournstead, the world of Lords of the Fallen, is vast and visually stunning. The game’s graphics are top-notch, rivaling even the Demon’s Souls remake. The landscape is filled with breathtaking vistas and monumental landmarks that hint at the challenges to come.
The world of Mournstead is expansive and immersive, with branching paths and shortcuts to unlock. As you progress through the game, the world opens up, offering multiple routes to explore. The skyline provides a glimpse of upcoming areas, keeping you curious and engaged.
Precise, rhythmic, and remarkably diverse
Lords of the Fallen’s combat is on par with its Souls counterparts. The weighty and impactful weapon swings, precise hitboxes, and generous invincibility frames create a rhythmic and satisfying combat experience. Rolling, blocking, and parrying are all effective defensive options, adding depth to the gameplay.
The boss battles in Lords of the Fallen are fun and fair, with just the right amount of difficulty. While not as mechanically complex as bosses in other Soulslikes, they offer interesting mechanics and phase changes. The game strikes a balance between challenging and frustrating, making each victory feel earned.
Conclusion
Lords of the Fallen is more than just a Soulslike—it’s a worthy successor to the Dark Souls series. With its intricate world design, stunning visuals, satisfying combat, and high replayability, it stands out as one of the best games in the genre. Hexworks has created a near-masterpiece that should not be missed.
Review Score: 9.5/10
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Branching paths | Simpler bosses |
| Impactful combat | Umbral felt underutilized |
| Huge range of viable builds and weapons | |
| Shortcuts and secrets at every turn | |
| Gorgeous vistas | |
| Best interconnected world since Dark Souls |
A copy of Lords of the Fallen was provided by CI Games for review. Reviewed on PS5.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
