TheBadGamer

Lords of the Fallen began as a sequel to the 2014 game that didn't win many hearts. Under the supervision of Hexworks, the game underwent a transformation and was renamed as The Lords of the Fallen before finally dropping 'The' to signify a fresh start. The 2023 installment is much improved compared to its predecessor and strives to make its mark in the highly saturated Soulslike genre. This review aims to assess whether the game manages to set itself apart from its competitors. The Game World: Mournstead and Its Struggle for Identity Lords of the Fallen Lords of the Fallen is set in the land of Mournstead, under the shadow of the dark god Adyr. While Hexworks attempts to weave a morally ambiguous narrative around this setting, it falls short of making an impactful impression. The world-building feels lacking in depth, and the story appears more like a compilation of recycled Soulslike elements. The locations in the game seem all too familiar, lacking the fresh spark that could captivate the player's imagination. Combat Mechanics: A Familiar Dance The combat in Lords of the Fallen follows the tried-and-tested formula commonly seen in Soulslike titles. However, this adaptation lacks innovation, offering repetitive enemy encounters throughout the game. From the start to the end, you'll find yourself facing familiar foes, which makes combat increasingly tedious. The game does not provide a meaningful variety in enemy types or combat situations, making it a monotonous experience for the player. Level Design: A Silver Lining Despite its flaws, Lords of the Fallen does excel in the area of level design. The various stages are richly detailed, offering a sense of discovery and intrigue. The levels manage to evoke a feeling of complexity, often reminiscent of some of the best stages found in FromSoftware titles. The optional areas and bespoke boss encounters add a layer of depth that is unfortunately not supported by the rest of the game's elements. Key Innovation: Axiom and Umbral One of the unique features in Lords of the Fallen is the ability to switch between two worlds, Axiom and Umbral. While initially impressive, this mechanic quickly wears out its welcome, becoming more of a nuisance than a captivating gameplay element. It doesn't evolve over time, nor does it provide meaningful interactions in combat scenarios, leaving it as a superficial addition to the game. Boss Fights: A Missed Opportunity The bosses in Lords of the Fallen show glimmers of creativity but largely feel like diluted versions of iconic fights from Soulslike titles. While some bosses exhibit interesting design and mechanics, they fail to capture the emotional or tragic essence that makes for a memorable boss encounter. The absence of an emotional core leaves these fights feeling hollow, which is symptomatic of the game as a whole. Final Thoughts: Where Lords of the Fallen Stands Lords of the Fallen isn't without its merits; its level design alone may offer enough to intrigue Soulslike enthusiasts. However, the game is weighed down by its inability to bring something new to the table. The experience often feels derivative and fails to capture the emotional highs and lows that make a Soulslike game memorable. If you are in search of innovation or an emotionally gripping narrative, it might be best to look elsewhere. Also Read:

Hi, I'm TheBadGamer

Mournstead

Lords of the Fallen (2023) Review: Exploring its Place in the Soulslike Genre