Valor Mortis Blends Soulslike Combat With Parkour in Alternative History Setting
Eurogamer reports that Valor Mortis, developed by One More Level, is an action game merging Soulslike mechanics with high-momentum parkour and gunplay. Set in an alternative history French Revolutionary War and following protagonist William Dowsett, the game retains genre staples like bonfires and currency-based upgrades while distinguishing itself through grapple-swinging and a hybrid combat system. Reviewer reports indicate the game features imaginative boss encounters, though late-game variety and narrative depth receive some criticism.
Key points
- Valor Mortis combines Soulslike combat with parkour and gunplay mechanics.
- The game is set in an alternative history French Revolutionary War.
- Combat features a mix of swordplay, parrying, and ranged pistol attacks.
- Eurogamer reports that Lyrical Games provided a copy of the game for review.
What happened
Eurogamer reports the release of Valor Mortis, a new action title developed by One More Level that blends Soulslike combat with fast-paced parkour and gunplay. Players control protagonist William Dowsett, a soldier in Napoleon's Grande Armée, navigating an alternative history setting.
Eurogamer describes a combat system requiring players to balance melee sword attacks with ranged pistol fire, alongside defensive maneuvers such as parrying and dodging.
Reaction
Eurogamer highlights the game's fluid movement and combat as primary strengths, describing the integration of parkour as a significant departure from traditional genre conventions. Boss encounters are praised for their imaginative design and spectacle.
According to Eurogamer, the game faces criticism for its reliance on established Soulslike tropes and a predictable narrative, with latter stages suffering from repetitive enemy and environment design.
Background
Eurogamer notes that One More Level is the studio previously known for the Ghostrunner series, which also emphasized parkour and fast-paced action.
Why it matters
Valor Mortis represents an attempt to evolve the Soulslike genre by injecting high-mobility parkour and ranged combat, offering a distinct alternative to the slower pace typically associated with the genre.
What we know
- Eurogamer reports that Valor Mortis was developed by One More Level.
- Eurogamer reports that the game is set in an alternative history French Revolutionary War.
- Eurogamer reports that the game features mechanics such as bonfires, healing flasks, and currency-based upgrades.
- Eurogamer reports that Lyrical Games provided a copy of the game for review purposes.
What remains unclear
- The long-term reception of the game's narrative and late-game content remains subject to player preference.
