In the dark heart of a fog-laden forest, an eerie silence envelops the scene, punctuated only by the squelching of mud underfoot. This haunting setting is the crucible for Valor Mortis, a new twist on the soulslike genre from the minds behind Ghostrunner. One More Level unveiled this innovative entry at Gamescom 2025, paving a path where past and fantasy collide in a war-torn 19th century.
As players navigate through the ravaged world, they assume the identity of William, a soldier once lost to history and now resurrected. Bestowed with supernatural abilities, such as unleashing jets of fire, you must face formidable foes and unveil a conspiracy that reshapes the past. The historical tapestry is further woven with the spectral voice of Napoleon echoing in your mind, urging you onward amid the eternal strife.
Dynamic Combat and Exploration
True to its lineage, Valor Mortis injects adrenaline and engagement into its combat system, expanding on the typical soulslike formula with unique mechanics. Through a deft combination of perfect parries, strategic dodging, and a fusion of quick and heavy attacks, combat becomes an art of precision and strategy. In an exhilarating twist, firearms and elemental magic infuse battles with fresh tactics, offering unconventional approaches to each encounter.
The game's environments play a significant role in shaping your journey. William's newfound ability to conjure flame not only aids in direct combat but also serves as a key to unlock hidden paths. Together with the flintlock pistol, this combination transforms simple exploration into a dance of fire and lead, paralleled only by the fluidity reminiscent of Ghostrunner's intuitive parkour elements.
Breaking the Mold
Valor Mortis pushes against the boundaries of traditional genre constraints, offering players a world where dual-weapon play and dynamic environments foster a fluidity that elevates the gameplay. Whether skirting foes from a distance or engaging in visceral melee confrontations, encounters become adaptive, multi-faceted events that encourage both creativity and caution.
The climactic showdown with General Lothaire, a monstrous aggregate of fallen soldiers, exemplifies this blend of mechanics. Understanding his patterns and exploiting vulnerabilities in his morphology challenge the player to master the tactical use of both saber and sorcery.
By drawing inspiration from beloved franchises and merging it with fresh elements, Valor Mortis crafts an identity that feels both distinct and familiar. This venture into alternate history not only pays homage to its influences but also sets the stage for a bold chapter in soulslikes that reinvigorates the genre with its innovations and narrative depth.
