The souls-like action RPGMortal Shellhas been revealed by publisher Playstack and developer Cold Symmetry. Fans of the souls-like genre have been anticipating a lot of different titles, specificallyElden Ringfor a while now, butMortal Shellis likely to fall in line with the rest.
Some of the features announced as part of theMortal Shellgameplay stem directly from other souls-like games, but some are inherently unique toMortal Shell. As such, it’s good to see where it stands apart but also where it’s more of the same, at least as revealed so far.
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Discovering “Shells”
The seemingly barren environment inMortal Shellis littered with the remains of defeated warriors. As an empty vessel, players will awaken these “mortal shells” and gain new abilities based on the warrior’s style. Each shell offers a unique combat style and players can find the right style of gameplay that fits them by experimenting with different shells. This feature is completely unique toMortal Shelland is not related to anything seen inother Souls-like games.
Challenging Gameplay
Like other souls-like games,Mortal Shellwill demand strict attention to detail when in combat.Dark Soulsrequires precision, deliberate strikes, and parries to unleash devastating blows on enemies, andMortal Shelllooks like it will be borrowing heavily from this playbook. Players will need to commit their weapon only when the time is right, suffering from the unforgiving act of mistiming their strikes.
Non-linear Storyline
Again borrowing from its counterparts,Mortal Shellwill feature anon-linear campaign. Much likeElden RingandDark Souls,Mortal Shellwill give its players the power to explore and decide for themselves which path to take. The game boasts a variety of environments for players to experience. Each Environment, however, seems to have a very familiar dark and ominous aesthetic to it just like the other games in its genre.
Deep Skill Trees
Other Souls-like games always have a heavy RPG feature to them. Whether this be leveling up weapons or the class players choose, some form of skill tree is typically included in the game. InMortal Shell, players have the ability to grow with their shell. This means that the longer a player stays with a mortal, shell the longer their connection with that shell grows and becomes more powerful. Players will have the ability to craft unique upgrades, sharpen their blades with acid, and even use magical abilities.
Legitimately Scary Enemies
Anyone who has played any of theDark Soulsgames has experience the heightened heart rate and sweaty palms the game gives players when a formidable foe starts chasing them or skulking near them. The sounds of their proximity puts some players in panic mode while other seasoned players know just how to react to these situations.Mortal Shellwill apparently require some serious courage and composition. Players will need to swallow their fear and move forward despite the monstrosities in their path. Developers say that some of the enemies inMortal Shellwill certainly giveDark Soulsenemiesa run for their money.
Developed by Genre Veterans
Originally set to release as an indie title in 2018 under a different name,Dungeonhaven, Mortal Shellwas picked up by some of the biggest names in the souls-like genre. These developers helped the original team of two bring the already gorgeous game up a tier. It seems likely the game will offer just as much artistic imagination and impressive design asDark Soulsor therumors aroundElden Ring.
Mortal Shellhas been announced to be released for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
