Valor Mortis Review: A Soulslike with Parry-Focused Combat That Falls Short

Key Highlights

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Valor Mortis, the latest Soulslike game from One More Level, has finally arrived on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X. The game follows the story of William. A loyal soldier of Napoleon Bonaparte who dies on the battlefield before the game even starts, only to rise from the grave with a classic case of videogame protagonist amnesia.

William soon finds himself in a nightmarish version of Europe where everyone has succumbed to a mysterious plague that has altered their behavior and made them more aggressive.

The game demands precise swordplay from the start, with even rank-and-file enemies requiring multiple parries to break their guard. The ability to stop time is used to solve puzzles that have been criticized for their simplicity. The power to shoot flames from the protagonist's hands is a unique ability that adds to the game's challenge.

Challenging Parkour Sequences

While the game's developers have clearly learned from their previous experience, the parkour sections can feel like they're pulling the player's legs. As the game progresses, Valor Mortis increasingly takes on a more Ghostrunner-like feel, which may not appeal to fans of the Soulslike genre.

Unique Writing and Engaging Boss Fights

The game's best boss fights are a highlight, with the fight against a sentient windmill being a particular standout. However, the game's power curve can be finicky, making the first boss fight a more challenging experience.

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Valor Mortis is a game that walks a fine line between frustration and satisfaction. While it's not without its charms, it's also a game that's been done better elsewhere. For fans of the Soulslike genre, Valor Mortis is a perfectly playable game with combat that's satisfying to master.

However, it's also a game that may appeal more to players looking for a challenge rather than a nuanced storytelling experience.

Valor Mortis is available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X. If you're looking for more games like Valor Mortis, be sure to check out our best Soulslike games ranking and games like Dark Souls recommendations.