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At Gamescom 2025, gamers were treated to an exclusive sneak peek of Valor Mortis, the highly anticipated first-person soulslike game from One More Level, the team behind the hit Ghostrunner. This fresh title aims to put a unique spin on the genre, drawing inspiration from celebrated games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Are you ready to dive into a world where horror and history collide?
The Premise of Valor Mortis
Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 19th century, Valor Mortis casts players in the role of William, a soldier in Napoleon’s army. But don’t expect a straightforward historical narrative. An eerie substance known as Nephtoglobina is raising the dead, turning them into terrifying ghouls. The journey begins with William awakening on a battlefield littered with corpses and chaos. Unlike his fallen comrades, he retains his humanity, coupled with supernatural abilities that allow him to glimpse the last moments of others and even hear whispers from Napoleon himself—could this hint at a descent into madness? The stage is set for a haunting adventure.
Gameplay Mechanics and Influences
Valor Mortis draws heavily from the well-established mechanics of previous soulslike titles. Players will encounter familiar features, such as resting at lanterns to regain health and enhance abilities, replacing the traditional bonfire mechanic. Die, and you’ll lose your souls, but fear not—you can reclaim them by returning to the spot where you fell. Combat blends swordplay with strategic maneuvering, allowing for heavy attacks and dodges against foes. A posture system, reminiscent of Sekiro, adds another layer of strategy to your encounters.
One standout feature is the parry mechanic, echoing the style of Bloodborne. Successfully blocking an enemy attack can lead to health recovery if you strike back quickly enough. And if you prefer ranged combat, you can wield a pistol in your off-hand—but be mindful; ammunition is limited. Special abilities, called Transmutations, can be activated at the cost of mana, unleashing powerful attacks like fiery blasts that can take on multiple enemies simultaneously.
The First-Person Perspective
The choice to adopt a first-person perspective is a game-changer, immersing players directly into the action. This vantage point heightens the sense of urgency as you navigate through dark, foreboding environments. You become William—not just controlling him but truly living his struggles against the undead. The tight field of vision keeps you on high alert, as you listen for subtle cues that signal lurking threats. Every sound, from distant growls to rustling leaves, serves as a constant reminder that danger is never far away.
The demo reached a thrilling climax with a boss battle that highlighted the game’s strategic depth. Players had to maneuver around the boss while managing distance and timing their parries and dodges to evade devastating attacks. Unlike the frenetic pace of Ghostrunner, the slower, more deliberate tempo of Valor Mortis creates a palpable tension. Every encounter feels like a high-stakes dance, demanding precision and skill.
Conclusion
Valor Mortis offers a refreshing take on the soulslike genre, skillfully blending familiar mechanics with innovative features and an engaging narrative. While its inspirations are clear, the game excels with its unique atmosphere and captivating gameplay. Although the demo didn’t unveil the full extent of the game world, the promise of deep exploration and diverse environments leaves players hungry for more. With its release on PC and consoles set for next year, Valor Mortis is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the genre. Are you ready to embrace the darkness?