Lords of the Fallen
HEXWORKS and CI Games | Released on Oct 13, 2023
- 7.5
- GW Score
- 72
- Metacritic
- 72%
- Community
About Lords of the Fallen
Lords of the Fallen (2023) is a definitive soulslike action-RPG that pushes the genre’s boundaries with a groundbreaking dual-realm mechanic. Developed by HEXWORKS, this journey into the decaying, gothic world of Mournstead challenges players to master brutal, methodical combat while navigating two overlapping realities: the living world of Axiom and the haunting death-realm of Umbral.
Moment-to-moment gameplay revolves around precise, stamina-based combat where timing and positioning are paramount. Players must learn enemy patterns to execute parries, dodges, and powerful backstabs, while managing a posture system that rewards skillful play with devastating Grievous Strikes. Progression is driven by earning Vigor from fallen foes, a currency used to level up a diverse set of stats at checkpoints called Vestiges, though this precious resource is lost upon death and must be courageously reclaimed. The experience is deepened by a flexible class system, offering nine distinct starting paths that can be hybridized into countless unique builds.
What truly sets this adventure apart is the ingenious Umbral Lamp, a tool that allows real-time manipulation between the two worlds. This device lets you peer into Umbral to solve environmental puzzles, reveal hidden paths, and Soulflay enemies. Death in Axiom is not a simple reset but a transition into the more perilous Umbral, where a withered health mechanic and escalating enemy ambushes create relentless tension. Exploration is rewarded across the vast, interconnected regions of Mournstead, from the poisonous Forsaken Fen to the frozen spires of the Fief of the Chill Curse, each densely packed with secrets, formidable bosses, and tragic lore.
This title stands as a compelling evolution for fans of challenging, atmospheric RPGs, offering a fresh puzzle-box world to decipher alongside its satisfyingly punishing combat. Its seamless integration of cooperative and player-versus-player multiplayer adds layers of unpredictability and camaraderie to the solitary struggle. For those seeking a rich, mechanically dense fantasy epic that honors its genre roots while boldly innovating, Lords of the Fallen carves its own distinct and memorable legacy.
Review Verdict
A visually stunning Soulslike that introduces the brilliant Umbral Lamp mechanic and seamless co-op. While its dual-world exploration is next-gen, floaty combat and tedious enemy density hold it back.
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Codex
42 entries1 linked- AxiomThe primary realm of the living where players begin their journey.
- UmbralThe parallel realm of the dead, a dangerous reflection of Axiom accessible via the Umbral Lamp or death.
- Umbral LampA mystical tool used to peer into the Umbral realm, solve puzzles, and perform Soulflay attacks.
- SoulflayAn ability using the Umbral Lamp to pull the soul out of enemies or environmental objects to weaken or manipulate them.
- Withered HealthGrey health gained in Umbral or by blocking attacks that can be restored by attacking enemies, but is lost permanently if the player takes damage.
- Umbral TerrorA mechanic where staying in the Umbral realm too long causes increasingly powerful enemies to spawn.
- VigorThe primary currency and experience points earned by defeating enemies, used for leveling up at Vestiges.
- Posture & Grievous StrikesA system where parrying or heavy attacks break an enemy's posture, allowing for a high-damage critical hit.
- Red ReaperA powerful and relentless stalker that spawns in the Umbral realm if the player stays too long and the Umbral Terror eye fully opens.
Screenshots
