The souls-like action RPG Mortal Shell has been revealed by publisher Playstack and developer Cold Symmetry. Fans of the souls-like genre have been anticipating a lot of different titles, specifically Elden Ring for a while now, but Mortal Shell is likely to fall in line with the rest.
Some of the features announced as part of the Mortal Shell gameplay stem directly from other souls-like games, but some are inherently unique to Mortal 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.
Discovering “Shells”
The seemingly barren environment in Mortal Shell is 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 to Mortal Shell and is not related to anything seen in other Souls-like games.
Challenging Gameplay
Like other souls-like games, Mortal Shell will demand strict attention to detail when in combat. Dark Souls requires precision, deliberate strikes, and parries in order to unleash devastating blows on enemies, and Mortal Shell looks 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 Shell will feature a non-linear campaign. Much like Elden Ring and Dark Souls, Mortal Shell will 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. In Mortal 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 the Dark Souls games 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 Shell will 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 in Mortal Shell will certainly give Dark Souls enemies a run for their money.
Developed by Genre Veterans
Originally set to release as an indie title in 2018 under a different name, Dungeonhaven, Mortal Shell was 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 as Dark Souls or the rumors around Elden Ring.
Mortal Shell has been announced to be released for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
