Highlights
Lords of the Fallen, a reboot of the 2014 title, aims to establish itself as a standout Soulslike game with innovative features and a darker tone than its predecessor.
The game features a unique "dual worlds" mechanic that allows players to seamlessly travel between the realms of the living and the dead. By utilizing a mystical Umbral Lamp, they can unlock previously inaccessible areas and uncover hidden treasures.
With its breathtaking visual design, intricate combat system, and an expansive playtime of around 30 hours, Lords of the Fallen aims to stand out from other games inspired by the Souls series and establish itself as a formidable contender to FromSoftware's genre supremacy.
October is expected to be a highly hectic month for gamers, as numerous high-profile titles are set to be released right from the start. Among them is the Soulslike game Lords of the Fallen, developed by Hexworks Studios. Despite being released in the midst of this busy period, it aims to make a mark alongside big releases like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Super Mario Bros. Wonder. As a reboot of the 2014 title, Lords of the Fallen is shaping up to be an exciting addition to a crowded sub-genre, thanks to its innovative features that set it apart from the rest.
The original Lords of the Fallen was one of the first attempts to replicate FromSoftware's Dark Souls formula, and its initial release garnered mixed reviews. Critics were quick to point out issues with the slow, laborious combat and a narrative that aimed high but ultimately fell short. Lords of the Fallen, however, appears to be a different experience altogether. Taking place 1000 years after the events of the initial game, it embraces a much darker tone compared to its predecessor. This has led many fans to view Lords of the Fallen as the closest they may ever get to experiencing Dark Souls 4.
All Lords of the Fallen Features Confirmed So Far
Dual Worlds mechanic allows players to traverse between the parallel worlds of Axiom and Umbral
Umbral Lamp connects the two worlds and can be used as a weapon, as well as to discover new paths
Choose from a selection of 10 diverse classes, including the exclusive pre-order bonus Dark Crusader, designed for melee, ranged, and magic specialization. Explore an array of weapons such as swords, daggers, spears, bows, shields, and flails.
Three different magic schools: Radiant, Umbral, and Rhogar, each offering different spells and status effects
Robust combat mechanics that feature a nuanced learning curve
Visually stunning game world more than five times the size of its predecessor, with several regions to explore
Branching map, featuring interconnecting paths that double back to open shortcuts
A dark fantasy aesthetic with striking art design
Approximately 30 hours of content in the main game
Support for two-player cooperative gameplay
The most prominently advertised addition in Lords of the Fallen is its innovative 'dual worlds' gameplay mechanic. This game introduces two distinct worlds: Axiom, the realm of the living, and Umbral, the realm of the deceased. These two realms interweave with each other, yet possess striking differences. By utilizing various methods, players have the freedom to seamlessly journey between these worlds. The two main methods are either succumbing to death or employing the extraordinary Umbral Lamp to create a portal into the alternate realm. This lamp also grants the ability to extract the life essence from adversaries. If players encounter a dead end within Axiom, Umbral offers an alternative pathway. This captivating new feature is bound to stimulate exploration in an entirely unprecedented manner.
After experiencing death in Axiom, players will be transported to Umbral, where they have the opportunity to recover their lost XP. However, there is a catch. The longer players stay in Umbral, the more dangerous the monsters become, so it is advised not to linger. Unlike the original Lords of the Fallen, which featured interconnected maps that looped back on themselves, this new title boasts a world that is at least five times larger, offering a gameplay time of 25 to 35 hours. Additionally, New Game Plus mode will introduce innovative mechanics, such as the need for players to create their own checkpoints to keep them engaged.
The role of classes and builds is significant in Lords of the Fallen, with an impressive selection of 10 different classes. Each class provides a distinct experience, catering to various play styles. Ranged, melee, and magic builds all have potential, although magic plays a smaller role compared to the Dark Souls trilogy. Players who pre-order the Deluxe Edition will gain early access to the Dark Crusader class, a formidable melee-focused build that would otherwise be unlocked later in the game. Furthermore, players can invite a friend to join them throughout the entire game at any time.
The game's visuals are truly impressive, thanks to its use of Unreal Engine 5. Hexworks Studios has clearly made an effort to set Lords of the Fallen apart from other Soulslikes in the genre with its new features. If it succeeds, the game could join a select group of Soulslikes that can compete with FromSoftware's dominance. Fans won't have to wait much longer to discover this for themselves, as Lords of the Fallen will be released on October 13 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.