Valor Mortis Review – A Soulslike for Everyone, Even the Unworthy

Valor Mortis is a new PC-exclusive action RPG that boldly enters the ever-growing genre of Soulslike games. Developed by a passionate indie team, it aims to offer a challenging yet accessible experience to players who may not be veterans of punishing difficulty. With a focus on streamlined gameplay, immediate mechanical feedback, and a captivating visual atmosphere, Valor Mortis manages to stand out in a crowded field by making the brutal feel beautiful—and fair.

A New Approach to the Soulslike Formula

At its core, Valor Mortis is a third-person action RPG that borrows heavily from the Soulslike formula: stamina-based combat, precise timing, punishing enemies, and a world that tells its story through environmental storytelling rather than exposition. What sets this title apart, however, is how it manages to retain the essence of the genre while smoothing out some of its roughest edges, making it more approachable for newcomers without diluting the experience for veterans.

From the very beginning, the game introduces its mechanics in a clear and intuitive way. During my hands-on session at Gamescom, I was immediately impressed by how the game taught me to parry, dodge, and manage my stamina without overwhelming me with tutorials or long texts. The learning curve felt organic, and despite being notoriously bad at Soulslike games, I found myself progressing steadily, gaining confidence with each encounter. That sense of empowerment is rare in this genre, and it speaks volumes about the thoughtful design behind Valor Mortis.

Combat and Exploration

Combat is the heart of the experience, and it's here that the game truly shines. The controls are tight, responsive, and satisfyingly weighty. Each weapon has a distinct feel—whether you're wielding a heavy axe or a nimble sword, every strike carries a sense of purpose. The enemy design complements this with varied attack patterns that require you to stay alert. There's no button-mashing here; every move must be deliberate. Yet, unlike some of its genre peers, Valor Mortis doesn’t punish experimentation. It encourages you to try different approaches and rewards you for adapting on the fly. The game avoids the trap of loot overload, a common issue in other action RPGs. Instead of bombarding the player with endless gear drops, Valor Mortis opts for a more curated approach. Each item feels meaningful, and upgrades are tied to exploration and mastery rather than grinding. This design choice keeps the gameplay focused and prevents unnecessary distractions, allowing players to immerse themselves fully in the world and its challenges.

Speaking of the world, the graphics are nothing short of breathtaking. Built on a custom engine optimized for PC, Valor Mortis delivers a visual spectacle that rivals AAA productions. The environments are richly detailed, from decaying castles bathed in moonlight to eerie forests cloaked in mist. The lighting is particularly impressive, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that enhances the game's dark fantasy aesthetic. The only visual downside for me was the motion blur, which I found disorienting—but thankfully, it can be turned off in the settings.

An Experience for All

While the game doesn’t bombard you with lore, it does offer a compelling narrative for those willing to piece it together. You play as a fallen warrior seeking redemption in a land where death is not the end but a transformation. The story unfolds through cryptic NPC dialogues, item descriptions, and environmental cues. It’s a tale of loss, vengeance, and rebirth, told with restraint and elegance. Importantly, it never feels intrusive—you can choose to dive deep into the lore or focus purely on the gameplay. Valor Mortis also introduces a few unique features that help it stand out. One of the most notable is its adaptive difficulty system. Rather than scaling enemies based on your level, the game subtly adjusts enemy behavior based on your performance. Struggling with a particular boss? The game might slow down their combo chains or give you more windows to heal. This system is invisible to the player but works behind the scenes to ensure that frustration never outweighs enjoyment. Another standout feature is the checkpoint system. Unlike traditional Souls games where checkpoints (bonfires) are sparse, Valor Mortis offers a more balanced approach. Rest points are placed intelligently, reducing the need for tedious backtracking while still maintaining tension. This design choice makes the game more accessible without compromising its challenge. As for its target audience, Valor Mortis is clearly designed with both hardcore and casual players in mind. Soulslike veterans will appreciate the depth of combat and the intricate world design, while newcomers will find a more forgiving entry point into the genre. It’s a rare example of a game that manages to cater to two very different demographics without alienating either. In terms of performance, the game runs smoothly on mid to high-end PCs. Load times are minimal, and the frame rate remains stable even during intense combat sequences. The developers have also included a robust set of graphical options, allowing players to tweak settings to suit their preferences. Accessibility features are present as well, including customizable controls and visual aids for colorblind players. Overall, Valor Mortis is a masterclass in balance. It captures the essence of what makes Soulslike games compelling—challenging combat, atmospheric world-building, and rewarding progression—while eliminating many of the barriers that keep players away from the genre. It’s a game that respects your time, values your effort, and celebrates your victories, no matter how small.

Conclusion

Valor Mortis is a standout entry in the Soulslike genre that manages to be both challenging and accessible. With its fluid combat, stunning graphics, and smart design choices, it appeals to both hardcore fans and newcomers alike. Whether you're a seasoned warrior or a hesitant adventurer, this game offers a journey worth taking.

Rating: 9

Pros: Stunning visuals, Responsive and satisfying combat, Accessible for Soulslike newcomers, Streamlined loot and progression, Atmospheric world design, Adaptive difficulty system

Cons: Motion blur can be disorienting, Story requires effort to uncover, Few voice-acted lines