Valor Mortis, the upcoming action game from One More Level, takes the Soulslike genre into first-person gameplay. The studio is best known for the Ghostrunner series. This time, it combines fast-paced combat with challenging enemies, supernatural abilities, and a dark historical setting.
After spending more than 15 hours with a preview build, the game shows plenty of promise. Its combat mechanics, atmospheric environments, and mysterious story make it an interesting addition to the Soulslike genre. However, inconsistent difficulty creates frustrating moments, especially during boss fights.
Valor Mortis combines first-person action with soulslike combat
Valor Mortis begins with its protagonist, William, waking up after death. He soon discovers that Napoleon Bonaparte is speaking to him inside his head. As William explores the battlefield, he searches for answers about his situation and the strange events surrounding him.
Along the way, William gains supernatural abilities that help him defeat increasingly dangerous enemies. These powers include fire attacks and the ability to freeze time. Both abilities add variety to the combat system.
For example, fire can stun enemies by filling their burn gauges. Similarly, freezing an enemy creates opportunities to deal significant damage. These abilities work alongside William’s guns and melee weapons.
The weapon system also offers different combat styles. The saber delivers reliable damage and allows players to block attacks. In contrast, the rapier focuses on precise stabs and stronger parry effects. However, the rapier sacrifices the ability to block.
This combination of weapons and supernatural powers gives Valor Mortis a strong foundation. More weapons could also add further variety to the final game.
Atmospheric environments make exploration enjoyable
One of Valor Mortis’ biggest strengths is its environmental design. The game takes players through ruined trenches, abandoned buildings, battlefields, and destroyed villages across 18th-century France.
Although these locations are familiar in video games, One More Level adds a distinctive supernatural atmosphere. Strange growths and unusual formations transform the countryside into something far more unsettling.
As a result, the world feels visually memorable rather than ordinary. The environments also encourage exploration through optional paths and hidden areas.
In addition, small puzzles provide a welcome break from combat. These sections keep exploration interesting while giving players time
