From Software’s Dark Souls has been one of the greatest influencers when it comes to hardcore games. The skill-based combat system mechanics and the stamina meter made the game one of the most punishing franchises to date. For the most part, the game served as the inspiration of many video game titles that feature various settings and timelines but with almost the same mechanics as From Software’s Opus.
When you thought that the games inspired by Dark Souls could not get any better, Cold Symmetry and PlayStack unleash Mortal Shell into the wild. Now, this portion makes the punishing gameplay system of hardcore games fun once again.
What is Mortal Shell?
Mortal Shell is an ARPG all made by Cold Symmetry and published by Playstack in 2020. Mortal Shell follows the same basic mechanics seen in the Souls series; the game is even tagged as a Souls-like game. Nevertheless, the game offers an entirely new experience as it applies various tweaks in Dark Souls’ combat system.
For the most part, it brings a whole new level of hardcore gaming, it is not as difficult as Dark Souls, but it’s also not more manageable than other souls-like games. Most of the game’s acclaim points to its innovative gameplay mechanics that allow players to swap out shells with different attributes and playstyle.
The unique if not innovative combat system of the game brings a fresh new take on games’ souls-like genre. On top of the combat mechanics is the eerie, gloomy, and dark world comparable to most AAA titles.
Each character in the game comes with their unique design that perfectly fits the foreboding world they inhabit. To set the game’s overall ambience, Cold Symmetry spared no expense in infusing tunes and effects that made the entire experience even more immersive.
Mortal Shell is not as expansive as Dark Souls since you can beat the game in 15 to 20 hours. Dark Souls, on the other hand, requires over 100 hours to complete everything. Mortal Shell’s length is only fair given that the game only costs half the price of other games.
Nevertheless, unlike other games, it is not giant on microtransactions. As most games charge other players on additional content, Mortal Shell does not. Proof of this is the Rotting Autumn Update that brings a new quest, shell shades, a photo mode, and an alternative soundtrack. The Mortal Shell: Rotten Autumn alone makes purchasing the game worth it.
Highly Recommended for Fans of Hardcore Games
Mortal Shell is not as grand or as expansive as Dark Souls. However, the game’s developer made sure to develop a new concept that’s fresh and innovative altogether. Not to mention that the game does not cost as much as a full game and comes with free content.
To that end, if you are a fan of the Souls series or planning to explore the uber-punishing franchise, you can take a shot at Mortal Shell first. If you can survive this game, you will have a chance to beat the dreaded souls series. Other than that, if the game is too hard, then, this is not the game for you. The game is currently available for the PC, Xbox One, and PS4 for USD 30.
