Lords of The Fallen 2023: Worth to Buy?

We've noticed a steady release of new Souls-like games, but they tend to receive mixed reviews from both critics and players. Many of them are seen as lackluster attempts to emulate the style of gameplay popularized by From Software's Souls series. However, now we have a fresh attempt from developer Hex Works. Lords of the Fallen seeks to offer a compelling take on the formula established by From Software. It's clear that the game draws inspiration from titles like Dark Souls and, to a lesser extent, Bloodborne. This new game aims to explore the familiar Souls mechanics while introducing fresh gameplay ideas.

In the realm of Soul-styled games, combat and exploration are paramount. Lords of the Fallen excels in delivering impactful combat experiences. Each swing with a weapon feels weighty and smooth, provided you get accustomed to the attack patterns. The game emphasizes clarity in combat, ensuring players understand the dynamics. Combat mechanics echo familiar themes from From Software's titles, requiring commitment to attacks. You can cancel out of attacks through evasive maneuvers like rolling or blocking, adding depth to engagements. This leads to a delicate dance between player and enemy, as both sides seek openings for decisive strikes.

The Lantern plays a significant role in combat, especially within the Umbrell realm. While this realm presents challenges like reduced health and formidable enemies, it grants players access to a range of powerful new attack maneuvers. The freedom to manipulate enemies, throwing them around or even off cliffs, is a unique and entertaining aspect. Additionally, the Lantern's ability to bypass certain enemy defenses adds both humor and utility to combat.

Lords of the Fallen offers a diverse selection of weapons, catering to various playstyles. From swift daggers to hefty maces and even more extravagant options like flails, the game boasts a rich arsenal. Each weapon serves a unique purpose, ensuring players can find one that suits their preferred approach. Personally, I found the large sword from the Udduranga Warwolf class to be a favorite, particularly when wielded two-handed for devastating damage.

On the defensive front, the game provides basic options: dodging, blocking, and parrying. Notably, parrying is versatile, available with various equipment combinations. However, it's not as overpowering as in some other titles. Successive parries may be needed to create openings for finishing moves.

Exploration in Lords of the Fallen is engaging, enhanced by the game's stunning visuals. Hex Works has achieved an impressive balance between visual fidelity and art direction. While the real world setting can sometimes feel generic, the Umbrell realm stands out with its unique aesthetics, vibrant colors, and imaginative enemy designs. Performance-wise, the PC version runs smoothly at a consistent 60 frames per second, even though some settings required adjustment on my mid-range system.

Unfortunately, the storytelling aspect is a weaker link in Lords of the Fallen. The narrative is conveyed through underwhelming cutscenes and conversations, often relying on item descriptions to fill in backstory details. The plot tends towards the conventional, with the player combating evil forces while wielding the powerful Lantern. Despite this, the storytelling doesn't serve as a strong motivator for exploring the game's world.

Lords of the Fallen stands as an impressive entry in its genre. It combines excellent gameplay with breathtaking visuals and introduces a unique perspective on the realm of the Dead. While the game doesn't revolutionize the genre, it serves as an evolution of established concepts, providing an engaging experience for players.