Tag: Soulslike

  • Free Playtest of Promising New Soulslike Game

    Free Playtest of Promising New Soulslike Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valor Mortis is a promising new Soulslike game from One More Level, known for the Ghostrunner series.
    2. The storyline follows William, a resurrected soldier in a monster-infested Europe, who gains supernatural powers at a cost.
    3. The game features classic Soulslike combat with an innovative first-person perspective and unique “transmutations” abilities.
    4. Each use of William’s powers risks increasing his corruption, adding a strategic element to gameplay.
    5. Valor Mortis will be released in 2026, with a playtest available from October 6 to 13 for interested players.

    Since the release of Lies of P, there hasn’t been a notable Soulslike game that has drawn significant interest. However, this may change with Valor Mortis, a new game from the Polish developer One More Level, who are well-known for the Ghostrunner series. Gamers who enjoy Dark Souls, Nioh, or Mortal Shell might find something unique here. Insider Gaming suggests that this title could be “the most promising Soulslike in years.”

    A Unique Storyline

    The plot revolves around William, a former soldier in the Grande Armée who suddenly wakes up in a mass grave. He discovers a ruined Europe where most people have been killed and transformed into monsters by a substance named Nephtoglobin. Unlike them, William is not the same; the same substance that ended his life also resurrected him, giving him supernatural powers, though at a cost, as it gradually corrupts him from the inside.

    Classic Combat with a Twist

    Valor Mortis adheres to the core principles of the Soulslike genre—intense combat where every action counts, and timing, blocking, and dodging are all vital. However, it introduces an innovative first-person perspective that adds a new dimension to the gameplay. William’s supernatural abilities are referred to as “transmutations,” allowing him to use his life force to improve his attacks or unleash powerful abilities. The downside is that each use contributes to the corruption within him. If he overexerts himself, he risks losing control and becoming the very monster he is battling.

    Upcoming Release and Playtest

    Valor Mortis is set to be released in 2026, but a playtest is scheduled from October 6 to 13. Players who are interested in an early experience can register by submitting their email on the official website. Those wishing to receive updates can already add the game to their wishlist on Steam.

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    Free Playtest of Promising New Soulslike GameFree Playtest of Promising New Soulslike Game

     

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  • New Pirate Survival Game Free to Try on Steam – Join the Adventure!

    New Pirate Survival Game Free to Try on Steam – Join the Adventure!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Combat System: Crosswind features a meticulous, Soulslike-inspired combat style that requires timing and strategy, combining melee weapons with slow-reloading gunpowder firearms.

    2. Naval Combat Challenges: Players manually navigate ships, engage in cannon fire, and can execute basic boarding maneuvers, with ship damage affecting performance in combat.

    3. Positive Community Feedback: Initial player reactions highlight the game’s blend of survival elements with a dark pirate atmosphere, filling a gap in the genre.

    4. Alpha Phase Details: The alpha version offers about 30 hours of gameplay, with the first phase lasting at least four weeks, and community feedback is encouraged for further development.

    5. Ongoing Development: Players can participate in the game’s development through bug reporting on Discord, but there are currently no announcements regarding pricing or a release date.

    In Crosswind, gamers venture into a wild world filled with isolated islands, both on land and on the ocean. This game merges traditional survival elements with a dark pirate vibe and a fighting system that draws inspiration from Soulslike games. The current alpha version showcases three unique biomes, each presenting its own enemies and resources, plus early NPC factions and three ships players can control. Alongside melee and gunpowder fighting, gamers can participate in naval combat and test out initial boarding mechanics. There’s some story content available already, with a complete campaign planned for the final launch that will feature supernatural aspects and historical figures. The developers mention that the alpha offers about 30 hours of gameplay.

    Unique Combat Features

    One of the most notable aspects of Crosswind is its combat system. Unlike well-known survival titles like Valheim or Sons of the Forest, which use simpler combat methods, Crosswind adopts a meticulous, Soulslike-inspired style. Both the weapons and the enemies have distinct movement patterns, and achieving success hinges on timing, clever dodging, and accurately placed strikes. This melee combat is paired with gunpowder weapons like pistols and muskets. These weapons are very powerful but have slow reload times, requiring players to be strategic and precise.

    Navigating the Seas

    Crosswind also presents a challenge on the water. Players need to manually navigate their ships, fire cannons onboard, and outsmart enemies by positioning themselves carefully. Accurate hits have a direct effect on how well a ship performs – a damaged rudder limits steering, missing sails slows down speed, and a hit to the powder magazine can cause a catastrophic explosion. Once an enemy ship is significantly damaged, players can execute a boarding maneuver to finish them off, although this feature is still quite basic in the current alpha stage.

    Community Feedback

    Initial reactions in the official Crosswind thread on r/pcgaming have been mostly favorable. Players particularly appreciate the combination of classic survival elements with the deep pirate atmosphere. Comments such as “The Skull and Bones we wanted” imply that Crosswind could fill a long-existing gap in the genre, since new pirate-themed games have been hard to come by, aside from the lighter Sea of Thieves. The combat system is also getting positive reviews, although some players mention it still needs some tweaks. There are a few lingering questions about specific mechanics: some wonder if crafting is genuinely essential or if base building aligns with the pirate theme. There are also uncertainties about how extensive the multiplayer experience will turn out to be.

    The first alpha phase is anticipated to last at least four weeks, though the Crosswind Crew might extend it based on player feedback. Those interested can sign up for the playtest directly on the game’s official Steam page. Access is granted manually, but those not accepted immediately will stay in the pool for upcoming testing rounds. On the official Discord server, players can actively participate in the development process – bug reports are highly encouraged and will help speed up fixes according to the team. There hasn’t been any official announcement regarding pricing or a release date yet.

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  • Fairytale Soulslike Game on Sale for Only $5 – Limited Time Deal

    Fairytale Soulslike Game on Sale for Only $5 – Limited Time Deal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dark Storyline: Tails of Iron features a whimsical yet dark plot, where players control Redgi, a young rat seeking to reclaim his fallen kingdom from a cruel frog army.

    2. Combat Mechanics: The game emphasizes real-time combat with swift and fluid gameplay, allowing players to choose from various weapons without a stamina meter complicating their strategy.

    3. Visuals and Atmosphere: The hand-drawn 2D graphics and voice acting by Doug Cockle enhance the game’s immersive experience, contributing to its positive reception.

    4. Mixed Reviews: While praised for its combat and visuals, the game lacks an easy mode and offers minimal exploration or puzzle-solving elements, which may deter newcomers to the genre.

    5. Sequel Released: A sequel, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter, was released on January 28, 2025, introducing new gameplay features and continuing the story in a different setting.

    Tails of Iron is a 2D action RPG that draws a lot from Souls-like games. At first sight, the game’s world and its delightful hand-drawn graphics give off a vibe of a fun, family-oriented story. But don’t let that fool you. You take on the role of Redgi, the young successor of a fallen rat kingdom. Although the animal characters may remind you of classic fables or medieval tales, the plot turns much darker, mixing whimsical features with a serious, often bloody storyline that echoes the original Grimm’s fairy tales. The kingdom is under attack by a cruel frog army. After seeing his father killed, Redgi embarks on a dangerous quest to save his brothers, take back his throne, and rid the land of the amphibian menace.

    Combat and Gameplay

    Just like expected from a Soulslike game, Tails of Iron focuses heavily on combat. Redgi has to tackle not only swarms of lesser enemies but also fierce boss encounters. The real-time combat requires quick reactions and precise timing. However, due to its 2D viewpoint, the challenge isn’t as severe as in 3D games like Dark Souls or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The combat feels fast-paced and smooth, partly because there’s no stamina meter to keep track of. Players can choose from various weapons such as swords, axes, and spears, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Armor is also crucial, affecting both defense and agility, allowing you to customize your combat approach.

    Reviews and Reception

    In a review by the German site Eurogamer, Tails of Iron was commended for its tough yet fair combat mechanics and beautifully crafted 2D visuals, which highlight an impressive attention to detail. The unique story about a conflict between rats and frogs is voiced by Doug Cockle, known for portraying Geralt in The Witcher, contributing to the game’s rich atmosphere. With playtime around 10 to 12 hours for both main and side quests, the review described the experience as compact but fulfilling, providing a rounded adventure without overstaying its welcome.

    Critiques and Feedback

    Despite the praise, Eurogamer pointed out a few shortcomings. The lack of an easy mode could make the game intimidating for newcomers to the Soulslike genre. Moreover, Tails of Iron heavily focuses on combat, with little else to offer. There are nearly no puzzles or exploration aspects to break the continuous action. Eurogamer opted not to give a final score. On a broader scale, the game has received favorable feedback. On Steam, more than 10,000 players have reviewed it, with 88% giving it a positive rating. On Metacritic, Tails of Iron has a Metascore of 81 and a User Score of 8.0, showing its good reception overall.

    Tails of Iron was created by Odd Bug Studio and published by United Label in September 2021. It typically retails for around $25 on Steam, but it’s currently available at an 80% discount, bringing the price down to just $5 until April 21. If you’re not in a hurry, it might be wise to wait a bit. SteamDB indicates that the game sometimes drops to a 90% discount, so with some patience, you might grab it for even cheaper.

    Sequel Information

    By the way – a sequel was just released: Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter came out on January 28, 2025, and is now offered at a 25% discount for around $19 instead of $25. This time, you play as Arlo, the heir to the Guardian of the Wastelands, whose home has been ravaged by a horde of bats. The game expands on the original with new features like magic, elemental damage, a grappling hook for movement, and the ability to upgrade your fortress. If you liked the first game, you’ll likely find a lot to enjoy in this new installment.

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  • New Vampire RPG Combines Classic Style with Soulslike Combat – Demo Available

    New Vampire RPG Combines Classic Style with Soulslike Combat – Demo Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Overview: Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a new project by Brian Mitsoda, featuring Soulslike combat, 2.5D Metroidvania mechanics, and deep customization options.

    2. Storyline: Players assume the role of an inquisitor tasked with tracking down heretics in the fantasy world of Faelduum, navigating a 40-hour quest with 10 main story quests and numerous side quests.

    3. Gameplay Features: The game offers six distinct character classes, 75 handcrafted locations, intense boss battles against 15 bosses and 19 mini bosses, and extensive character customization through various skill upgrades.

    4. Combat Mechanics: The combat system requires player skill and precise timing for attacks and dodges, drawing inspiration from classic games like Castlevania and Dark Souls.

    5. Accessibility: A free demo is available on Steam, allowing players to experience the game before purchasing.

    After losing his job as the main narrative writer for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, Brian Mitsoda shifted gears to his new project — Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree — at a small game studio focused on refreshing hardcore gaming genres. Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree has just been released on Steam, and it includes a free demo that allows players to experience the game’s Soulslike combat, 2.5D Metroidvania mechanics, and deep customization options.

    The Storyline

    Mandragora follows an inquisitor, who is an enforcer of the King Priest’s will, tasked with tracking down heretics and monsters that threaten the realm. Following a crisis of faith and an act of rebellion, your destiny becomes linked to the fall of the fantasy world of Faelduum. As the narrative unfolds, you’ll explore the roots of Faelduum’s decay through a grand 40-hour quest, where you’ll encounter various enemies while refining your character and gameplay style with different weapons and upgrades. Whispers of the Witch Tree offers 10 main story quests, 35 optional quests, and 15 bounty quests, with character customization achieved through special talent trees, passive skills, and over “200+ active skill upgrades.”

    Gameplay Features

    In Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, there are six character classes to choose from, each with distinct play styles and abilities that can be customized through weapon choices, abilities, and character skill enhancements. The game unfolds across 75 unique handcrafted locations, where players will engage in intense boss battles featuring 15 bosses and 19 mini bosses. Every character is fully voiced in English, and there are numerous secret areas for players to discover during their adventure.

    Combat Mechanics

    Because Mandragora blends the Soulslike and Metroidvania genres, the combat system is heavily dependent on player skill and timing, making attack and dodge timing crucial for success. The game also draws inspiration from titles like Castlevania and Dark Souls in terms of aesthetics, presenting a dark, atmospheric style filled with various ghouls and eldritch horrors for players to combat.

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