‘Lords of the Fallen’: A Dark Fantasy RPG with Intense Action
‘Lords of the Fallen’ is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and highly anticipated games of the year. This action and adventure role-playing video game falls under the sub-genre of «Soulslike,» known for its high levels of difficulty. The game offers a renewed action RPG experience with dark fantasy elements, featuring a satisfying gameplay system and stunning graphics developed with the Unreal Engine 5. At Prensa Ibérica, we have had the opportunity to extensively enjoy the title. On the occasion of its release, we will delve into its characteristics and reveal what the project, previously known as ‘Lords of the Fallen 2,’ has in store.
This time, the game is developed by Hexworks, a Spanish studio under the umbrella of CI Games. Set a thousand years after the events of the original game, the renewed ‘Lords of the Fallen’ justifies the significant changes that have occurred in the fantastic epic. While the plot makes references to the previous installment, newcomers can still enjoy the new ‘Lords of the Fallen’ without any major issues. In terms of the narrative, players assume the role of a «Holy Sentinel» tasked with overthrowing the tyrant Adyr, a demonic deity resurrected to subjugate the world once again.
As our legendary alter ego, players must navigate through the realms of the living and the dead, overcome colossal boss fights, and defeat the evil entity before it eradicates humanity. The Church seeks the support of an order of legendary crusaders to contain this threat. These champions are the only ones capable of wielding the Umbral Lamp, an artifact with mysterious powers that allows its wearer to traverse between the realms of the living and the dead. The combination of dark elements and religious themes creates a rich and intriguing storyline.
Everything in its Place
In addition to the captivating narrative, ‘Lords of the Fallen’ follows the structural basis of its genre. The combat system, character progression, and exploration will be familiar to those accustomed to this type of game. However, the game offers a wide range of customization options, allowing players to configure their alter-egos’ parameters and equip different weapons. The arsenal, spells, and abilities can be tailored to maximize the strengths of the nine main classes.
Unlike vast open worlds typically found in Souls-like experiences, ‘Lords of the Fallen’ presents an interconnected universe with paths, passages, and shortcuts, creating an excellent atmosphere. Players will explore swamps, burning settlements, monasteries, prisons, and various other locations. It’s worth noting that the map in the new installment is five times larger than the one in the original game. Additionally, players have the opportunity to venture into both the normal world and the «Threshold,» two overlapping realities with distinct areas and interactions.
One of the game’s unique features is the interesting transition mechanic between the universes of ‘Lords of the Fallen.’ Players can use the mystical Umbral Lamp to illuminate scenes, discover hidden paths, and unveil secrets. In many instances, accessing the plane of the dead becomes necessary to progress through the map, as death is directly influenced by the Umbral Realm. When fatally wounded in the living world, players resurface in this cursed space with a second chance to counterattack enemies. The lamp can also be upgraded to enhance combat abilities and unlock more slots for modifiers, which passively reduce penalties in the Threshold and improve life recovery, among other benefits.
A More Sinister Kingdom, If Possible
In the Threshold, the game’s setting undergoes a complete transformation. The world becomes even more sinister, and the risks of exploration increase. Enemies constantly appear, and as players spend more time in this space, the frequency and difficulty of enemy encounters escalate. After a certain period, the use of healing items becomes restricted, and enemies become so challenging that avoiding death becomes nearly impossible. This feature adds tension to the game, creating a sense of urgency in the Threshold. The only way to exit this realm is by interacting with statues scattered throughout the maps or resting at checkpoints. The design of the enemies further intensifies the challenge, demanding players’ best strategies and movements. ‘Lords of the Fallen’ boasts a wide array of bosses and sub-bosses, offering exhilarating and visually stunning battles accompanied by a captivating soundtrack.
Learning and Multiplayer
For players who are not accustomed to the high level of challenge in the «Soulslike» genre, ‘Lords of the Fallen’ provides a balanced learning curve. The game features an inspired introductory phase that allows users to learn and master the basics of this hostile and unforgiving world. Seasoned players will find the game to be a rewarding experience, while newcomers will have ample time to practice and learn from their mistakes before embarking on the adventure. The main campaign offers around 40 hours of gameplay, with the option of New Game+ that significantly increases the difficulty. In terms of multiplayer, ‘Lords of the Fallen’ offers online cooperative play, allowing players to team up with friends. In case of death, players can continue observing their companions until the moment of resurrection. The game also supports full cross-play between PC and consoles, enabling players to enjoy the game together regardless of their platform.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Hexworks has successfully delivered a remarkable ‘Lords of the Fallen’ experience that meets the expectations placed on the Barcelona studio. The game excels in its gripping plot, inspired art direction, and satisfying combat system. It offers an organic and stimulating game structure that will delight fans of the genre. Are you ready to uncover the darkness that lurks in the depths of the Threshold?
Game Details:
Title: Lords of the Fallen
Genre: Role-playing
Release Date: 10/13/2023
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Developer: Hexworks
Producer: CI Games
Language: Spanish (texts)
Voice: