Valor Mortis, an intriguing first-person action game, takes players on a thrilling journey through an alternate version of the Napoleonic wars. Announced at Gamescom Opening Night Live earlier this year, the game’s developers have firmly positioned it within the soulslike genre. This approach has set high expectations, given the game’s first-person perspective and daring themes.
A Unique Spin on the Soulslike Genre
Valor Mortis is the brainchild of One More Level, the studio credited with the success of 2020’s Ghostrunner. Game director Radosław Ratusznik shared insights at the Game Industry Conference in Poznań, where he emphasized the development team’s passion for soulslike games, fueled by their prior experience with Ghostrunner. The game’s concept was inspired by their desire to blend melee combat, firearms, and magical mutant abilities, brought to life by a lead concept artist with extensive knowledge of Napoleonic Europe.
The result is a captivating setting where a monstrous Napoleon leads an army of undead mutants across Europe. Ratusznik aims to change the perception of the Napoleonic era, presenting it in a new light that combines historical intrigue with imaginative gameplay. The player takes on the role of William, a British soldier entangled in the chaos, who harnesses a mysterious substance to retain his sanity and combat the undead.
Gameplay Mechanics and Challenges
Those who have experienced Valor Mortis at gaming conventions report an unsettling yet compelling experience. The game combines the traditional soulslike elements with the first-person viewpoint, adding a unique twist to combat mechanics. Players must navigate the challenging world, managing stamina, poise, and collecting currency, which is lost upon death unless retrieved. Strong enemy encounters and strategic battlefields add layers of difficulty, making it essential for players to master the combat system.
Ratusznik acknowledges the difficulty of merging a first-person perspective with soulslike attributes, but player feedback from events like Gamescom and PAX has been positive, affirming the game’s authentic soulslike feel. This fresh perspective reinvents how players engage with the genre, offering a distinct and challenging adventure.
Technological Optimizations and Future Prospects
Scheduled for a 2026 release on PC, PS5, and Xbox, Valor Mortis has sparked curiosity about its console development process. Ratusznik praises the Xbox Series S for its performance, noting how optimizing for various consoles benefits all players, including those on PC. While there’s no official announcement for a Nintendo Switch 2 version, Ratusznik expresses a personal interest in bringing Valor Mortis to this platform, potentially expanding its reach.
The development team is also considering difficulty settings to ensure players can tailor their experiences. Although an easy mode is on the table, the focus remains on delivering a consistent challenge that resonates with the core soulslike audience. Valor Mortis is set to offer a fresh take on historical fiction and innovative gameplay, promising an exhilarating journey for fans of the genre.