Valor Mortis: First Impressions That Will Shock You

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Following the Ghostrunner series, I was eager to uncover One More Level’s next bold move. The sequel’s open‑world and bike segments felt somewhat flat in a game otherwise driven by blistering speed, so the promise of Valor Mortis—a dramatic departure from their usual style—has me genuinely intrigued. The studio’s willingness to experiment signals a fresh direction that could reshape expectations for the genre.

Positioned as a first‑person Souls‑style experience, Valor Mortis immerses players in the heart of the Napoleonic era. The narrative kicks off with your demise under the banner of the Little General, only to awaken in a war‑torn, plague‑infested Europe that has been twisted beyond recognition. This setting promises a grim, atmospheric backdrop that echoes the intensity of the original series.

While Ghostrunner already presents a challenging experience, Valor Mortis appears to crank the difficulty to the maximum. The game retains every hallmark of a Souls‑like title, yet it delivers its combat from the perspective of William, a disgraced Eternal Guard veteran who awakens on a battlefield where his comrades are either dead or driven mad, turning their weapons against one another—and against you. This narrative twist heightens the tension and underscores the game’s unforgiving nature.

In a bold narrative twist, the game invites players to hear the unmistakable voice of Napoleon, voiced by the esteemed French actor Vincent Cassel—known for his work in Black Swan and The White Lotus. Cassel’s commanding presence guides you through every clash, turning the battlefield into a living, breathing dialogue.

While my knowledge of the historical figure is limited to the famous line “at Waterloo, Napoleon did surrender,” reimagining him as a sinister, dark artist in an alternate past is a daring creative choice. This shift moves the game from the gritty, cyber‑punk vibe of titles like Ghostrunner to a bleak, horror‑laden atmosphere that feels both fresh and unsettling.

I’m not an aficionado of Souls‑like titles in general; mastering parry windows and avoiding runbacks can be a frustrating exercise in patience. Yet, Valor Mortis still promises to deliver an exhilarating experience for many. Its forgiving checkpoint system—akin to the bonfires of Dark Souls—lets players pause, upgrade, and set a respawn flag, though enemies will reappear, ensuring a balanced challenge.

The introductory chapter, designed to ease newcomers into the world, features several rest stops along the main route. I particularly appreciated a checkpoint positioned just outside the ominous fog curtain that precedes the first boss. This thoughtful placement allowed me to study enemy patterns without the anxiety of losing significant progress, marking a smart design decision that enhances player confidence.

While the game sacrifices full battlefield awareness, its vivid danger indicators make every threat impossible to overlook. The first‑person perspective immerses you so deeply that I found myself fully engrossed, a feeling that echoes the atmosphere of the Dishonored series. The period setting only amplifies this, yet the core similarities remain unmistakable. During a stretch of the level I wielded both a sword and a gun, only to discover a third, hand‑held flamethrower as the ultimate offensive tool late in the stage.

Movement may be Ghostrunner’s hallmark, but combat is where Valor Mortis truly shines, delivering a pulse‑pounding experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Rapid, timed strikes can split Eternal Guard soldiers in twain, while the pistol proves invaluable for blasting the glowing blisters that inflict heavy damage on enemies. As with all Souls‑like titles, mastery hinges on mastering parry timing—a skill that presents a learning curve, yet rewards precision with a satisfying, crack‑like payoff.

Patience is the name of the game in Valor Mortis, and I discovered that impatience was my biggest foe. My most significant struggle was charging in too eagerly with a sword strike, unable to cancel the animation to parry, and letting a guardsman land the decisive blow. I could have died half a dozen times simply because I couldn’t wait for the right moment. Even though I didn’t defeat the boss in my first session, each run felt progressively better, proving that the game rewards perseverance.

Although combat is compelling, the aesthetic of Valor Mortis truly captivated me. Unlike the bright, angular world of Ghostrunner, this title embraces the grim reality of disease and death, presenting a battlefield strewn with the fallen. I must applaud the enemy designer—especially the final boss, a grotesque rat‑king‑like amalgamation of a commander and his wailing compatriots—for delivering a chilling, unforgettable visual experience.

With a demo now live, I urge you to arm yourself and confront the Eternal Guard. Valor Mortis is emerging as a breathtaking addition to the Soulslike canon, poised to be a top contender for this year’s best title in my eyes. It delivers a demanding yet exhilarating experience, exudes effortless coolness, and introduces fresh concepts by stepping into first‑person gameplay—a bold move in a genre that has largely stayed in third‑person or over‑the‑shoulder perspectives.