All eyes are on the newest FromSoftware projectElden Ringfollowing its recent gameplay reveal trailer, but Cold Symmetry’sMortal Shellis not one to be missed for fans of the genre. InMortal Shell, the player awakens as a wraith, and must inhabit the bodies of the fallen in order to survive and complete the mission tasked to them by the “Dark Father.” The twist here is that the player’s strengths vary depending on the body they inhabit, a feature that adds a creative new aspect to the Soulslike genre.
The aesthetic ofMortal Shellmost closely resembles the grim, gothic style of theDark Soulsseries, but the gameplay brings to mind another FromSoftware title.Mortal Shellis remarked for being a fast-pacedSoulslike game likeBloodborne, one of the more unique FromSoftware Soulslike games. The latestMortal ShellDLC,TheVirtuous Cycle,lays its inspirations bare by borrowing a feature that is characteristicallyBloodborne.
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Bloodborne’s Trick Weapons In Mortal Shell
Bloodborne’strick weaponsbecame somewhat of a signature feature for the game, standing as one of the elements that set the game apart from other FromSoftware games. These trick weapons are so-called because of their ability to transform into an alternative weapon type by pressing L1.
Trick weapons were very well received bySoulsfans, as their inclusion proved to be a unique introduction that really had endless possibilities in terms of the combinations of weapon types the developer could make. On top of this, they allowed the player to vary their playstyle, changing their approach depending on the situation. This motivated the player to try out playstyles they ordinarily wouldn’t, encouraging the more cautious gamer to branch out and take risks.
The reveal ofMortal Shell’s Virtuous CycleDLCput trick weapons front and center, featuring a staff being transformed into a halberd, before being transformed once more into a katana. TheBloodborneinspirations are immediately apparent, as the wielder transforms their sword into a halberd to deliver a final powerful blow. The weapon and its variations are deliberately highlighted by the trailer, suggesting they could be a huge part of the DLC.Mortal Shelltakes this trick weapon idea to another level by introducing a third variation, which will be sure to further build upon the feeling of experimental freedom both this game and Bloodborne are predicated on.
A Possible Replacement For Bloodborne
There had been rumors of aBloodborneremaster coming to PS5 and PCthis year, but with nothing announced as of yet,Bloodbornefans will be looking for a multiplatform, next-gen alternative. This is whereMortal Shellcould prove to fill a gaping void forBloodbornefans. WhileMortal Shelllaunched on previous-gen consoles, an enhanced version is available for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, makingMortal Shellavailable to most gamers.
As for the content of the game,Mortal Shelladds just enough to the Soulslike formula to feel like an entirely new experience, without compromising the gameplay thatSoulsfans crave.Mortal Shellmanages to innovate on its inspirations by adding a unique gameplay feature that introduces a fantastic amount of variety to the gameplay.
The protagonist ofMortal Shellis a disembodied wraith, who is capable of occupying the bodies of the fallen. Beyond simply functioning as an intriguing plot point for the game, this brings a number of gameplay innovations, including the ability to change class by possessing different types of soldiers and allowing the player a second chance at life after being defeated and ejected from the wraith’s vessel.
There are two main aspects ofBloodbornethat set the game apart from theDark Soulsfranchise: the setting, and gameplay. While the setting ofMortal Shellresembles more closely the wretched, gothic environment ofDark Souls, the gameplay is unmistakablyBloodborne, with theVirtuous CycleDLC set to expand upon this similarity. Fans who can’t get enough ofBloodborne’sLovecraftian horrorare perhaps better served to hope for aBloodborneremaster, as Mortal Shell lacks in this department.
However, if the addictive and fast-paced gameplay is what draws the player toBloodborne,Mortal Shellis the perfect replacement.Mortal Shellcaptures the feel ofBloodborne, while also innovating by adding its fair share of gameplay features that make the game no less challenging, but a lot more action-packed.
Mortal Shellis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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