Valor Mortis Review: A Bold First-Person Soulslike Experiment

Defining the First-Person Soulslike

Valor Mortis, developed by One More Level (the studio behind the Ghostrunner series), is an ambitious attempt to transplant the methodical, high-stakes DNA of the Soulslike genre into a first-person perspective. Set against the backdrop of an alternate-history Napoleonic era, the game immediately distinguishes itself with a unique aesthetic—think body horror meets 19th-century warfare.

For players tired of the standard third-person parry-and-dodge loop, Valor Mortis offers a refreshing, albeit uneven, alternative. It attempts to weave together disparate gameplay pillars: strict melee combat, tactical shooting, and agile platforming. While it doesn't always nail the execution—often feeling like a "jack of all trades" that struggles to master any single one—it succeeds in creating a distinct atmosphere and a combat loop that feels genuinely different from its contemporaries.

Combat Mechanics: Parry, Shoot, and Cast

The combat in Valor Mortis is the game's most polarizing element. It demands precision, yet provides players with an arsenal that allows for creative, often non-traditional, solutions.

The Combat Triad

• Melee Mastery: The core of the experience remains a strict parry-and-counter system. If you are familiar with titles like Mortal Shell or Onimusha, be prepared for a much tighter window here. Missing a parry often results in swift death.
• Off-Hand Magic: Borrowing a page from immersive sims like BioShock, your off-hand can be equipped with various spells. These are essential for controlling crowds and setting up enemies for finishers.
• Firearms: Guns are not just secondary; they are game-changers. Whether picking off enemies from a distance or breaking an opponent's posture, your firearm loadout will eventually become as vital as your sword.

The game forces you to balance these three inputs. Early on, you may feel compelled to rely solely on your sword, but as the game progresses, you will find that pure parrying is often the least efficient way to handle complex encounters. Players have reported that utilizing the full arsenal—switching between magic and firearms—is the key to surviving the game's more overwhelming combat scenarios.

Exploration and Level Design

The level design in Valor Mortis leans heavily into the "Soulslike" philosophy of interconnected, labyrinthine environments. You will find yourself navigating ruined cities, swampy prisons, and haunted villages that loop back on themselves, creating satisfying shortcuts that alleviate the frustration of the game's high difficulty.

However, a significant point of friction noted in community reports is the total absence of an in-game map. While the level design is generally well-crafted, the lack of spatial guidance can lead to confusion, especially in the larger, more open areas or dense forest sections.

Tip

Navigation Advice: If you feel lost or unsure of where to go next, return to the hub area—the church. Most paths forward are tethered to this central location. Don't waste time backtracking through complex zones until you have exhausted the possibilities near the hub.

The game also incorporates significant platforming elements. You will find yourself grappling and wall-running, which speaks to the developer's pedigree with Ghostrunner. Unfortunately, this is where the game shows its "indie roots." Platforming can feel unpolished, with players occasionally passing through geometry or getting caught on ledges, which can break the immersion during high-tension moments.

Narrative and Atmosphere

Visually, Valor Mortis is a standout. It successfully blends the grim, grotesque creature design of a Bloodborne-esque world with the specific, jarring aesthetic of the Napoleonic era. The monsters—twisted amalgamations of soldiers and plague victims—are genuinely unsettling.

The story itself is somewhat thin, relying on a "war is hell" premise that often clashes with the protagonist's surprisingly jovial personality. While some players may find the main character's quips out of place, others appreciate the levity he brings to such a bleak world.

Warning

Narrative Inconsistency: Be aware that the story can feel disjointed. Players have noted that the voice acting is strong, but the script sometimes struggles to match the tone of the horrific events unfolding on screen. It appears to be a byproduct of a game that underwent significant changes during development.

Technical Performance and Stability

This is the area where Valor Mortis struggles the most. The ambition of the project is clear, but the technical execution is currently rough.

• Bugs and Crashes: Community reports frequently mention hard crashes, particularly when launching the game via Steam.
• Collision Issues: Hitboxes can occasionally feel inconsistent, leading to moments where you feel you should have landed a hit, only to strike the air, or vice versa.
• Environment Polish: You may encounter missing textures or geometry issues in certain areas.

While these issues don't render the game unplayable, they do create a "duct-taped" feel that can detract from the overall experience. It is a game that is clearly pushing its limits, and at times, those limits are visible in the form of bugs and jank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Valor Mortis an open-world game?

No. It is a linear, level-based game with interconnected zones that feature shortcuts and secrets, similar to traditional Soulslike design, but it is not an open-world experience.

Does the game have a map?

No. Valor Mortis does not feature an in-game map, which can make navigation difficult in larger, more complex environments. You must rely on visual cues and your memory of the shortcuts you have unlocked.

Is the combat as hard as other Soulslikes?

It is quite challenging, particularly due to the strict parry window. However, because you have access to guns and magic, you often have more tools to mitigate the difficulty than in a traditional, melee-only Soulslike.

How long is the campaign?

Based on player reports, a typical playthrough of Valor Mortis takes approximately 20 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how thoroughly you explore for secrets.

Final Verdict

Valor Mortis is a "perfect seven" type of game. It is a title that clearly overreaches its technical capabilities but compensates with an abundance of fresh, interesting ideas. By successfully blending FPS mechanics with the pacing and challenge of a Soulslike, One More Level has created a unique experience that stands out in a crowded genre. If you can look past the bugs, janky platforming, and the lack of a map, you will find a compelling, dark, and highly creative world that is well worth the 20-hour investment.