Mortal Shell Review: A Souls-like Game Worth Experiencing

Over the years, we’ve seen a rise in Souls-like games inspired by the famous Souls series. While many attempt to replicate the formula, only a few stand out, like the remarkable Nioh. Another strong contender is Mortal Shell, developed by the 15-person team at Cold Symmetry over three years. The final result proves that a small studio with limited resources can deliver a game Souls fans will love!

(Review copy provided by Playstack and Evolve)

Mysterious Storytelling

As with other Souls-like games, Mortal Shell keeps its story vague. You play as the Foundling, a nameless character who starts the game incredibly fragile—one hit is enough to kill you. Early in the game, you find your first Shell, which acts as armor and adds depth to the gameplay. There are four unique Shells, each with its own playstyle and backstory, revealed as you unlock more of their abilities.

Gameplay: Challenging but Rewarding

Mortal Shell offers a highly challenging experience, not for the faint of heart. The world is semi-open, with interconnected areas, each featuring unique bosses and challenges. The exploration is engaging, with minimal guidance, forcing players to solve puzzles and find their way forward. Resources are scarce, adding to the difficulty and rewarding careful play.

Shells and Abilities

The game’s Shell system is a highlight, offering four distinct playstyles. Each Shell has unique stats and abilities tailored to different approaches, whether defensive or aggressive. The Resolve system adds strategic depth, letting players use special moves or parry enemy attacks. Choosing the right Shell and weapon combination significantly impacts gameplay.

Visuals and Sound Design

Mortal Shell boasts impressive visuals, with diverse and atmospheric environments. Each area, from dark forests to snowy landscapes, is visually distinct and stunning. Character and enemy designs are intricate, and the boss fights are both visually and mechanically impressive. The sound design enhances the experience with ambient music and excellent voice acting for characters like Sester Genessa, who helps guide the player.

Technical Performance

The game runs smoothly on PlayStation 4, maintaining a stable 30 FPS most of the time. Occasional frame drops occur during specific enemy attacks, but these issues are minimal and could be addressed in future updates.

Pros:

• Mysterious and engaging story
• Unique Shell system with varied playstyles
• Challenging and rewarding boss fights
• Beautifully designed environments
• Ambient music that enhances the atmosphere

Cons:

• Enemy placement can feel unfair at times
• Hitbox issues in some situations
• Minor technical glitches

Final Rating: 8.5/10

Mortal Shell is a fantastic entry into the Souls-like genre. While it has some flaws, the game’s depth, visuals, and challenging gameplay make it a must-try for fans of the genre. Cold Symmetry has shown incredible potential, and we’re excited to see their future projects.