Lords of the Fallen, a new addition to the Dark Souls genre developed by Hexworks and CI Games, has generated a mixed reception among critics. Drawing inspiration from FromSoftware’s renowned games such as Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring, Lords of the Fallen presents a similar design and aesthetic. One prominent feature of the game is its incorporation of two distinct realms—the corporeal and the ethereal. Critics generally applauded the inclusion of the ethereal realm, known as the Umbral dimension, for its contribution to both environmental puzzle-solving and combat encounters.
The critical reception towards Lords of the Fallen varies significantly. Reviews from different sources offer diverse insights into the game’s strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a closer look at a selection of reviews to understand the varying perspectives on the game.
Phil Hornshaw from GameSpot appreciates Lords of the Fallen’s visually impressive world and unique concept, along with the Umbral dimension’s positive impact on exploration and atmosphere. However, Hornshaw expresses disappointment with the level design and the lack of satisfaction derived from challenging battles. While risk-and-reward gameplay can be enjoyable, the game fails to provide worthwhile rewards or strike a balance between difficulty and enjoyment. Hornshaw concludes that the game often becomes tedious and leaves players longing for alternative activities.
James Troughton’s review for TheGamer takes a more positive stance on Lords of the Fallen. He commends the game for offering a fresh take on the Soulslike genre, without merely imitating FromSoftware’s creations. Although Troughton criticizes the game’s slow start and linear progression, he acknowledges the impressive boss fights and the intriguing Umbral world concept. Lords of the Fallen is credited for building upon the existing formula rather than strictly emulating it.
Insights from PC Gamer
Harvey Randall at PC Gamer lauds Lords of the Fallen for featuring some of the genre’s best boss fights. However, he identifies an issue with difficulty spikes occurring in inappropriate moments throughout the game. Similar to other critics, Randall acknowledges the strength of the Umbral dimension and praises the atmospheric elements and boss designs. Nevertheless, he finds fault with the game’s inconsistency, as it fails to deliver a harmonious experience. The disharmony between challenging bosses and overwhelming enemies compromises the overall game design.
Shacknews’ Perspective
TJ Denzer, in his review for Shacknews, shares some concerns about the game’s uneven challenges. Despite this, Denzer expresses predominantly positive sentiments about Lords of the Fallen. Once again, the Umbral dimension receives praise for its creativity and the sense of risk it adds to the gameplay. Denzer admits the game could have amped up the threat posed by the Umbral realm rather than solely increasing the number of foes. However, the potential and curiosity sparked by this dimension were undeniably intriguing.
A Conclusion Reflecting on Lords of the Fallen
The critical reviews of Lords of the Fallen reflect a varied reception for the game. While some critics appreciate its fresh take on the Soulslike genre and the inclusion of the Umbral dimension, others find fault with its uneven difficulty, level design, and reward system. It is clear that Lords of the Fallen aspires to carve its own path within the genre, but its execution leaves room for improvement.
As with any game, it’s essential to remember that personal preferences can greatly influence one’s opinion. While some players may find themselves captivated by the Umbral dimension and the game’s creativity, others may be deterred by its inconsistent gameplay. Ultimately, the reception of Lords of the Fallen is subjective, and players should explore the game for themselves to form their own opinion.
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