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Mortal Shell

Mar 04, 2021 5 years ago
Old Announcement trailer 1 / 5
Type Base game 2020 Genres IndieRole-playing (RPG) Companies Playstack · Publisher · Cold Symmetry · Developer Follow Log in to follow

Mortal Shell is a ruthless and deep action-RPG that tests your sanity and resilience in a shattered world. Your adversaries spare no mercy, with survival demanding superior awareness, precision and instincts. Possess lost warriors, track down hidden sanctums of the devout, and face formidable foes. "Awakening as an empty vessel, you will enter into a shattered and twisted world where the remains of humanity wither and rot. Implored to do the bidding of the mysterious “Dark Father”, you must traverse this tattered landscape and track down hidden sanctums of devout followers. There, in Mortal Shell’s most hallowed grounds, you must overcome formidable foes and harvest the sacred glands. You won’t be truly alone when the dead litter your path: Scattered across this land are the remnant anima of lost warriors who can be inhabited to gain their unique abilities and knowledge of weapons. The Dark Father is desperate for you to complete your task — but to what end? Discover “Shells” to Suit Your Playstyle - The lost remains of defeated warriors are yours to unearth. Awaken these Mortal Shells, occupy their bodies and significantly widen your understanding of different forms of combat. Inhabit a Shell that best fits your style and utilizes their own unique mastery of skills and weapon upgrades. Iron Sharpens Iron - Combat is strategic and deliberate. Survival demands superior awareness, precision and instincts. You must commit your sword only when an opportunity opens. Calculate your parries to unleash devastating counterblows. Non-linear Campaign - Draw your own path across marsh-infested lowlands, through a gargantuan cathedral of obsidian rock, and into an ancient crypt frozen into the crest of a mountain. Deep Upgrade Paths - The stronger your connection to each Mortal Shell grows, the better you can harness their innate talents. Craft unique upgrades, sharpen your blade with acid, and study dark arcane abilities that imbue your attacks with supernatural devastation. Face Haunting Foes - Your path is guarded by desperate adversaries, devoted to inscrutable gods. Behold creatures both pitiable and grotesque, but do not let fear halt your journey. Muster your courage and face them down. Developed by AAA Veterans - Mortal Shell has been developed by a coalition of seasoned veterans with an unbridled passion for the soulslike genre."

What it’s like

Mortal Shell offers a punishingly precise soulslike experience set within the decaying, gothic architecture of Cimmeria. You play as an empty vessel, inhabiting the remains of fallen warriors to gain unique combat styles and abilities. The core loop revolves around strategic, deliberate combat where timing is paramount; parrying is not just defensive but the primary offensive tool, requiring intense focus and pattern recognition. Exploration is non-linear, guiding you through marshlands, colossal cathedrals, and frozen crypts that emphasize verticality and environmental storytelling over explicit narrative exposition. The atmosphere is heavy with dread and solemnity, reinforced by a haunting soundtrack and stark, monochromatic art direction. While the plot remains shrouded in mystery, the journey focuses on self-discovery and survival against grotesque, desperate foes. The game rewards patience and mastery, offering deep progression systems tied to your chosen shells rather than traditional leveling, creating a cohesive but unforgiving adventure for those who appreciate mechanical rigor over narrative hand-holding.

Strong in Atmosphere / MoodCombatGameplay / MechanicsAudio / MusicDifficulty / ChallengeExploration / WorldProgression / ReplayabilitySystems Depth / Build VarietyVisuals / Art

Keep in mind The combat can feel restrictive due to its strict parry-only focus, which may alienate players preferring fluid dodge-based action. The visual clarity is occasionally compromised by the dark, monochromatic art style, making it difficult to distinguish enemy attacks or environmental hazards.

AI-generated from catalog data.

Screenshots

Releases

PlatformRegionTypeDate
PC (Microsoft Windows) Worldwide Full release Aug 18, 20206 years ago
PlayStation 4 Worldwide Full release Aug 18, 20206 years ago
Xbox One Worldwide Full release Aug 18, 20206 years ago
Xbox Series X|S Worldwide Full release Mar 04, 20215 years ago

Reviews

75Critics · 8 70Players · 93

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