Lords of The Fallen
8.56
Storyline
7.5/10
"Lords of the Fallen" embarks players on a journey through familiar dark fantasy tropes, but its storyline, though somewhat conventional, still manages to evoke the essence of classic heroism. While the narrative arc may feel reminiscent to seasoned "souls like" enthusiasts, it's the game's steadfast dedication to this traditional formula that ensures a comforting familiarity.
As one of the last standing Lampbearers, players embark on a journey to restore light to the land by igniting ancient beacons scattered across the realm. As a Lampbearer, tasked with this sacred duty, players traverse breathtaking landscapes shrouded in darkness, each step forward a testament to their unwavering resolve and courage.
Feel and Mechanics
7.8/10
Combat whilst nothing new was again a beautifully choreographed dance of light and shadow. Players wield their lamp with finesse, seamlessly blending parrying and dodging into a fluid and refined combat system. Whilst in the middle of intense battles we found that our movement had to be deliberate and every strike calculated.
However, amidst this brilliant combat system lies a shadow of frustration: poor frame rates occasionally interrupt the fluidity of the experience. Moments of intense action can be marred by stuttering animations and laggy inputs, breaking the immersion and detracting from the otherwise seamless combat system.
Challenge and Entertainment
9.5/10
Where "Lords of the Fallen" truly shines is in its introduction of the umbral realm, a dark and mysterious dimension that adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the gameplay experience. This shadowy parallel universe serves as both a formidable challenge and a source of untold power for players willing to venture into its depths.
Of course, no journey would be complete without its challenges, and LOTF delivers in spades with its formidable bosses. Each boss battle is a spectacle, filled with new enemy attacking prowess and tactical use of skills and resources being of upmost importance.
From lush forests to frozen tundras, players traverse a array of landscapes, each more breathtaking than the last. And with each new area comes new challenges and discoveries, ensuring that players remain engaged and enthralled throughout their adventure.
Build and Development
9.0/10
At the heart of this versatility was the game's level-up system, which granted players the freedom to allocate skill points across a variety of attributes. From increasing strength and agility to unlocking powerful spells and abilities, every choice had a meaningful impact on the player's character, allowing them to specialize in specific areas or create a well-rounded build that balanced both combat prowess and magical proficiency.
Additionally, "Lords of the Fallen" offered players a diverse arsenal of weapons to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and playstyles. Whether wielding a massive greatsword, a nimble dagger, or a versatile staff, players could experiment with different weapon types to find the perfect fit for their preferred combat style.
Loot and Extras
9.0/10
Lords of the Fallen revolutionised the action RPG genre with its innovative loot system, setting a new standard for player progression and customisation. The inclusion of online loot rewards added a dynamic element to the game, allowing players to obtain rare and powerful gear through cooperative gameplay. This encouraged collaboration among players and fostered a sense of camaraderie.
Furthermore, the inclusion of boss weapons and gear as rewards served as a powerful motivator, driving players to push their limits and master the game's mechanics in pursuit of these coveted rewards.
Overall, "Lords of the Fallen's" groundbreaking loot system paved the way for future titles within the genre, demonstrating the potential for deep and rewarding player progression systems.