PGC NEWS

Lords of the Fallen, released in late October 2014 by City Interactive Games (CI Games), marked a significant turning point for the Polish developer, previously known primarily for the Sniper: Ghost Warrior series. This action RPG garnered considerable praise and comparisons to the renowned Dark Souls series upon release. What led to this shift for CI Games? Let’s delve into the world of Lords of the Fallen and discover what makes it a compelling experience.

alt text: Lords of the Fallen gameplay screenshot showing the player character fighting a large, armored enemy.

Deliberate Combat and Demanding Challenges

Lords of the Fallen is a third-person action RPG heavily influenced by the Dark Souls series. While superficially resembling hack-and-slash titles like Devil May Cry or Darksiders, combat requires meticulous planning and strategic execution. Reckless button-mashing leads to swift demise. The game embraces the Dark Souls formula of trial, death, frustration, perseverance, and eventual triumph. This demanding gameplay loop, while initially daunting, creates a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Even basic enemies require careful observation of attack patterns and movement to exploit weaknesses.

Each enemy type demands a unique approach, requiring players to consider equipment, weapon choice, and skill combinations. What works against one enemy might be ineffective against another. Optimizing gear, switching armor, and selecting the right weapon are crucial for success.

“Choosing the right equipment, armor, and weapons becomes a constant and engaging puzzle to solve.”

alt text: Lords of the Fallen gameplay screenshot showcasing the player character exploring a dark and atmospheric environment.

Boss battles amplify the difficulty, featuring imposing foes with formidable defenses and devastating attacks. Losing accumulated experience points and retracing challenging paths becomes a familiar experience. However, the thrill of overcoming these obstacles adds to the game’s allure. Exploring for hidden treasure chests, secret rooms, and venturing into optional areas to acquire rare items further enhances the gameplay. These rewards not only improve character appearance but also provide crucial advantages in combat.

alt text: Lords of the Fallen gameplay screenshot illustrating the player character facing off against a monstrous boss creature.

Striking Character Designs and Epic Visuals

Deck13 Interactive, the primary developer, demonstrates a significant leap in visual quality compared to their previous work. Players will be impressed by the intricate armor designs, featuring elaborate details and textures that enhance the character’s imposing presence. The weaponry is equally impressive, ranging from fiery dragon-scaled greatswords to brutal spiked axes and massive demonic shields.

Enemy designs are equally captivating, from the three-headed Rhogar Hound accompanied by its Beastmaster to the multi-limbed Deceptor.

“The visuals in Lords of the Fallen are truly impressive and deeply immersive.”

alt text: Lords of the Fallen gameplay screenshot highlighting the detailed and intricate design of the character's armor and weaponry.

The bosses are visually stunning, showcasing grand scale and imposing designs, complemented by impressive weaponry. Examples include the gladiator-like Guardian, the scorpion-inspired Infiltrator, the colossal Beast, and the terrifying final boss, Judge. The environments, both indoor and outdoor, are equally captivating, featuring detailed architecture and effective lighting. From the stained-glass windows of cathedrals to the ethereal otherworldly realms and the crumbling ruins of Keystone fortress, the game offers a feast for the eyes.

alt text: Lords of the Fallen gameplay screenshot displaying a visually stunning environment with detailed architecture and atmospheric lighting.

A Few Unfortunate Shortcomings

A notable drawback is the absence of an in-game map, a familiar frustration for Dark Souls veterans. The interconnected level design can be disorienting, requiring players to memorize their path to avoid getting lost. Death in an unfamiliar corner often results in the loss of hard-earned experience points.

The soundtrack, while featuring some epic and haunting melodies reminiscent of Game of Thrones, is underutilized, appearing primarily towards the end of the game. A more consistent presence would have enhanced the atmosphere and gameplay experience.

alt text: Lords of the Fallen gameplay screenshot showing the player character navigating a complex and potentially confusing environment.

While the story has potential, it unfolds primarily towards the end, rather than being woven throughout the game. The brief and simplistic dialogue exchanges fail to provide much insight into the narrative, the protagonist, or the supporting characters.

“The storyline, while intriguing, unfolds too late in the game.”

Conclusion

Despite its flaws, Lords of the Fallen offers a compelling and challenging action RPG experience. The demanding combat, intricate character and enemy designs, and stunning visuals create a memorable journey. While the lack of a map, underutilized soundtrack, and late-blooming story detract from the experience, the game’s strengths ultimately outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile adventure for fans of the genre.