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The Souls-like genre remains a popular gaming niche, especially with the continued anticipation for Elden Ring’s DLC. Amidst this wait, titles like Lies of P and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty have offered compelling experiences. Lords of the Fallen (2023) enters the fray, aiming to carve its own path within this challenging RPG subgenre. This reboot of the 2014 title promises a visually impressive experience powered by Unreal Engine 5 and a captivating dark fantasy setting. Does it live up to the hype, or does it fall short?

A screenshot showing the player character in Lords of the Fallen (2023)

A Realm Divided: Axiom and Umbral

Lords of the Fallen (2023) introduces a unique mechanic: the Umbral Lamp. This allows players to traverse between the realms of Axiom, the world of the living, and Umbral, a parallel dimension of the dead. As an unnamed Dark Crusader, tasked with defeating the resurrected god Adyr, players must navigate both realms to reignite the Beacons of the Sentinels. This dual-world system isn’t just a visual gimmick; it’s integral to exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving.

The player character traversing the Umbral Realm in Lords of the Fallen (2023)

The Umbral Realm offers an intriguing twist on level design. It’s not a separate map, but a mirrored version of Mornstead, brimming with the undead and otherworldly horrors. This interwoven design creates opportunities for clever puzzles and shortcuts, encouraging exploration and rewarding players with valuable resources. Mastering the transition between realms is crucial for survival, offering a second chance after death in Axiom and access to lucrative rewards in Umbral. However, lingering in the Umbral Realm invites increasing danger, culminating in a terrifying pursuit by the Reapers, forcing players to carefully balance risk and reward.

A panoramic view showcasing the intricate level design of Lords of the Fallen (2023)

Visual Splendor and Atmospheric Depth

Lords of the Fallen (2023) boasts a striking visual presentation. The dark fantasy aesthetic permeates every aspect of the game, from the character designs to the environment. Armor sets are intricately detailed, reflecting both the character class and the overall gothic tone. The environments are breathtaking, with panoramic vistas that capture the decaying grandeur of Mornstead. From the sun-drenched Skyrest Bridge to the eerie forests and dilapidated shrines, the world feels both majestic and oppressive. The Umbral Realm offers a chilling contrast, with its cold color palette and haunting atmosphere further enhancing the game’s visual appeal.

A screenshot depicting the haunting beauty of the Umbral Realm in Lords of the Fallen (2023)

Performance Issues and Technical Shortcomings

Unfortunately, the game’s technical execution doesn’t match its artistic ambition. Performance on PC is a significant issue, with widespread reports of instability, crashes, and poor frame rates. The implementation of Unreal Engine 5’s advanced features, like Lumen, seems to have backfired, resulting in a noticeable downgrade from the pre-release footage. Texture streaming is slow, lighting effects are underwhelming, and ambient occlusion is absent, creating a jarring disconnect between the game’s visual potential and its actual presentation. This is particularly frustrating given the absence of a dynamic day-night cycle or weather system, raising questions about the necessity of such demanding technology.

The player character facing a boss in Lords of the Fallen (2023)

A Clunky Combat System and Repetitive Design

Beyond the technical problems, the core gameplay mechanics also suffer from significant flaws. The combat system feels sluggish and unresponsive. Character animations are slow, attacks lack impact, and dodging feels awkward. The lock-on system is particularly problematic, leading to disorientation and frustrating camera angles. Enemy design is similarly uninspired, with many bosses simply being reskinned versions of regular enemies. The New Game+ mode further exacerbates these issues by drastically increasing enemy difficulty while simultaneously restricting fast travel, creating an artificial sense of challenge that feels more tedious than rewarding.

A combat scene in Lords of the Fallen (2023)

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

Lords of the Fallen (2023) presents a captivating world and a unique premise. The dual-realm mechanic and the stunning visuals offer glimpses of brilliance. However, the game is ultimately hampered by its technical shortcomings and flawed gameplay. The performance issues, clunky combat, and repetitive enemy design detract from the overall experience, making it difficult to fully appreciate the game’s strengths. While patches may address some of the technical problems, the fundamental design flaws remain a significant hurdle. Lords of the Fallen (2023), while visually impressive, ultimately falls short of its potential.