Napoleon Bonaparte, a figure whose post-defeat resilience and ambition mirror that of a Soulslike protagonist, serves as the thematic core for Valor Mortis. The game reimagines history, positing an alternate reality where Napoleon, after his exile to Elba, not only returned to power but continued his empire's expansion with the aid of a mysterious substance called Nephtoglobin, which unlocks supernatural abilities. This ambitious first-person Soulslike, developed by One More Level, is set to launch on October 13 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
One More Level, previously known for the cyberpunk parkour slasher series Ghostrunner, has shifted gears dramatically. The futuristic setting and wall-running mechanics have been abandoned for a historical world steeped in supernatural elements. Valor Mortis places players in the boots of William Dowsett, a British volunteer in Napoleon's Grande Armée. The narrative unfolds across a Europe ravaged by the emperor's ambitions. Upon regaining consciousness in a mass grave at the game's start, Dowsett, though suffering from memory loss, remains a devout follower of Napoleon. The first-person perspective immerses players in William's perspective, highlighting his unwavering devotion. Even as he witnesses the atrocities committed by the imperial army, his faith is bolstered by telepathic messages from Napoleon, encouraging him to press on through the carnage.
The game's environments are saturated with the remnants of Napoleon's campaigns. Corpses litter the landscape, serving as both obstacles and the source of monstrous enemies. Valor Mortis presents a narrative about war's dehumanizing effect, depicting how individuals are reduced to mere 'rotting meat.' This story is told through the eyes of a soldier gradually shedding his blind fanaticism to confront the grim realities of Napoleon's legacy. While at times heavy-handed, the narrative punches above its weight with an uncommon narrative drive.
The moment-to-moment gameplay, however, proves less compelling. Valor Mortis attempts to blend numerous inspirations, including elements from Dark Souls and BioShock, alongside nonlinear exploration and platforming. This ambitious mix, however, feels overstretched, with various gameplay ideas competing for attention. The combat, while adhering to the dodge-parry-attack rhythm of Soulslikes, lacks the impactful feedback that defines the genre. Similarly, the platforming sections, while offering a change of pace from combat, feel like a missed opportunity, lacking significant impact on the overall experience. The game feels like a collection of competent, but not exceptional, parts that fail to coalesce into a greater whole.
Despite these shortcomings, Valor Mortis succeeds in evoking the signature Soulslike blend of dread and eagerness. The unsettling atmosphere and inventive creature designs make moments of respite feel earned and precious. Players are constantly drawn forward, curious about what lies beyond the next checkpoint, even amidst the palpable sense of danger. Over the roughly 12 to 15 hours it took to reach the credits, players will traverse rain-soaked hamlets, war-torn fortresses, and dark laboratories, encountering a variety of grotesque enemies, including Nephtoglobin-infused suicide bombers, hulking giants, and monstrous dog-human amalgamations.
Visually, the game maintains a coherent aesthetic, drawing from 19th-century European and French military design, albeit warped by mutation, creating a believable, if disturbing, world. Valor Mortis is a frustrating experience, not due to its Soulslike difficulty, but because of its overambition. It stands as a compelling exploration of fanaticism and its monstrous consequences, bolstered by exceptional art direction. Yet, it also falters as a collection of disparate mechanics that feel like echoes of more focused games. While the gameplay may be unfocused, Valor Mortis is a noteworthy title that encourages experimentation with setting and theme, leaving players anticipating One More Level's future projects.