Valor Mortis Proves First-Person Melee Combat Can Actually Work in a Soulslike
Key Takeaways
- Valor Mortis launches October 13 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, including Day 1 access on Xbox Game Pass.
- The campaign merges One More Level’s signature parkour mobility with deliberate first-person melee, firearm, and magic combat.
- Critical reception highlights the fresh alternate-history Napoleonic setting while noting launch-day technical hitches and balance spikes.
What is Valor Mortis?
Valor Mortis is a first-person Soulslike action game developed by One More Level and published by Lyrical Games. Players control William Dowsett, a resurrected soldier navigating a supernatural 19th-century Europe infected by a plague. The campaign spans roughly 20 hours and blends historical warfare with cosmic horror elements.
Lyrical Games secured notable voice talent to elevate the narrative scope. Actor Vincent Cassel voices Napoleon Bonaparte, serving as a telepathic guide inside the protagonist’s mind.
Jennifer English also stars as The Shrike, a resistance leader opposing the corrupted empire. Lyrical Games chief Blake Rochkind stated the publisher actively pursued a unique take on a proven genre with this debut title.
Price, Platforms, and Launch Times
Lyrical Games officially releases Valor Mortis today, October 13, at 19:00 CEST (10:00 AM PDT). The title arrives simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
The base edition costs just under $40 across all platforms. Microsoft also secured the title for a Day 1 release on the Xbox Game Pass subscription service.
A Deluxe Edition retails for under $60 and includes upcoming cosmetic packs alongside a Major Story DLC planned for next year. One More Level also plans to release free post-launch updates, including a New Game+ mode and a French voiceover option.
Also, learn more about Valor Mortis availability on Xbox Game Pass!
Merging Fast Mobility with Methodical Soulslike Combat
One More Level specializes in first-person action, and the developer successfully integrated its signature parkour mechanics from Ghostrunner into a deliberate combat system. Players must manage spacing, stamina, and precise parry windows against aggressive undead forces.
The protagonist wields traditional 19th-century weapons alongside magical abilities. Combat relies on combining a primary melee weapon, such as a saber or claymore, with off-hand firearms and supernatural powers like pyromancy or stasis.
IGN praised the hybrid combat system, highlighting how players can ignite exploding barrels with magic and seamlessly transition into a pistol execution.
How Does Valor Mortis Perform on Consoles and Steam Deck?
Valor Mortis runs adequately across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, though early reviews report notable technical issues at launch. Players will experience occasional hard crashes, inconsistent enemy tracking, and invisible collision walls during intense combat sequences.
Game Informer noted that the early hours feature brutal balance spikes, often resulting in unfair instant kills from minor enemies. Developer One More Level acknowledged these criticisms and confirmed future patches will address stability and hitbox precision.
Despite high graphical fidelity, the game remains functional on portable hardware. Steam Deck HQ confirmed the title achieves a stable 30 frames per second on Low settings using FSR Performance upscaling.
Valor Mortis is an exceptional first-person soulslike that overcomes its issues with a beautiful world, personal combat, and solid #SteamDeck performance. A copy was provided by One More Level for review. https://t.co/hHjk1MEp4h
— SteamDeckHQ (@SteamDeckHQ) October 12, 2026
The Verdict: An Ambitious Soulslike with Some Rough Edges
Valor Mortis represents a bold pivot for One More Level, successfully transplanting the unforgiving mechanics of a Soulslike into a first-person perspective. The alternate-history Napoleonic setting provides a visually striking backdrop that stands out from traditional dark fantasy environments.
The combat system rewards creative experimentation, blending firearms, swordplay, and magic into a cohesive loop. However, technical blemishes and uneven boss designs currently hinder the overall experience.
Players must weigh the high originality of the world against the frustrating lack of polish present at launch. Future updates will determine whether the development team can fully realize its unique mechanical ambitions.
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A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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