Lords of the Fallen sits among the elite in the spirit-like subgenre of action RPGs, a niche that emphasizes tough challenges and atmospheric storytelling. The game delivers a revamped dark fantasy experience, pairing satisfying combat with a striking visual presentation powered by Unreal Engine 5. This release aligns with expectations set by fans and critics, presenting a bold reboot of the franchise that began in 2014 and faced a reshaped development path before arriving on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series consoles.
made in spain
This edition is developed by Hexworks, a Spanish studio operating under the CI Games umbrella. The remastered Lords of the Fallen takes place thousands of years after the original events, allowing for meaningful shifts in tone and design. The narrative nods to the older game while remaining accessible for newcomers. Players follow a Holy Sentinel whose mission is to topple Adyr, an ancient evil god believed to be resurrected to subjugate the world once more.
Our legendary protagonist will explore realms of the living and the dead, face colossal boss battles, and strive to eradicate the resurrected threat. The Church seeks aid from a storied order of crusaders, the guardians able to wield the Umbral Lamp, a potent artifact that enables traversal between the mortal world and the underworld. The blend of grim motifs with religious imagery weaves a plot that feels both solemn and enthralling.
Everything is in its place
Beyond the story, the game adheres to the familiar structure of its genre. The core combat system, map progression, and character evolution remain recognizable to Soulslike enthusiasts. Yet the title expands customization significantly, allowing players to tailor alter-egos and mix in a wide array of weapons and abilities. The nine principal classes each offer unique spells, tools, and synergies that reward experimentation and strategic planning.
Hexworks avoids sprawling open worlds in favor of a tightly woven, interconnected design. The universe is stitched together with careful paths, shortcuts, and moody atmospherics that elevate exploration. The journey moves through swamps, burning towns, monasteries, and prisons, with a map that feels expansive yet coherent. The new game doubles the original’s footprint, offering dual-layer navigation across both the ordinary world and the Threshold, a parallel realm with its own zones and interactions.
A notable mechanic is the lamp-based traversal: the Umbral Lamp illuminates hidden routes and uncovers secrets. Death interacts with the Umbral Realm, forcing players to pivot to the dead world to advance. When life is depleted, a second chance arrives in the Threshold, giving players a moment to strike back. The lamp also supports upgrades, expanding combat stats and slotting in modifiers that reduce penalties or boost health recovery in the Threshold.
A more sinister kingdom if possible
The Threshold setting shifts the tone dramatically. The world grows harsher and more dangerous as exploration continues, with enemies popping up more frequently and with greater ferocity. Healing items become scarce over time, and every encounter demands precise planning and execution. This tension anchors the experience, pushing players to interact with scattered statues or reach checkpoints to progress. The enemy design emphasizes precise timing and adaptive play, making combat a test of skill across many boss and sub-boss battles. The soundtrack underlines the intensity of these clashes, heightening the drama on screen.
Learning and multiplayer
Hexworks has crafted a gentler entry point for players who aren’t regulars of the Soulslike genre, balancing difficulty with a thoughtful tutorial segment. Newcomers can learn the basics in a controlled setting before tackling the more punishing sequences, while veteran players can push the challenge by engaging with the New Game+ option, which ramps up the tension after completing the game. The multiplayer approach leans into cooperative online play, with a system that lets players continue observing a fallen companion until resurrection. Cross-play support between PC and consoles further widens the circle of friends who can team up regardless of platform.
Results
Hexworks demonstrates a confident execution that satisfies fans of the Soulslike format. The game blends an engaging narrative, a compelling art direction, and a robust combat system into a cohesive, immersive experience that stands out within its niche. The journey into the Threshold invites players to confront darkness with a steady sense of momentum and reward. The sophistication of the design makes it a standout choice for those drawn to challenging, atmospheric action RPGs.
Title: Lords of the Fallen
· Genre: Role-playing action
· Publication Date: 10/13/2023
· Platform: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
· Developer: Hexworks
· Publisher: CI Games
· Language: English (texts)
· Voice: English
· PEGI: 18