The Lords of the Fallen - Before You Buy

TL;DR

The reboot of Lords of the Fallen shows promise but suffers from technical performance issues.

Transcript

(electronic beep) - [Falcon] Welcome back to another episode of Before You Buy, the show where we give you some straight up gameplay and our first impressions for the latest games releasing. Way back in 2014, almost a full decade ago, we got one of the first Soulslikes with Lords of the Fallen. It was not great. For whatever reason, I looked back o... Read More

Key Insights

• 🦾 Lords of the Fallen is a promising reboot that aims to improve upon its predecessor with enhanced graphics and mechanics.
• 🎃 The game integrates a unique lantern mechanic allowing access to an alternate reality for solving puzzles and increasing stakes.
• 💨 Exploration is highly emphasized, connecting zones in complex ways that encourage players to revisit and discover new areas.
• 🦾 Combat mechanics are robust, giving players significant freedom of choice with various weapons and abilities, though enemy variety could improve.
• 🍿 Technical performance is currently hampered on PC, making it difficult for some players to fully enjoy the experience.
• 🗺️ The interconnected world design is lauded, but the lack of a proper map system may challenge player navigation.
• 🚙 The presence of multiplayer features adds depth to gameplay, though further inquiry is needed to fully understand its utility.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main improvements made in the reboot of Lords of the Fallen compared to the original?

The reboot of Lords of the Fallen introduces a more refined gameplay experience with improved visuals, innovative mechanics like the lantern that allows access to the land of the dead, and greater player choices in combat. Unlike its predecessor, which was poorly received, this version benefits from a troubled development cycle that ultimately led to creative innovations, making it feel fresh in the Soulslike genre.

Q: How does the lantern mechanic enhance gameplay in Lords of the Fallen?

The lantern serves as a pivotal gameplay tool in Lords of the Fallen by revealing the world of the dead, opening new paths and allowing players to solve puzzles. This alternate dimension introduces risk-reward dynamics, as players can gain more souls while facing increased enemy difficulty and the threat of an un-killable hunter, adding layers of strategy to exploration.

Q: In what ways does the game's world design stand out in the Soulslike genre?

The world design in Lords of the Fallen is notable for its interconnectedness and complexity, reminiscent of classic Dark Souls environments. Players will encounter vast, intricate levels that loop back to previous areas unexpectedly, fostering exploration. However, the lack of a reliable map can sometimes hinder navigation, emphasizing the need for strong spatial memory in exploring this dense environment.

Q: How does the combat in Lords of the Fallen compare to other Soulslike games?

Combat in Lords of the Fallen is fast and fluid, providing multiple options for players including dodging, blocking, and parrying, all of which feel viable. The game features a bloodborne-style health recovery mechanic that encourages aggression, allowing players to recover health by attacking after being hit. While combat is enjoyable, boss encounters may feel less innovative compared to other titles.

Q: What are the major technical issues affecting the PC version of Lords of the Fallen?

Players on PC experience significant performance issues, primarily low frame rates and stuttering, which detracts from gameplay enjoyment. The recommended setup does not guarantee smooth performance. Running the game on an SSD is crucial, as traditional hard drives render the game nearly unplayable. These issues necessitate immediate attention from developers to enhance overall performance.

Q: Is multiplayer a significant aspect of Lords of the Fallen?

Yes, the game includes a fully featured multiplayer component with its own systems akin to covenants, allowing players to team up and navigate challenges together. However, the reviewer did not explore this aspect thoroughly due to limited access to companions during the pre-release phase, making it difficult to assess its impact on overall gameplay.

Q: How does the soundtrack of Lords of the Fallen contribute to the gaming experience?

The orchestral score in Lords of the Fallen significantly enhances the gaming atmosphere, featuring dramatic and impactful compositions that align well with in-game cues and action. Although it leans towards bombast and may lack the subtlety of other games like Bloodborne, the execution is commendable, immersing players further into the game's dark world.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lords of the Fallen is a reboot of the original game, striving to improve the Soulslike experience with new gameplay mechanics and refined visuals.

• The game features significant exploration elements and a rich, interconnected world but is marred by performance issues, particularly on PC.

• Combat is satisfying with a range of weapons and player choices, though enemy variety may feel repetitive as the game progresses.