Valor Mortis: First-Person Soulslike in Napoleonic Europe | Analysis

Last Updated: October 11, 2025

One More Level, the acclaimed studio behind the Ghostrunner series, is indeed venturing into uncharted territory alongside Lyrical Games with their upcoming title, Valor Mortis. This first-person soulslike game plunges players into the heart of Napoleonic-era Europe, where the remnants of Napoleon's army have been twisted into grotesque, undead abominations and supernatural horrors. As players rise from death as a former soldier, early glimpses of gameplay continue to suggest a challenging yet rewarding experience. The core question remains: Can a first-person perspective successfully capture the essence of a soulslike? This in-depth analysis explores the game's unique mechanics, setting, and its potential to redefine the genre.

A First-Person Soulslike: A Novel Approach

The decision to adopt a first-person perspective for a soulslike is a bold one, especially given the genre's traditional reliance on a third-person view for battlefield awareness and enemy positioning. However, Valor Mortis embraces this challenge, promising a more visceral and immersive experience that places the player directly into the heart of brutal combat. Early gameplay footage has consistently showcased intense, fast-paced sword fights. A precise parry mechanic, reminiscent of Ghostrunner's fluid combat, is crucial for survival, demanding mastery of timing and reflexes to deflect enemy attacks and exploit openings for counterattacks. Beyond blade work, players will also wield supernatural powers, adding another layer of depth to the demanding precision and patience expected from a true soulslike.

Napoleonic Era Setting: A Unique Twist

The setting of Valor Mortis stands out as a key differentiator. While many soulslike games lean into dark fantasy, Valor Mortis opts for a historically-inspired Napoleonic Europe, albeit with a profound supernatural twist. This fusion of genuine historical elements with grotesque undead horrors and other terrifying monsters promises a unique, unsettling atmosphere and aesthetic. Environments are meticulously crafted, filled with the grim remnants of Napoleonic battles and the grotesque transformations of fallen soldiers. This choice of setting allows for a diverse and creative range of enemy designs and combat scenarios. Players can anticipate facing hordes of undead infantry, clashing with monstrous cavalry charges, or battling corrupted versions of historical figures, ensuring the potential for challenging and visually striking encounters is vast.

Ghostrunner's Legacy: A Foundation for Success

One More Level's established experience with the Ghostrunner series, renowned for its challenging yet rewarding combat, serves as a strong foundation for Valor Mortis. The precision and timing demanded by Ghostrunner's combat system translate seamlessly to the swordplay here. The studio's proven expertise in crafting demanding yet satisfying gameplay loops is a significant asset. While Valor Mortis foregoes the signature wall-running mechanics of Ghostrunner, it retains that core focus on fast-paced, skillful combat and precise movement that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of their previous work.

The Verdict: A Promising Prospect

Valor Mortis represents a significant departure for One More Level and Lyrical Games, but it is a departure that holds immense potential. The unique combination of a first-person perspective, a historically-inspired setting infused with the supernatural, and the studios' proven combat design expertise creates a compelling and intriguing proposition. The game is currently listed on Steam, indicating its journey towards release. Whether or not it successfully redefines the soulslike genre remains to be seen, but early indications continue to suggest a challenging, rewarding, and truly unique gaming experience awaits players.