Lords of the Fallen (2014)

Who would have thought that the union of two studios which didn’t have a single prominent game between them will yield a game worthy of all possible attention. This exciting and entertaining Action RPG adopted some Dark Souls’ basic mechanics but managed to preserve its own unique face. [Dec 2014, p.60]

A surprisingly solid title that wasn’t even on my radar. While it borrows heavily from the Souls franchise, it’s done well and with its own signature flair. I highly recommend this game to anyone that enjoys that series, and if you haven’t gone down that road before, it might be a more forgiving entry point into the action RPG.

Lords of the Fallen may be a simplified, easier version of Souls games, but is it necessarily a bad thing? Being an overpowered iron mountain at the end game, well, it is actually quite satisfying for a change. [Dec 2014]

Straightforward copycat of "Souls" games achieved a success because it can reach players the Japanese series could not because it was too difficult. The game is still challenging but you won't be desperate from playing it. [Issue#247]

Entertaining Action-RPG with great fight mechanics, but full of problems regarding game balance and story.

A good action RPG that tries to emulate the Souls series but lacks in terms of variety and length.

Lords of the Fallen looks a lot like Dark Souls, but it doesn't reach its superb quality. It's still a good game, especially for gamers looking for a challenging Action RPG.

Lords of the Fallen is a small miracle when you consider the size of the studios that have worked on the project and the quality of the art direction and combat system, but unfortunately it does not completely shine.

Despite the game’s shortcomings, you will hardly regret spending time with Lords of the Fallen. The developers set out to create a more humane version of Dark Souls 2, and they accomplished their mission, albeit not as brilliantly.

Clone or not, Lords of the Fallen is a good game in its own right. Powerful combat, lots of weapons and beautiful visuals will please those who are craving a challenge, despite some technical quirks, an obstructive camera and bland storytelling.

It’s a solid action/RPG that stumbles on the execution of several of its fantastic ideas, but nevertheless provides a great entry point for those looking to get into the type of deep, challenging, and rewarding experiences that games like Dark Souls and Demon’s Souls provide.

Lords of the Fallen has an intriguing idea for itself and as a result is simply a good game. The developers have borrowed Dark Souls' essence and modified it for a regular gamer. The game is smaller but more "to the point". Well thought-out but plagued with minor issues. Fortunately, most of them could easily be fixed, and all other flaws do not influence the fun.