Mortal Shell

 PC
User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 428 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 191 out of 428
  2. Mixed: 121 out of 428
  3. Negative: 116 out of 428

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  1. Chumpie
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    I found out about this game a few months ago and joined the community instantly, it has been an amazing experience watching this game grow to what it is now. The combat hooked me when i saw it, a sword with actual weight to it . The voice acting paired with the atmosphere of the game is truly and experience
  2. kenzan
    Sep 3, 2020
    8
    Very good and enjoyable game with some issues that prevent it from being truly great.

    Pros: + The combat gets some getting used to, but at some point it clicks and it feels great + The environment and general setting is great and sets the right tone + Having empowered riposte as the primary method of healing makes combat more interesting + Resolve is a great addition to the    Very good and enjoyable game with some issues that prevent it from being truly great.

    Pros:
    + The combat gets some getting used to, but at some point it clicks and it feels great
    + The environment and general setting is great and sets the right tone
    + Having empowered riposte as the primary method of healing makes combat more interesting
    + Resolve is a great addition to the "standard" souls-like combat
    + Hardening allows for a fun and aggressive playstyle
    + Enemies look great and their attacks have fair tells
    + Parrying timing is generous enough

    Cons:
    - Low res textures are pretty noticeable
    - Bosses are too sparse and on the easy side
    - Weapons and shells would benefit from some rebalancing
    - The temples are too linear to traverse
    - The lore is lacking in content and depth
    - Hardening can trivialize a lot of fights
    - I-frames are a bit too generous and make dodging trivial    … Expand
  3. ACARVER5853
    Sep 11, 2020
    10
    By far the best dark souls clone. Not a full price game, so the shortness is no issue.
  4. Brahmans
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    The game provides entertainment and its quite good for the small team that developed it. I had a lot of fun playing it.
  5. AkaySama
    Aug 19, 2020
    9
    Great game from a small team and it's not easy to do a Soul game, and they did. and add their own spin into it
  6. VanginVnuk
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    Probably the best souls like game I've played. A lot of work has been done for such a small company. It was fun to play, it was difficult to play. The game is worth paying attention to. I recommend it!
  7. Badger2012
    Aug 22, 2020
    8
    If you could fast travel between Sesters and sell loot that you don't want to merchants I would give this game 10 out of 10. If you enjoy Dark Souls and Bloodborne you will enjoy Mortal Shell. I really like the hardening defence system in the game. One you get the hang of using hardening, harden while attacking, parry, riposte and dodge the combat becomes extremely fluid and satisfying.If you could fast travel between Sesters and sell loot that you don't want to merchants I would give this game 10 out of 10. If you enjoy Dark Souls and Bloodborne you will enjoy Mortal Shell. I really like the hardening defence system in the game. One you get the hang of using hardening, harden while attacking, parry, riposte and dodge the combat becomes extremely fluid and satisfying. This game has a steeper learning curve than the From Software games but its worth it. The concept of being able to swap between shells is a nice innovation that I have found interesting and useful. There is some good Lore as you progress. Voice acting is of a high quality. As I said, not being able to fast travel or sell unwanted loot is a mistake by the developers in my opinion and has been frustrating. Hopefully they will rectify this in a future update.… Expand
  8. Soulsborne
    Aug 21, 2020
    8
    Really good souls clone with nice graphics, good combat, enemy and level design for the most part. Just way too short imo and you can easily max out your weapon very early, breaking the game. I felt like I was halfway and it was over just after maybe 5 bosses. Will be fun for speed runs though. Also, only a few bosses are memorable. I really enjoy the game though and the harden mechanic isReally good souls clone with nice graphics, good combat, enemy and level design for the most part. Just way too short imo and you can easily max out your weapon very early, breaking the game. I felt like I was halfway and it was over just after maybe 5 bosses. Will be fun for speed runs though. Also, only a few bosses are memorable. I really enjoy the game though and the harden mechanic is awesome. Healing also frustrating, but I learned to deal with this by utilizing parry, harden and weapon skills. This game could of been amazing with a few more areas and good boss fights. Still recommend for souls fans.… Expand
  9. Bazzalinko
    Aug 27, 2020
    8
    Positives - challenging combat initially but rewarding when you master it
    - atmosphere is unique, the synth background sounds are interesting
    - 0 exposition
    - the item lore mechanic is very cool

    Negatives
    - 10-12 hour game - no soundtrack
    - the assassin shell is OP/cheese
    - fighting the same boss 4 times is kinda lame
  10. tusk23
    Aug 24, 2020
    10
    This game made me feel just like dark souls 1 and blood borne in my first run. Now waiting for more content I hope
  11. Naia
    Aug 19, 2020
    9
    It's a smaller game in certain things (and immense in others), but that doesn't mean that it is bad, or less, cause it's not. It's a great game, and shines with its own light. And the whole thing was made by only 15 people (2 initially... what. da. **** And frankly, it is one of the most pleasant surprises that I found this year; a great little gem, with a lot of love. Plus: it's the bestIt's a smaller game in certain things (and immense in others), but that doesn't mean that it is bad, or less, cause it's not. It's a great game, and shines with its own light. And the whole thing was made by only 15 people (2 initially... what. da. **** And frankly, it is one of the most pleasant surprises that I found this year; a great little gem, with a lot of love. Plus: it's the best soulslike I've ever played, by far. And it's also more than that, and contributes its own, which is quite a lot, and in that way, and with that intention, no one did it before.… Expand
  12. study
    Aug 19, 2020
    9
    Satisfying combat scratches the souls borne itch with no grinding whatsoever. Bosses are straightforward yet challenging. I’m still wondering why there is no music but it took me a while to notice when I was binging this awesome game.
  13. dryerlaw
    Aug 22, 2020
    10
    I actually prefer this over Dark Souls. Hope the developers get enough money to develop higher budget games.
  14. domanigamer
    Aug 20, 2020
    10
    A small team of 15 people created this game, they deserve all our support and respect. thanks guys I'll be waiting for your next game
  15. phlows
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    this is the best souls like game i have ever played, i could not stop playing it. definitely my favorite game for 2020. seems like this game only gets some negative reviews for being too difficult. well news flash, you shouldn't play this kind of game if you're not up for a challenge.
  16. Thraxx_
    Aug 23, 2020
    8
    +Cool atmospheric level design
    +Funny gameplay where everyone'll find his own playstyle (shell and weapon)
    +Perfect voice acting
    +Dark souls vibes
    +Great new mechanics (I love hardening)
    -90% game without soundtrack. I was listening to DS soundtrack almost whole time because of this.
    -The game is pretty short. About 10-12 hours and 7 bosses.
  17. Diablo4
    Aug 20, 2020
    10
    Cold Symmetry’s debut title managed to scratch that souls itch I’ve had since the day I completed both DLCs for Dark Souls 3. It somehow managed to stay both familiar enough to feel right at home but fresh enough to deliver new experiences.
    The hardening mechanic was a bit weird/unusual at first but as soon as I learnt to use it offensively it really clicked and I started to enjoy game…    Cold Symmetry’s debut title managed to scratch that souls itch I’ve had since the day I completed both DLCs for Dark Souls 3. It somehow managed to stay both familiar enough to feel right at home but fresh enough to deliver new experiences.
    The hardening mechanic was a bit weird/unusual at first but as soon as I learnt to use it offensively it really clicked and I started to enjoy game… Expand    … Expand
  18. ProGamer101
    Aug 20, 2020
    9
    It's a proof of concept game that does quite well for what it is, especially considering this started off about three years ago as two guys throwing around ideas. The team got slightly bigger and here we are. Left me wanting more, so here's hoping for a sequel.
  19. Otsy
    Aug 20, 2020
    9
    A wonderful experience, with dense atmosphere, weighty and impactful combat, very abstract storytelling and great sound design. I hope there will be plenty of AddOns and ultimately another installment to this franchise.

    I paid about 30 Euros, and I don't regret spending any one cent of those.
  20. Methabolica
    Aug 22, 2020
    8
    It's the best Dark Souls feeling a clone ever presents. Yes there is unused potential, but for that price, every Soulsborne Fan can buy without a doubt. I hope for more content. More weapons, more classes and unique active abilities of the classes.
  21. OneRadicalDude
    Aug 21, 2020
    9
    Excellent game that nails the feeling of a souls game. Big Demon's Souls vibes, with great graphics, creature/character/level design, and mechanics that are new and work great for the most part. Bosses are few, and some of them (as well as regular enemies) seem to be beaten easily with the same tactics you may default to. This is probably on account of all weapons being found early game,Excellent game that nails the feeling of a souls game. Big Demon's Souls vibes, with great graphics, creature/character/level design, and mechanics that are new and work great for the most part. Bosses are few, and some of them (as well as regular enemies) seem to be beaten easily with the same tactics you may default to. This is probably on account of all weapons being found early game, and the upgrade materials showing up quick on the front end allowing for a +5 weapon around the time you beat the first dungeon. Fortunatley the wepons have fun movesets and a weighty feel. I had a great time in a 10 hour playthrough and only experienced one or two deaths/ issues related to bugs. Some creative decisions may not be everyone's cup of tea. But for anyone wanting more souls-like content, this is a great new take with a spin all it's own should you give it try.… Expand
  22. Troll88
    Aug 21, 2020
    8
    +++++ A cheap have to try souls like game. A mix between Sekiro and Dark Souls.Recommended.
  23. Stampeter
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    I am completely addicted to Mortal Shell. I can't say I'm a fan of SoulsLike games but this got me hooked. The art and atmosphere is amazing and it's fun exploring the starting area. The weapon animations feels really good and weighty, unlike some other games where a gigantic hammer acts like a light plastic toy. As an avid Street Fighter III: 3rd strike player, I really appreciateI am completely addicted to Mortal Shell. I can't say I'm a fan of SoulsLike games but this got me hooked. The art and atmosphere is amazing and it's fun exploring the starting area. The weapon animations feels really good and weighty, unlike some other games where a gigantic hammer acts like a light plastic toy. As an avid Street Fighter III: 3rd strike player, I really appreciate the parry system. It became really fun learning the enemies attacks so I can land that sweet sweet parry and use a riposte, whether it's to heal myself or land some extra damage. This is not a huge game, but it's decent in size. It's quality for sure and definitely worth the price tag.… Expand
  24. SinnerInExile
    Aug 20, 2020
    10
    This game is great, finally something new with that souls twist to it. Right off the bat you'll feel at home with the mechanics.
    I recommend this to any and all souls players.
  25. timeandspace
    Aug 19, 2020
    9
    Once you learn how to use the hardening mechanic, the game stops being frustrating and becomes the best Souls-lite experience yet made. The only negative is the map design, it's way too complex and it's too easy to get lost.
  26. anvamit
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    Купил сразу, как поиграл в демку.
    Тупоголовым солзятникам, привыкшим к японскому дрочу, не зайдет. Всем остальным понравится. Шикарный арт, сочная боевка с оттяжечкой, атмосферно и красиво.
    Правда, коротковата, но будем ждать аддонов!    Купил сразу, как поиграл в демку.
    Тупоголовым солзятникам, привыкшим к японскому дрочу, не зайдет. Всем остальным понравится. Шикарный арт, сочная боевка с оттяжечкой, атмосферно и красиво.
    Правда, коротковата, но будем ждать аддонов!
  27. conan999
    Aug 20, 2020
    8
    Mortal Shell is an atmospheric game and the combat is fun. While Mortal Shell is obviously inspired by Dark Souls but it is not a copycat. This game introduces the harden mechanics that can be used in combination with attack and doge, so you can create your own strategy. The graphics are beautiful and the environment look amazing and the 4 "characters (AKA the shells) look great and theyMortal Shell is an atmospheric game and the combat is fun. While Mortal Shell is obviously inspired by Dark Souls but it is not a copycat. This game introduces the harden mechanics that can be used in combination with attack and doge, so you can create your own strategy. The graphics are beautiful and the environment look amazing and the 4 "characters (AKA the shells) look great and they feel different enough to warrant different play styles. Mortal Shell also costs half the price of a full game so the price point is very competitive. The game is quite difficult but it is not crushingly hard like Sekiro or Dark Souls, and I think this is a good thing because now people who always liked Dark Soul aesthetics but found Dark Souls too hard can play Mortal Shell and have fun. Also the game is not as long as Dark Souls and Sekiro so those who are looking for a more compact experience will find Mortal Shell's shorter length a strength than a weakness. I do thing Mortal Shell requires improvements in two areas: 1) The parry is a bit off and it is not very precise; I swear a lot of times I parried with the perfect timing but the parry failed, yet sometimes I can pull off a parry successfully if I parry too early or too late. I never had this problem with the parry in Sekiro, and I hope the devs for Mortal Shell can improve the parry system, because parry and riposte are very cool in this game (if you can get it to work). 2) The enemy placements in this game are very cheap sometimes, it looks like they just put some enemies at hidden spots so they can jump at you for cheap scares.

    Other than the wayward parry precision and the cheap enemy placements, I can't find other problems in Mortal Shell. The game is very optimized and it runs very smoothly on my PC. The game is beautiful looking and a lot of fun to play. Highly recommended.    … Expand
  28. Strendwolf
    Aug 25, 2020
    8
    This game is a great filler if you have played through all the good soulslike game's and cant wait for another one, but if its youre first souls like i would recomend trying the souls game's first cuz you get a better price today for ah big old legendary game. but if all is set and done this is a great game who i see is made of souls fans, but you can see that it's a indie game and areThis game is a great filler if you have played through all the good soulslike game's and cant wait for another one, but if its youre first souls like i would recomend trying the souls game's first cuz you get a better price today for ah big old legendary game. but if all is set and done this is a great game who i see is made of souls fans, but you can see that it's a indie game and are roughe around the edge's somewere but still enjoyble for a souls fan for a great price.… Expand
  29. CharlePL
    Aug 23, 2020
    8
    +well polished
    +interesting locations
    +smooth controls
    +adding new mechanics to souls like games
    -boss fights not challenging
    -quite short but this is expected from reduced price release
  30. Kilmeister
    Sep 10, 2020
    8
    First off: I hate that Metacritic counts a 7 as "Mixed". I'd give this a 7/10. The atmosphere, setting, and artwork is very well done, but the combat is a bit clunky. For an indie title I am very impressed, and if you go into this knowing that there wasn't a massive budget behind it you will enjoy your time with it. Don't expect From Soft levels of polish because it isn't here. AlsoFirst off: I hate that Metacritic counts a 7 as "Mixed". I'd give this a 7/10. The atmosphere, setting, and artwork is very well done, but the combat is a bit clunky. For an indie title I am very impressed, and if you go into this knowing that there wasn't a massive budget behind it you will enjoy your time with it. Don't expect From Soft levels of polish because it isn't here. Also there are some interesting ideas and design decisions that don't really work out too well in practice.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed PC Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. Worth Playing
    Jan 8, 2021
    80
    Mortal Shell is an enjoyable title for those who are already fans of the SoulsBorne sub-genre, and it has more positives than it has flaws. The swamp hub world is bland and confusing, but the different biomes you eventually reach are gorgeous, even if they're relatively familiar. The lack of a deep leveling system has a very good replacement in the shell system, which ends up providing more versatility in your character build and the attack system. The relatively shorter length makes it great for newcomers, while genre veterans will find it to be a great debut effort from a small development team.
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  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 7, 2020
    80
    If Dark Souls wasn’t sufficiently dark and difficult, this is just the thing for you. Taking the souls-like genre a step further, Mortal Shell provides a satisfying combat system enveloped in a creatively unique narrative. Well worth the suffering. [Issue#305]
  3. RPGamer
    Sep 18, 2020
    70
    Mortal Shell may be a modest product, but it surprised at nearly every turn with regularity. The lack of variety in the environments, weapons, and classes are more than made up by never overstaying its welcome. Whenever it feels as though its about to become stale, players will stumble across something new to try out. The lack of depth isn’t too much of a detriment as the game is short enough to ever feel tired. Better yet, what is there is good, a foundation with easy room to be expanded upon and a strong demonstration of Cold Symmetry’s understanding of core concepts that are the strength of the genre. Mortal Shell is a exemplary use of limited resources to make a tight, fun game, even if it only takes a weekend to beat.
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