Mortal Shell

 PlayStation 4
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 207 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 120 out of 207
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 207
  3. Negative: 47 out of 207
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  1. HelloThar
    Aug 24, 2020
    10
    I have put hundreds of hours into the Dark souls games and Bloodborne and I love Mortal Shell. The game is not as big as the prior titles however there is plenty of replay value here due to the choice of 4 shells. There is also a second layer of gameplay here when you enter a parallel realm shrouded in a mysterious fog. It is not entirely unlike the upside down in the TV show StrangerI have put hundreds of hours into the Dark souls games and Bloodborne and I love Mortal Shell. The game is not as big as the prior titles however there is plenty of replay value here due to the choice of 4 shells. There is also a second layer of gameplay here when you enter a parallel realm shrouded in a mysterious fog. It is not entirely unlike the upside down in the TV show Stranger Things, and I wonder if this was the inspiration for the fog. This game is kind to first timers to souls like games in the fact that there is a shell for all. Tiel the Acolyte will suit veteran players who enjoy a challenge. Eredrim the Venerable is a hulking tank who would suit first timers. Do not underestimate the power of Harros the Vassal and the Hallowed Sword, these are what you start with but are incredibly powerful and versatile. Solomon the Scholar is somewhere in between Harros and Eredrim, he is also the easiest shell to find once you enter the world. I have really enjoyed the combat in this game. I am extremely impressed that this game was made by a small team of indie developers. They have done an amazing job. I am hoping to see expansions for this game because this game is not as big as Dark Souls or Bloodborne. Overall I highly recommend this game especially to players who are new to Souls like games. Others have tried to imitate Dark Souls and failed. Mortal Shell succeeds in being an excellent addition to the genre.… Expand
  2. Jimmy2210
    Aug 24, 2020
    8
    One of the best soulslike games ever made .
    Especially by 15 people it should actually get an even higher score. The game is short though and u dont gain more health/stamina on ur shells in ng+ so you basically replay the game with constantly harder hitters and you having the same health pool which makes it very hard to play my personal favourite Tiel. But overall it definitely deserved    One of the best soulslike games ever made .
    Especially by 15 people it should actually get an even higher score. The game is short though and u dont gain more health/stamina on ur shells in ng+ so you basically replay the game with constantly harder hitters and you having the same health pool which makes it very hard to play my personal favourite Tiel. But overall it definitely deserved this score .    … Expand
  3. abofahd1994
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    The game is phenomenal the world is immersive the innovative mechanics it introduces are note worthy the team behind it is really talented and i can't wait to see more of them all the things it offers. The loading times are kind lengthy though its the unreal engine 4 fault though.
  4. Memo_
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    Hard game but when you get used to it is really easy one my only problem with the game is the boss you can run from them very easily so it would be like one hit then run
  5. Tony_1983
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    Absolutely love the setting, they pretty much nailed the main formula of soulslikes, but then it's not just a clone. Game has its own identity and atmosphere. Animations are weighty and feel awesome, and lore pieces are distributed gracefully throughout the game. Really looking forward for their next title. Awesome job for such a small team and great pricing.
  6. TielTheAcolyte
    Aug 19, 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 immensely. I know it’s a small team and a low budget game that you can’t really compare to the original souls series, but to me personally it’s the only non-FromSoftware game out there that managed to capture that unique feel of dark souls in a 3rd person view. So many other 3rd person souls-like games just completely miss the core aspects of what creates that feeling and atmosphere in a dark medieval setting. Apart from few 2D games(like Salt&Sanctuary) I didn’t find a 3D game that could create same mood, emotion and dark beauty in 3D like Mortal Shell did. I loved Bloodborne and Sekiro but it’s that dark hardcore medieval fantasy knight stuff with cool gothic armor and big swords that I’ve been missing since Dark Souls 3 and Mortal Shell totally delivered on that front. I only wish the game was a bit longer but I’m also glad the devs didn’t stretch out the game just for length sake. I usually don’t care about leaving reviews but this game definitely deserves a good one and I hope Cold Symetry makes DLCs in the future and a big budget sequel! If you’re a souls fan and like the rest of us don’t know how to survive while we’re still waiting on Elden Ring, check out Mortal Shell, a small gem in the world of soulslikes!
    p.s. Tiel is life!    … Expand
  7. Tlemele
    Aug 19, 2020
    8
    Hard game set in a dark world. Some interesting mechanics. Game is fun to play and definitely it is worth to buy.
  8. TuffinUp
    Aug 19, 2020
    8
    Fun souls like experience from a small team. Super glad I bought it. Textures are a little rough. Combat is fun.
  9. AkaySama
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    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
  10. Badger2012
    Aug 23, 2020
    10
    If you enjoy Dark Souls and Bloodborne you will enjoy Mortal Shell. I think some of the people giving this game low scores have not made it out of the first area and haven't fully seen what this game has to offer. I am a Dark Souls and Bloodborne veteran and I am really enjoying Mortal Shell. I really like the hardening defense system in the game. Once you get the hang of usingIf you enjoy Dark Souls and Bloodborne you will enjoy Mortal Shell. I think some of the people giving this game low scores have not made it out of the first area and haven't fully seen what this game has to offer. I am a Dark Souls and Bloodborne veteran and I am really enjoying Mortal Shell. I really like the hardening defense system in the game. Once 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 it is worth it. The concept of being able to swap between shells is a nice innovation that I have found interesting and useful. Each weapon has 2 special attacks that become available through upgrades. The heavy-duty bolt caster is also a really satisfying and powerful weapon that is really helpful in tackling the more challenging enemies, There is some good Lore as you progress. Voice acting is of high quality. The graphics and environments are really good. I especially liked the frozen land. There are lots of really cool enemies in the different areas of the game and the bosses and boss fights are excellent. A lot of work has gone into this game and it shows. You can fast travel using masks, early game consumable masks allow you to travel to the last Sester visited. Once you have fully upgraded 1 shell you can purchase an ornate mask for 30 glimpses that will allow you to fast travel to any location.… Expand
  11. JuliusSmith
    Aug 20, 2020
    10
    Beautiful love letter to Dark souls. Really impressed by what the small dev team acheived, and only costs 30$? Thats very cash money of them.
  12. BOHIKAN5
    Aug 19, 2020
    9
    Mortal Shell is easily the best Souls-like game that I've ever played. It perfectly captures the dark fantasy atmosphere of Dark Souls, while also delivering strong combat mechanics, rewarding exploration and interesting builds to play. This game is a stunning achievement from the small development team at Cold Symmetry, and I sincerely hope that there is either DLC or Mortal Shell 2 toMortal Shell is easily the best Souls-like game that I've ever played. It perfectly captures the dark fantasy atmosphere of Dark Souls, while also delivering strong combat mechanics, rewarding exploration and interesting builds to play. This game is a stunning achievement from the small development team at Cold Symmetry, and I sincerely hope that there is either DLC or Mortal Shell 2 to look forward to in the future.… Expand
  13. Otakool
    Aug 28, 2020
    8
    If you are a souls fan than this is must play. Once you get use to the hardern feature it sorta turns into second nature.

    Played on a PS4 pro. The game in some areas has screen tear issues and frame rate drops but nothing too bothersome. The environment and graphics are stupendous. Voice acting for one particular character is extremely poor. Laughable almost. A good variety of    If you are a souls fan than this is must play. Once you get use to the hardern feature it sorta turns into second nature.

    Played on a PS4 pro. The game in some areas has screen tear issues and frame rate drops but nothing too bothersome. The environment and graphics are stupendous. Voice acting for one particular character is extremely poor. Laughable almost.

    A good variety of enemies however the boss fights are not that difficult. I found all bosses to be quiet easy (played the Tiel shell whole game with chisel). If you’re looking for a Father Gascoigne level fight you won’t find it in mortal shell.

    Overall the games extremely impressive and you feel and sense the passion of the devs. I had a great time playing it and avid souls fans will too. It’s a must play on this gen.    … Expand
  14. The_Mage
    Aug 24, 2020
    9
    Had to write this after reading some nonsense whining comments here. This is an indie title, these people didn’t have the same budget that FromSoftware had to produce the Soulsborne games. Yet, they still crafted a (very) beautiful and challenging experience.
    The combat is fluid and hardening is a really interesting mechanic. Parrying is enjoyable and offers a great risk/reward. I like the    Had to write this after reading some nonsense whining comments here. This is an indie title, these people didn’t have the same budget that FromSoftware had to produce the Soulsborne games. Yet, they still crafted a (very) beautiful and challenging experience.
    The combat is fluid and hardening is a really interesting mechanic. Parrying is enjoyable and offers a great risk/reward. I like the pace of the combat, it is somewhat in between bloodborne and dark souls. Very good debut title, curious to see what this studio can do with more re$ources.    … Expand
  15. 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 sword feels heavy. The game is worth paying attention to. I recommend it!
  16. Satanic-majestY
    Aug 19, 2020
    9
    Despite being an indie game, the game shows a modern level of graphics and offers a number of interesting game innovations.
    Mortal Shell is designed to appeal to connoisseurs of dark aesthetics and fans of Dark Souls.
  17. Tigercloud
    Aug 20, 2020
    8
    For this small Studio to accomplish something so good is a great start, I hope they continue down this line and make a second or learn from what this game needs to improve on and make the transition from there. Being a soulsborne fan this game scratched my itch
  18. JonnyMenthol
    Aug 23, 2020
    8
    I'm loving the game, 12 hours in with all weapons gained, all shells found and two maxed and two dungeons cleared with the bosses whipped but my biggest complaint of this game, among a few smaller ones, is that hub area is **** horribly designed for navigation. Maybe they done it on purpose to justify the senses and the souls feel but whatever the reason it's atrocious and needs to beI'm loving the game, 12 hours in with all weapons gained, all shells found and two maxed and two dungeons cleared with the bosses whipped but my biggest complaint of this game, among a few smaller ones, is that hub area is **** horribly designed for navigation. Maybe they done it on purpose to justify the senses and the souls feel but whatever the reason it's atrocious and needs to be rectified, just a few more memorable objects in the paths between the few that are memorable and some clever splashing of minor colour and i'd up this game to a 9/10, right now it's an 8. It shouldn't take 10+ hours to map such a small area fully in memory, that said I know it like the back of my hand now.

    Pros -
    Amazing combat
    Limited ability to OP yourself
    Timer on healing items to limit farming, also are heal over time
    Dungeons are incredible, one is a bit short but still really satisfying
    It looks pretty good
    Half the price of a triple A but feels triple A
    Bosses are great and
    Three of the shells are exactly the I'd builds I'd make in souls
    There is an OP option for those who need it but it isn't right up front and requires work

    Cons

    Hub area is maze like trash, had to check a guide at times just to navigate early on
    Fours classes, fours weapons (not a harsh downer)
    You can roll past normal trash enemies way too easily, there is little penalty for dying if at any at all
    You can pick the wrong boss (or maybe just one) and get stuck in with it with no chance to upgrade
    It's relatively short (But as long as some exclusive or FPS single player campaigns)
    I can see it being extremely difficult for players who OP there way through souls games    … Expand
  19. amralchalati
    Nov 7, 2020
    10
    This review after I finished the game 2 times and now doing my 3rd run.

    I love this game and I can see a lot of love and dedication from the devs. Amazing environments and unique bosses and enemies. I love the shell concept and the hardin mechanics.
  20. WakeUpJeff
    Nov 17, 2020
    9
    This game nails almost everything, aside from perhaps some lackluster bosses and a few glaring faults in certain mechanics. For example, one of the "shells" you can play as has a cheap upgrade that allows him to gain more base damage with every enemy he kills, completely ruining the game's balance. When it's good though, it draws you in almost as if it's a souls game itself. The atmosphereThis game nails almost everything, aside from perhaps some lackluster bosses and a few glaring faults in certain mechanics. For example, one of the "shells" you can play as has a cheap upgrade that allows him to gain more base damage with every enemy he kills, completely ruining the game's balance. When it's good though, it draws you in almost as if it's a souls game itself. The atmosphere is strong, the soundtrack strengthens tension, combat feels great to take part in, and the art design and visuals looks great (especially from such a small team). I would strongly recommend this game, but it's important to remember that you'll have to look past some very amateurish design decisions.… Expand
  21. GuguSuper
    Feb 9, 2021
    10
    It is like this game was made for me. I have always been fascinated by Dark Fantasy, at the crossroads between the sinister passages of Conan's book and the old artworks of Mordor in the lord of the rings. This solitude and darkness are delectable. Long live this sublime adventure, alongside the souls without being a copy.
    spoil /
    I really felt sad because of the ugly final fight. This    It is like this game was made for me. I have always been fascinated by Dark Fantasy, at the crossroads between the sinister passages of Conan's book and the old artworks of Mordor in the lord of the rings. This solitude and darkness are delectable. Long live this sublime adventure, alongside the souls without being a copy.
    spoil /
    I really felt sad because of the ugly final fight. This is the only big default, except perhaps some areas that are too big for nothing..    … Expand
  22. Qroh2020
    Sep 3, 2020
    9
    When I started this game, I wasn't sure about it. I thought I had bought into another stinker of a game like that FromSoftware failure of a game Sekiro (Sorry not sorry). But actually, this one is quite good. Once you get the hang of the mechanics and start leveling up, it's enjoyable and even impressive.
  23. Scorpion1223
    Sep 6, 2020
    9
    Great game and I hope developer can continue enhancing the game and also include dlc
  24. Bcastelar28
    Dec 3, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great and solid experience. The shells are great and the souls like combat is refreshing . Familiarity with items and harden your body for defense is one of the great parts in this game. Minor visual bugs and the grain and blur effects are **** but it can be turned off in the menu. Rottemn autumn adds new colors to the shells and new boss themes by rotting christ for free and is the kind of example of dlc we would love to see more often.… Expand
  25. srinu634
    Sep 19, 2020
    8
    This is an amazing game. The game is short but the graphics are pretty good. The combat system is good and enjoyable. It's impressive that only few people designed this game.
  26. AliDemi
    Sep 24, 2020
    10
    Thanks . Thanks . Thanks .... best game in the souls like.... I enjoyed it.
  27. s14r43r
    Oct 24, 2020
    10
    Great game, bought it and I hope, there will be a second part! Thanks to developers, they did an awesome job!!!
  28. Agurzil
    Sep 1, 2020
    10
    They took "enough" from darksouls.
    not a long game but also not too short.
    Graphics are great.
    They could do better with soundtracks, but it doesn't really matter.
  29. Cernunnos_
    Aug 30, 2020
    8
    Enjoyable game. A few new combat mechanics, lightweight storytelling, however the aspect which really stands out is atmosphere of the world. That is indeed remarkable, horror-ish sounds in a murky world greatly complement the overall interactions with the world. A few mechanics are broke, which I believe shod be patched soon. Apart from that, a good refreshment
  30. Mirror_knight
    Sep 2, 2020
    9
    Similar to souls series, a little bit difficult but the atmosphere and the world are awesome. A few troubles with the camera but nothing to worry. Also the lore needs more work and to become clear.
  31. Felixlaso
    Nov 14, 2020
    10
    This game is Fantastic! I am a huge Dark Souls and Bloodborne fan and I appreciate what the creators did in this game. From a small company Cold Symetry of 4 individuals that no one have heard of since it is their first developed game, They did a pretty good damn JOB! I am looking forward for more releases in the future. I have played this game non stop. I even got the hard copy as wellThis game is Fantastic! I am a huge Dark Souls and Bloodborne fan and I appreciate what the creators did in this game. From a small company Cold Symetry of 4 individuals that no one have heard of since it is their first developed game, They did a pretty good damn JOB! I am looking forward for more releases in the future. I have played this game non stop. I even got the hard copy as well with the poster collections as it was worth buying for me I love the mechanics, combat, boss fights, landscape environments, the gothic dark feel of the game and the cryptic story! I will definitely recommend buying! I loved it!… Expand
  32. Ghoster
    Aug 24, 2020
    8
    One of very few Souls clones worth to play. Combat mechanics are very interesting and refreshing together with consumable items. Combination of parry and hardened make combat at least awesome like DS! But, there are few bad things which prevent game to be fully enjoyable! First, healing system (those mushrooms hardly touch your health to raise it) and confusing map design with too lessOne of very few Souls clones worth to play. Combat mechanics are very interesting and refreshing together with consumable items. Combination of parry and hardened make combat at least awesome like DS! But, there are few bad things which prevent game to be fully enjoyable! First, healing system (those mushrooms hardly touch your health to raise it) and confusing map design with too less checkpoints. But, WORST gameplay destroyer is LOOOONG loading time after each death. Hard games where you die a lot should have instant respawn (like Dark Souls) because with long loading time become too frustrating to pass game mechanics learning curve! Hope they can improve this in upcoming patches!… Expand
  33. MaxPayneIsGod
    Apr 21, 2022
    8
    Easily the most "Metal" game I've ever played.
    Mortal Shell is a very, very solid attempt at the "SoulsBorne" genre and it does everything pretty well.
    People need to remember this is a new, small studio with a limited budget and what they've done is exceptional. I love the aesthetics of it, how different the four biomes are from one another. It does take a bit of getting used to but    Easily the most "Metal" game I've ever played.
    Mortal Shell is a very, very solid attempt at the "SoulsBorne" genre and it does everything pretty well.
    People need to remember this is a new, small studio with a limited budget and what they've done is exceptional.
    I love the aesthetics of it, how different the four biomes are from one another.
    It does take a bit of getting used to but as per with these games one must persevere.
    There are some really, really good ideas here which they've done just enough to make them feel unique. There next project is something I'm keeping an eye out for.
    My gripes are simple, the Eternal Narthex is awful and is a major no-no in game/level/map/world design, and lastly, the final boss, is thoroughly underwhelming.
    I picked it up cheap a month before it came out free on PS+ and don't regret it one bit.    … Expand
  34. Dizzle_Dogg97
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    A nice Soulslike game. New and interesting mechanics like the shells and the hardening up ability. Not the flashiest game but for such a small development team, it is an impressive effort.
  35. OvrlrdO
    Aug 23, 2020
    10
    Достойная наследница соулов, в ожидании элден ринг зашла на ура
  36. Uvmaister
    Aug 25, 2020
    9
    If I didn't know Cold Symmetry was the masterminds behind Mortal Shell I could easily been fooled by someone saying it's a new IP from FROM SOFTWARE. That's how great this game is. Sticking so closely to what works but also deviating from what we know is refreshing. This is a decleration of love to Soulsborne and in a way that makes you feel like you're in a Miyazaki game.
  37. Lifthrasil
    Aug 27, 2020
    8
    Just finished the Platinum and the run without a shell. All in all a very good souls like game. It is in my opinion not as tough, as the other Dark Souls games, but it has genuinely enjoyable boss fights and a good combat system.

    If you're a fan of Dark Souls and other soulslikes you should pick this game up, as you'll probably enjoy it.
  38. Borflebop
    Aug 22, 2020
    9
    I think this is outstanding for the price and size of the team working for it. I would probably give a 8 or 7 if it was a total AAA game. Which I’d consider still worthwhile for a souls fan. At first the controls seem to fight you especially with experience in other souls and souls-like games, honestly this made me worried it was lords of the fallen all over again lol. But alas the parry,I think this is outstanding for the price and size of the team working for it. I would probably give a 8 or 7 if it was a total AAA game. Which I’d consider still worthwhile for a souls fan. At first the controls seem to fight you especially with experience in other souls and souls-like games, honestly this made me worried it was lords of the fallen all over again lol. But alas the parry, weapon R2s and harden mechanic work fluidly and this not only saves the combat but pushes it further into very enjoyable territory. The levels, enemies and world are what I really recommend this for however, it’s beautiful, and really stretched the imagination in most cases. If they ever make a sequel I hope to see more responsive and snappy combat, otherwise I look forward to more full heartedly.… Expand
  39. Jamesw29
    Aug 22, 2020
    8
    This is a great game overall. I noticed some frame drops on standard PS4. Graphics are nice though but getting this game on PC would be much better. The weapons and shells have different variety that can tailor to the player’s play style. This is a game worth checking out if you like a challenging game. Don’t know why there’s so many negative reviews when this game was developed by a smallThis is a great game overall. I noticed some frame drops on standard PS4. Graphics are nice though but getting this game on PC would be much better. The weapons and shells have different variety that can tailor to the player’s play style. This is a game worth checking out if you like a challenging game. Don’t know why there’s so many negative reviews when this game was developed by a small company and delivered a great experience.… Expand
  40. Richiisoon
    Jan 3, 2021
    8
    Grata sorpresa de un juego no tan conocido, muy corto y poco explicativo pero te llegas a meter en su mundo y acaba gustando mucho, no deja de ser una copia de un souls pero no por ello es peor juego, muy recomendable.
  41. CrazyMongol
    Aug 24, 2020
    8
    Было очень странно,быстро,но мне почему-то понравилось
  42. Lauchlan
    Aug 26, 2020
    9
    Mortal shell is a wonderfull love letter to the souls-like genre. Although it may come across at first as a knock off souls game, it actually adds its own fair share of new additions to mix it up a little, and make the gameplay thoroughly compelling. This is a great game and one I would recommend to anyone, especially fans of the souls games.
  43. Millymolly
    Apr 25, 2021
    10
    Авансом ставлю 10, в игру явно вложили душу, чувствуется атмосфера, проходить игру в обычном режиме одно удовольствие, но прохождение без оболочки просто идиотизм, зачем это вообще делать, если даже финал тот же, хз я не понял разрабов, это явное фиаско. Но игра отличная для первого проекта , да и учитывая что игру делали 15 человек. Будем надеяться что вам дадут больше денег и ресурсовАвансом ставлю 10, в игру явно вложили душу, чувствуется атмосфера, проходить игру в обычном режиме одно удовольствие, но прохождение без оболочки просто идиотизм, зачем это вообще делать, если даже финал тот же, хз я не понял разрабов, это явное фиаско. Но игра отличная для первого проекта , да и учитывая что игру делали 15 человек. Будем надеяться что вам дадут больше денег и ресурсов для более мощного проекта.… Expand
  44. Airamleb
    Dec 15, 2020
    8
    I know its not a AAA game, but very good game. As a souls fan, Im enjoying IT. Congratulations Cold Symmetry!
  45. THESPARTANGAMER
    Aug 20, 2020
    10
    7 hours in the game and oh boy the vibes you get is from DS atmosphere with unique mechanics. At first you will find it very hard but later when you upgrade the weapons then you feel unstoppable. The only problems is it's the loading screen after you die very long and you feel that on console it's not so smooth. 10 because so small team they build and very nice souls like game
  46. Salad_King
    Aug 23, 2020
    9
    If you enjoyed any of the souls game then you will most likely enjoy this game. Although the souls series has a better budget and larger team you can still get a similar enjoyment out of the combat and gameplay.

    The combat is slightly easier and more forgiving than Sekiro-SoulsBorne games but you can make your own challenge if you select the right weapon with right Shell. Bosses are    If you enjoyed any of the souls game then you will most likely enjoy this game. Although the souls series has a better budget and larger team you can still get a similar enjoyment out of the combat and gameplay.

    The combat is slightly easier and more forgiving than Sekiro-SoulsBorne games but you can make your own challenge if you select the right weapon with right Shell. Bosses are fun, just not enough bosses to be found. When you upgrade some weapons to their fullest some of the bosses become easy, the same can be said with the Shells.

    It's mostly a "quiet" game and the sections that do have music it has perfect fit for the setting. The ambient sounds are great as well.

    The environment can be claustrophobic at times which adds to the overall oppression of the world and each location is unique and offers its own take on existential dread, hopelessness and a sense of "wrongness" like your protagonist does not belong in this world.

    I think lore hunters are going to have a lot of fun with this game in the future if the company chooses to release more content.    … Expand
  47. consumptive7
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This review will tell you my thoughts on common complaints and why I love this game, and how many are just being negative because there either not good and mad or simply didn't realise that a good game they dislike doesn't mean that others who will actually pay attention instead of whine and complain, can have a genuine good time. Or not, it is unforgivable, that's the point so many seemThis review will tell you my thoughts on common complaints and why I love this game, and how many are just being negative because there either not good and mad or simply didn't realise that a good game they dislike doesn't mean that others who will actually pay attention instead of whine and complain, can have a genuine good time. Or not, it is unforgivable, that's the point so many seem to miss... this game is not for everybody. Honestly a contender for game of the year for me, this is a must play for fans of the souls games, everything from its incredible environments, eerie atmosphere due to the design choice of having limited music, the satisfying and steady paced combat. (which does have op target system you just use the lock on, saying this because alot of people who wrote negative reviews clearly didn't give this game any chance with many of the "missing features" which Are included later on, the lock on being taught at the beginning of the game... And fast travel being unlocked once you max out a shell...)


    The game Is short (10-11hours) but either way I love it to bits, it can feel a little clunky here and there and the occasional glitch is mostly just entertaining than anything, the layout is confusing and hard to navigate at first but gets easier over time adding to the experience and feeling of conquering this mysterious and dark world. *Heals and Items*
    People often complain about the heals, it's not an issue mid to late game personally, at the start it's hard but you learn how to use the parry system on various enemies more effectively to heal and how to use and know when to spare heals effectively and also will have learnt what items do what with the amazing familiarity system, such as taraspore mushrooms, they poison you on first use, second use the give you immunity to poison.



    *The Story, no spoilers*
    The story is mysterious, confusing and dark. There's alot of lore and its hard to make sense of much, like many of the other souls type games, but still as usual, very interesting and brought me excitement to discover anything new about it. This game was developed by a small Indie team and honestly it's a work of art, they did an incredible job considering the lack of people, they were clearly very passionate in their work. To be able to play their game is honestly one of the best experiences I've had with games in the past few years. If I had to describe this game in a few words it's stunning, beautiful enthralling and unforgiving.



    I cannot recommend this game enough, it truly is my best game yet for 2020, so much so it inspired me to write a review for the first time, im hoping to persuade people into realising that many of the negative reviews are from People who didn't like a good game, and that's fair, it's not for everyone, but it's nowhere near as bad as they sound it out I assure you, but if you dislike hard games, don't play this game.

    If you do well, I hope this games stunned you you as it did me.    … Expand
  48. poggerss
    Aug 27, 2020
    8
    This was an amazing game! I have not played souls but have played Bloodborne, this game has great graphics, lore and mechanics. This game feels a lot different to many I have played. The only issue is the parry system but other than that it's a great game.

Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. LaPS4
    Nov 19, 2020
    85
    Mortal Shell offers a souls-like with a dark story, innovative gameplay, and great graphics quality that will overwhelm fans of this genre. Its short duration and its limited variety in some aspects leave you wanting to see a second chapter.
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  2. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Oct 21, 2020
    65
    You can’t help but feel that Mortal Shell is a fan-made mod for Dark Souls – however, it has accordingly low price. It also shows promise: a few more tries, and Cold Symmetry could make something really good. [Issue#248, p.34]
  3. GameCritics
    Sep 29, 2020
    70
    While there were many aspects of Mortal Shell that I didn’t care for, the bits that worked for me really worked. The final product is far from perfect and I’m not sure that I’d even recommend it to anyone except the hardest of soulslike hardcores, but beneath the underdeveloped ideas and questionable design choices is a pool of talent bound for bigger and better things — Cold Symmetry’s work shined brightest when it veered away from standard Souls, and I’m interested to see them take it further.
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