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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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!!!
  11. AliDemi
    Sep 24, 2020
    10
    Thanks . Thanks . Thanks .... best game in the souls like.... I enjoyed it.
  12. 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.
  13. Scorpion1223
    Sep 6, 2020
    9
    Great game and I hope developer can continue enhancing the game and also include dlc
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. CrazyMongol
    Aug 24, 2020
    8
    Было очень странно,быстро,но мне почему-то понравилось
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. OvrlrdO
    Aug 23, 2020
    10
    Достойная наследница соулов, в ожидании элден ринг зашла на ура
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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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