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