Lords of the Fallen Reviews: A Soulslike Gem?
From its initial announcement, Lords of the Fallen has sparked immense interest within the soulslike fan community. As a mix of sequel and reboot to the 2014 release of the same name, this game carries high expectations and responsibilities. The previous chapter of the franchise failed to impress both critics and players, so the spotlight is now on this new game. Thankfully, according to the first Lords of the Fallen reviews, it seems that the developers have done an admirable job at meeting the majority of the expectations they themselves set.
XboxEra – 9.4/10
“Lords of the Fallen is an absolutely stunning game. It flawlessly captures the essence that makes FromSoftware’s games so exceptional, and the visuals, art style, and music are some of my personal favorites. While the final section may become slightly overwhelming in scale, this game is highly recommended for both hardcore Souls lovers and those who may be intimidated. With seamless co-op gameplay, it elevates a great game into something truly special.” [Read full review] – Jesse Norris
Attack of the Fanboy – 9/10
“Lords of the Fallen delivers what fans of Soulslike games desire the most: expertly crafted level designs, unforgettable boss battles, and extensive freedom in building their characters. The combat can be a bit rough at times, and certain levels feature an excessive number of enemies. However, these minor drawbacks do not overshadow the fact that Lords of the Fallen stands among the greats of the genre and feels right at home.” [Read full review] – Christian Bognar
“Lords of the Fallen is an incredible achievement by the Hexworks team, and fans of Souls-like games will find themselves immediately immersed in this highly ambitious title. Despite a few performance issues and bugs, Lords of the Fallen provides some of the most enjoyable experiences of this year, especially when compared to other games released in 2023.” [Read full review] – Fexelea
We Got This Covered – 8/10
“Lords of the Fallen imitates Dark Souls to such an extent that it almost feels like game design plagiarism. However, astonishingly, it manages to stand on its own, deserving to be mentioned alongside FromSoftware’s brutal dark fantasy classics. If you have managed to survive Lordran, Drangleic, and Lothric, you will find plenty to love in this game.” [Read full review] – David James
VideoGamer – 8/10
“Lords of the Fallen is a game that showcases its passion and love for the genre prominently. With its gorgeous world, gripping gameplay, enthralling bosses, and immersive worldbuilding, it manages to shine despite a few rough edges and the struggle to establish its own unique identity.” [Read full review] – Finlay Cattanach
But Why Tho? – 8/10
“Lords of the Fallen exhibits significant improvements over its predecessor, providing various highs while allowing for some lows as well. For action RPG fans seeking a masochistic challenge, there is plenty to love about this game, even if it might hurt.” [Read full review] – Eddie De Santiago
IGN – 8/10
“Lords of the Fallen is an outstanding soulslike game that introduces a unique twist by allowing players to switch between two versions of the world, solving puzzles and defeating enemies along the way. Unfortunately, this concept is hindered by bothersome technical issues and weak boss fights. However, the game compensates for these shortcomings with its incredible exploration and the ability to create fantastic character builds. If you have a soft spot for quality action RPGs, even in the midst of an oversaturated market, this reboot is well worth your time.” [Read full review] – Travis Northup
Push Square – 7/10
“Lords of the Fallen presents a captivating take on the Souls genre. Rather than aiming for perfection, it aims to innovate. Although it has its fair share of issues, such as audio inconsistencies, repetitive enemy types, and combat that could benefit from refinement, the game truly shines when it immerses you in its thrilling dual world mechanic. Once it grabs hold of you, you won’t be able to get enough.” [Read full review] – Aaron Bayne
TheGamer – 7/10
“Lords of the Fallen’s Umbral world stands out from the crowd and offers a unique spin on the Souls genre. In recent years, many games have become copycats, rarely bringing anything new to the table, causing the genre to grow stagnant. Even FromSoftware attempted to break free from this pattern by exploring the possibilities of an open-world setting with Elden Ring. To witness a Soulslike game that iterates in its own way, rather than chasing new trends, is a breath of fresh air, providing hope for a genre that has always stood in the shadow of FromSoftware.” [Read full review] – James Troughton
Game Informer – 6/10
“Upon completing Lords of the Fallen, there was little joy to be felt, except for the relief of being done. This is disappointing considering the initial excitement sparked by its first half. The game features a beautiful world, distinctive mechanics involving two realms, excellent voice acting, and satisfying combat when not overwhelmed by enemies. However, Lords of the Fallen fails to impress beyond these aspects, growing increasingly frustrating as players delve deeper into the realm of Mournstead.” [Read full review] – Wesley LeBlanc
