Valor Mortis is a first-person action game from Polish developer One More Level, the studio behind Ghostrunner. It combines punishing melee combat, supernatural abilities and a grim alternate-history setting shaped by the aftermath of Napoleon’s failed European campaign.
The game follows William Dowsett, a soldier who served under Napoleon. After returning from the dead, William finds a countryside transformed by war. Former comrades have become grotesque creatures, while a conspiracy and a deadly Crimson Plague threaten what remains of humanity.
A supernatural Soulslike set in Napoleonic Europe
One More Level uses the broad historical backdrop of Napoleon’s rise, defeat, exile to Elba and brief return before Waterloo, but reshapes it into a fantasy-horror adventure. With armies fractured and the emperor’s cause in ruins, William must fight through a shattered world to uncover what happened.
Combat is viewed from the first person, giving the action a close, immediate feel. William can use a sword, firearms and a collection of strange powers, including a fiery blast that resembles a flamethrower or a dragon’s breath. Defensive and movement abilities are just as important: he can raise a shield, grapple towards distant platforms and run along walls.
Abilities, Catalysts and experimentation
Defeated enemies, mini-bosses and bosses provide bursts of energy called Catalysts. William spends them at lanterns, which function much like the bonfires found in other Soulslike games, to unlock and improve abilities through a skill tree.
The progression system is designed to support different play styles. Some upgrades can strengthen health while encouraging aggressive combat, while others reduce incoming gun damage and improve aiming accuracy. Those choices should make experimentation worthwhile and may support more than one playthrough.
Fast, brutal swordplay
Firearms and powers are only part of the equation. William also relies on stamina management, parries, evasive dashes and execution attacks during fast-moving sword fights. The enemies include human-looking opponents as well as nightmarish monsters, with combat presented as graphic and uncompromising.
The mix of mobility, supernatural abilities and close-quarters fighting gives Valor Mortis a distinctive identity. Its first-person perspective recalls immersive action games, while the stamina, upgrade and boss structure places it firmly within the Soulslike tradition.
Valor Mortis is worth watching for players who enjoy demanding combat, dark historical fiction and games that reward experimentation.
Release details and voice cast
The voice cast includes Vincent Cassel as Napoleon, James Alexander as William and Jennifer English as the rebel leader Shrike. Their characters help frame the stakes as William attempts to restore peace to a world damaged by war and plague.
Valor Mortis is scheduled to launch on 13 October for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Windows PC. You can find more game information on the Valor Mortis game page.
For more gaming and arcade coverage, explore the RETROCADE Arcade Blog, watch the latest arcade videos, or browse the Arcade Machine Buying Guide before choosing a cabinet. Enthusiasts planning a custom setup can also compare arcade parts.
Leave a Reply