As a die-hard Soulslike fan who's conquered every FromSoftware title, I was blown away when I got wind of Valor Mortis. Developed by the Polish studio One More Level—the same geniuses behind Ghostrunner—this game ain't your average hack-and-slash. Set in a twisted, alternate-history version of 19th-century Europe where Napoleon Bonaparte rules with an iron fist, it throws supernatural powers into the mix with classic soldier gear like swords and bayonets. Talk about a wild ride! I mean, who wouldn't be stoked about battling zombies in Napoleonic uniforms while wielding magic? It's like Bloodborne met Resident Evil in a historical drama, and honestly, it's got that 'it factor' that could make it a game-changer. But let me tell ya, it's not for the faint of heart; this baby is as punishing as they come, rewarding only those who master its mechanics. And with its 2026 release just around the corner, I'm counting down the days like a kid before Christmas. 
Now, diving into the nitty-gritty, the first-person combat in Valor Mortis is the game's ace up its sleeve, but it could also be a real pain point if not handled right. From my virtual escapades, I found that slashing through enemies in first-person feels intense and immersive—like you're right there in the thick of it. You've got supernatural abilities fueled by this resource called Nepthoglobin, which you extract by hitting weak points or resting at Lanterns. But here's the kicker: spatial awareness takes a hit, making it easy to get blindsided in a game that's already tougher than nails. I remember thinking, 'Man, this could go south fast if the camera settings aren't spot-on.' And yeah, weapon impact needs to feel meaty to keep the flow going; otherwise, it's a recipe for frustration. But when it clicks, oh boy, it's pure magic—literally! 💀
Moving on to the world exploration, Valor Mortis nails it with an open, war-torn setting that's chock-full of secrets. As I roamed through the creepy landscapes, I uncovered hidden memories and environmental storytelling that pieced together a conspiracy within Napoleon's Grand Armee. It's not just about fighting; it's about solving puzzles and unlocking powers that make you feel like a total badass. The RPG elements are top-notch too, with character progression that lets you customize your build. Here's a quick rundown of what makes this world shine:
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Character Progression: Permanent power-ups that boost your abilities in various ways—think health, stamina, or magic boosts.
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Loot and Upgrades: You acquire gear with positive and negative modifiers, adding depth to every decision.
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Mobility: Borrowing parkour elements from Ghostrunner, you can scale walls and dodge attacks with slick moves. It keeps things dynamic and fresh! 🔥
But let's not forget the boss encounters—they're punishing, no doubt about it. I faced off against some horrific mutants that felt ripped straight from a nightmare, and each fight required learning patterns to avoid taking damage. It's all about that Soulslike loop: die, learn, and conquer. And speaking of dying, the Lanterns act as checkpoints, much like Bonfires in Dark Souls or Sites of Lost Grace in Elden Ring. Resting there refills your Nepthoglobin and respawns enemies, creating a rhythm that's oh-so-satisfying when you get it right. 
Now, comparing it to other heavy hitters, Valor Mortis takes a page from Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's book. That game didn't snag any TGA GOTY awards in 2025, but it's still one of the best RPGs out there, thanks to its focus on dialogue skills, crafting, and consequences. Valor Mortis mirrors that with its rich historical setting, but it twists things up by adding supernatural elements. For instance, in this alternate 1800s Europe, you're constantly dealing with foes who are hard to distinguish from friends—mostly, it's more foes, though! The world feels alive and eerie, with every corner hiding a new threat or story bit. It ain't just ripping off the Souls formula; it's carving its own path, and that's what gets me hyped.
However, let's address the elephant in the room: first-person Soulslikes can be a double-edged sword. I've seen games flop because they didn't handle the camera or enemy variety well. In Valor Mortis, if the level design isn't on point, it could turn into a hot mess. But from what I've gathered in playtests, it's got the potential to hit the top of Steam wishlists. The key is in mastering the combat flow and embracing the challenge. As we head into 2026, I'm betting this game will be a sleeper hit for hardcore players. So, if you're up for a test of skill, wishlist it now—trust me, it's worth the wait. 🎮