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Valor Mortis reviews have delivered a promising opening for One More Level's first-person Soulslike. The Ghostrunner developer shared a selection of enthusiastic critic scores, celebrating its decision to take a genre traditionally associated with third-person combat into a first-person perspective. Several reviewers awarded the game 9/10, while others highlighted its fresh approach to sword fighting and exploration. The reception is encouraging, although the wider critical response is more mixed.
Valor Mortis reviews
- Strong scores from featured criticsInsider Gaming, GamingTrend and Destructoid awarded 9/10. Yes
- First-person Soulslike combatReviewers highlighted responsive parries, dodges and sword fighting. Yes
- Positive level-design feedbackExploration, interconnected environments and movement received praise. Yes
- Universal critical acclaimNot every outlet agreed. Several reviewers raised concerns about gameplay frustrations or technical performance. Partly
Valor Mortis review scores: What did critics award?
The publisher's promotional graphic features particularly positive verdicts from Insider Gaming, GamingTrend, Destructoid, CGMagazine and DualShockers. Their published scores support much of that enthusiasm. Insider Gaming sees the first-person approach as an important step for the genre, while GamingTrend praises its design and fighting mechanics. CGMagazine also recommends the experience to Soulslike enthusiasts, despite noting technical rough edges. These are individual editorial assessments, not an overall review average.
The biggest talking point is not simply the scores: critics are discussing whether Soulslike combat can thrive in first person.
Why reviewers are praising the Ghostrunner developer
The Game Behind the Reviews
- Game
- Valor Mortis
- Developer
- One More Level
- Publisher
- Lyrical Games
- Genre
- First-person action Soulslike
- Release date
- 13 October 2026
- Platforms
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
One More Level built its reputation with Ghostrunner, and its latest game carries that emphasis on movement into a different kind of challenge. Valor Mortis follows William, a resurrected soldier from Napoleon's army, through a version of Europe devastated by a mysterious plague. Players combine melee weapons, firearms and supernatural abilities while learning the timing of enemy attacks. The central challenge is familiar to Soulslike fans, but the viewpoint changes how every encounter feels.
Combat
Insider Gaming and Destructoid praise the responsiveness of first-person combat. Parrying and dodging reward careful timing, giving players a strong sense of control over difficult encounters.
Level Design
GamingTrend highlights the level design and the influence of Ghostrunner's movement mechanics. Destructoid also praises interconnected areas and exploration.
Setting
Reviewers highlight the alternative-history Napoleonic setting, where war-torn environments are populated by supernatural enemies and disturbing creatures.
Criticisms
Some reviewers report limited enemy variety, confusing areas, unfair encounters or technical issues. CGMagazine notes performance and loading concerns in its PC review.
A risky idea that won over several reviewers
How the Game Changes the Soulslike Formula
- Move combat into first person Players face incoming attacks directly rather than controlling a character through a third-person camera.
- Build encounters around timing Parries, dodges and powerful finishing attacks are central to the game's combat system.
- Mix weapons with supernatural abilities William can combine traditional weapons with powers obtained through his mysterious resurrection.
- Connect combat with exploration Players investigate dangerous environments, discover routes and progress through a supernatural reimagining of Napoleonic Europe.
What are Valor Mortis reviews celebration leaves out
The developer's graphic focuses on its most enthusiastic coverage, which does not represent every published verdict. Some reviewers were less convinced by the execution, particularly technical performance and frustrating design decisions. There is also a specific discrepancy: the promotional graphic displays an 8.5/10 for Checkpoint Gaming, while a review listing records 8/10. That score should be checked against the outlet's current original review before publication.
Strong early praise is real, but the selected promotional scores are not the same as a universal critical consensus.
What comes next for players?
With Valor Mortis scheduled for October 13, 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, players can soon compare these early reviews with their own experience. The most useful question is whether first-person parrying, movement and exploration remain satisfying beyond the opening hours. For Soulslike fans in Egypt, the official Steam language list also matters: Arabic is not listed among the supported interface, audio or subtitle languages.
Is Valor Mortis getting good reviews?
Several outlets have awarded high scores, including 9/10 from Insider Gaming, GamingTrend and Destructoid. Other publications have raised concerns about technical issues and gameplay design.
What are the Valor Mortis critic scores?
The verified featured scores include Insider Gaming 9/10, GamingTrend 9/10, Destructoid 9/10, CGMagazine 8.5/10 and DualShockers 8.5/10.
Is Valor Mortis a first-person Soulslike?
Yes. The game combines first-person combat with Soulslike mechanics, including difficult enemies, parrying, dodging and progression.
Who developed Valor Mortis?
One More Level, the studio behind Ghostrunner.
Does Valor Mortis support Arabic?
Arabic is not included in the supported languages listed on the official Steam store page.
Written by Moamen Mohamed Helmy Salama.
A gamer at heart, curious about every game that earns its place on my screen. I write gaming news and articles, and review games through a mix of thoughtful analysis, honesty, and personal experience. My passion for the gaming industry helps me look beyond the surface, evaluate each game's strengths and weaknesses, and ask the ultimate question: is it really worth your time?
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