Valor Mortis - French Souls

Overview and Storyline

Valor Mortis is a first-person Soulslike set in an alternate Napoleonic era. A sinister, goo-like force has corrupted the familiar war setting, turning soldiers into monsters. The player character, William Dowset, is an Englishman serving with the French army. After waking on a snowy battlefield, he fights through the ruins in an effort to reach a broken bridge and a stolen train.

Along the way, William takes on a side mission to find a missing scouting party. He eventually discovers that the scouts are dead and defeats their commander in an optional fight. He also encounters an anxious French officer who would rather file paperwork than accept that his men may be dead.

Gameplay Highlights

• Combat combines sword fighting with guns, grenades, and a fire-based ability.
• Blocking, parrying, dodging, stamina management, and critical hits are central to combat.
• Pistols can target enemy weak spots, while fire can damage and stagger some foes.
• Lanterns serve as checkpoints, and collected “catalyst” functions like Souls for upgrades.
• Levels feature branching paths, hidden areas, shortcuts, platforming, snipers, traps, and occasional opportunities to use artillery.
• Upgrades include perks and equipment slots. The player invests in health and later endurance, while noting that melee attacks can restore mana.

Strategies and Tips

• Manage stamina carefully. Running out during a fight leaves little room to attack or evade.
• Use fire against vulnerable enemies; it can deal damage over time and create openings.
• Shoot glowing or exposed weak spots with the pistol, especially on tougher enemies.
• Listen for reloading sounds, watch for sniper positions, and use cover where possible.
• Check side paths and look for shortcuts, but be cautious around ledges and suspicious floors.
• Spend collected souls before exploring dangerous areas, and use lanterns to restore supplies.
• Parry timings felt relatively forgiving, but some attacks—especially fast or unblockable moves—still require close attention.

Verdict

The video praises the game’s style, setting, dismemberment, weapons, and unusual first-person take on the genre. However, the presenter finds its parry-heavy combat and punishing design frustrating. A difficult boss later reveals a second health bar, adding to complaints about surprise hazards, ambushes, and enemies positioned to knock the player off ledges.

He concludes that Valor Mortis may suit hardcore Souls fans who enjoy demanding parries, but it is not for him.

Gamer/source featured: John, from Many A True Nerd.