Lords of the Fallen

Lords of the Fallen (2023) is a souls-like game that has undergone significant transformation since its rocky launch. Initially criticized for performance issues, bugs, clunky combat, and confusing design choices, the game struggled to find its footing. However, the 2.0 update brought substantial improvements to enemy AI, combat smoothness, and stability, making the experience more enjoyable and accessible, especially for co-op play. The game features interconnected level design reminiscent of classic Dark Souls with a unique dual-realm mechanic involving the Umbral Realm, adding layers to exploration and combat.

Players praise the game's graphics, atmospheric world, character customization, and the seamless co-op system that allows shared progression from start to finish. Combat is generally smooth and forgiving compared to other souls-likes, with satisfying weapon handling and a diverse build system. However, the story and quest design are often seen as underwhelming and confusing. Persistent bugs, optimization problems, and some frustrating design elements like the invasion system and Umbral realm pacing remain concerns for many players. Overall, it is a solid souls-like that appeals especially to co-op enthusiasts, but it still needs polish and clearer direction.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the graphics and atmospheric world design, highlighting the detailed armor and character customization options. The combat system is noted for its smoothness and satisfying feedback, with enjoyable dual-wielding and magic mechanics. The seamless co-op experience with shared progression is a standout feature, allowing friends to play through the entire game together. The interconnected level design and the unique Umbral Realm mechanic add depth to exploration and combat strategies. Many appreciate the developers' commitment to improving the game post-launch through updates and content additions.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include persistent bugs and optimization issues that cause crashes and stuttering, sometimes severely impacting gameplay, especially in co-op. The invasion PvP system is widely disliked due to unbalanced matchmaking and forced invasions that disrupt co-op flow. The story and quest tracking are described as confusing, generic, or poorly implemented, with many players missing critical items or narrative context. The Umbral Realm mechanic, while innovative, is often viewed as tedious and frustrating due to repetitive enemies and unclear navigation. Lock-on and control mechanics receive mixed feedback, sometimes feeling clunky or imprecise. Some players also find the game too easy or lacking the polish of top-tier souls-likes.