Lords of the Fallen

Lords of the Fallen (2014) was an ambitious attempt to replicate the challenging Soulslike formula pioneered by FromSoftware’s iconic Dark Souls series. Developed by Deck13 and CI Games, it followed the story of Harkyn, a convicted criminal given a shot at redemption by battling the resurgent forces of the defeated god Adyr.

The game nailed the punishing combat that defined the genre, requiring precise timing for blocks, dodges, and attacks. However, it lacked the tight level design and intricate world-building that made the Souls games so captivating. Environments felt repetitive, the lore was surface-level, and the narrative failed to resonate.

Still, Lords of the Fallen had its strengths. The gear and character customization allowed for varied builds, and the risk-reward loop of regaining lost XP kept the tension high. The boss battles were also a highlight, with massive, grotesque monstrosities that demanded mastery of the combat system.

While flawed, Lords of the Fallen paved the way for more ambitious Soulslike experiences like The Surge series from the same developers. It served as an early example of how difficult it was to capture the magic of FromSoft’s formula, even as it provided an accessible entry point for fans of ruthlessly challenging action RPGs.