Mortal Shell: the magazine of the virtuous cycle

When Cold Symmetry's Mortal Shell appeared in 2020, more than a few eyes have probably looked up in a cynical skepticism. Another RPG SoulSlike action clone? Does the tide of the aspirants never retreat? Well, the opponents were mistaken. While Mortal Shell kissed, was underlaying and shamedling with many Dark Souls mechanisms, he added some new really smart and engaging ideas. Perhaps the most important thing is that it gets closest to any ARPG to match the Gothic ambiguity, in combat combat combat, with solid progression and the mastery loop of Any game not created by from Software.

Since its launch, Mortal Shell has been supported by updates, improvements for new consoles, bug fixes and some seasonal events that have mainly added cosmetics to play as new hull colors. The last DLC, The Virtuous Cycle, goes a little further by adding a new hull of boss and a new weapon and a whole new Roguelike game mode. This is certainly not an appropriate sequence, and that does not even add new areas to the game, but the virtuous cycle should be well received by the unconditional fans of Mortal Shell.

For non-initiates, Mortal Shell is an action RPG in the third person who looks a lot like Dark Souls or his suites, but who focuses almost entirely on bodily combat. Instead of classes, there are shells, which are essentially predefined characters with starting statistics that emphasize dexterity, for example on force. The parade is an important element, but there are no shields. Instead of dying immediately after a particularly strong shot, the characters can be stunned with their defensive shells. Like Dark Souls and other ARPGs, there are consumables and of course, characters can improve their weapons, shells and abilities. Mortal Shell is a difficult game, but what he really understands is the progression of Soulslike from Novice to Master through acquired practice and leveling.

The virtuous cycle adds a new type of shell touch-to-all based on the boss Hadern, as well as a new weapon called Axetana, which turns between the ax and the Katana (no DUH). Like Hadern's Shell, it's a fun and versatile weapon that many different versions will find useful.

The new Roguelike mechanic begins players at Fallgrim with a shell, a weapon and a parade type of their choice. From there, the goal is to explore the whole card, eliminating all enemies and boss. Along ways are pillars that give traits and capabilities (common to legendary), which allows players to create a unique construction for each race, depending on what they find and in what order. After almost inevitable death, players return to the Fallgrim tower and spend all the resources they collected on liabilities that will make the next race a little more manageable. Arrive at the end of the game and there is a brand new boss - or, that's what I hear, because honestly, I have not arrived yet.

Especially on a decent PC or playing the enhanced edition on PS5, Mortal Shell has proud pace, with fluid and powerful combat animations and a very striking series of very detailed atmospheric locations. Virtuous fashion mode includes many enemies, often in a group, but they remain engaging to fight as long as numbers are not too overwhelming. The sound design of Mortal Shell was and remains quite effective, with a strange musical partition, an excellent environmental sound and a sober but well directed voice.

Although today, this is no longer a free download, The Virtuous Cycle is probably an easy-to-recommend purchase for basic game fans. The new Roguelike game mode is fun (if it's your trick) and the new shell and the weapon are a welcome addition to arsenal. If you rebounded on Mortal Shell because of his difficulty, this new DLC will not make you change your mind, but it's a good news for most of all those who appreciate the homage of Cold Symmetry in Dark Souls.