Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition is an updated version of the innovative experience Soulslike published last year by Cold symmetry. The mortal world and the enemies of Fallgrim they are trying to bring you down. Choose your favorite "shell" and venture into this dark and twisted fantasy.
We have already had the opportunity to play the title (here you can find our in-depth review of the PC version) and for whom, perhaps after completing Demon's Souls, is looking for a new exponent of the genre, the Enhanced Edition of Mortal Shell, is ideal as it works more smoothly and quickly offering fans a short but at the same time fulfilling and intense journey into the dark. The developers have created a daring adventure that uses the best and worst this genre has to offer.
Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition is a free update for owners of the original game for PS4 or Xbox One. It can also be purchased on both PS5 and Xbox Series X / S digital stores.
A ghost without a shell
Mortal Shell isn't the kind of game that opens with a ten-minute cutscene explaining who or where you are. Instead, you awaken in a humid and foggy purgatory. With seemingly no goal, the skeletal hero begins his own journey, primarily learning everything he will need to succeed in his quest. Before long, you will be captured and transported to the sadistic land of Fallgrim. The Foundling he quickly learns that he won't last long here in his current form and will have to seek the tools to survive.
Like many of its predecessors, this title likes to hide almost all of its exposure and backstory within object descriptions and traditions. Unfortunately, the narrative isn't very original and feels a little too similar to the games that influenced it. This can initially cause abundant confusion for the first hour or so of the game as you stumble in search of a clue as to where to go. Only the discovery of the Fallgrim Tower, a safe place that has introduced many of the profits NPC at the same time, it will provide enough information to really start the expedition.
Inside the Tower you will meet Sister Genessa, the most important and available NPC in the game. He reveals to you that hidden throughout the earth are the bodies of four legendary warriors, which if found, can be used as shells to keep you safe. You will also learn from a Old Prisoner that you may have the opportunity to escape from this land but as long as you collect the three sacred glands. At this point, you have clear goals and it is up to you to decide in which order to address them.
Brief mention of Gameplay
Any player with previous experience with the Soulslike genre should understand the core mechanics of Mortal Shell right after starting it. The tutorial game opening informs you that you have a light attack e a heavy one, as well as a button dedicated momentum. Some actions like running and rolling will quickly wear out the resistance bar character, so learning how to use them becomes a fun timing and strategy challenge.
The Enhanced Edition now uses one of the controller's best features DualenseI adaptive triggers. As the resistance runs out, the triggers become harder to squeeze, allowing the player to measure their stamina without taking their eyes off the battle. We found this extremely useful as we often ran to a boss to deliver a powerful blow, only to realize we couldn't pull the triggers and had to quickly back off to re-strategize the moves to make.
One of our biggest complaints about the game was about AI. In some moments, enemies got stuck in game scenarios or on the spot doing absolutely nothing, in others they were able to mercilessly assault us and set up incredibly thoughtful ambushes. This dichotomy is also present in the Enhanced Edition and unfortunately has repeatedly undermined the immersion of the game. When the enemies work properly, each one poses a threat that can instantly annihilate you. It is hoped that with an update we can largely remedy these problems!
The unique mechanics of hardening
Although Mortal Shell uses many of the basic gameplay elements of its predecessors, it also brings several new ideas. The first and perhaps the most unique is the mechanics "Hardening (Hardening)" of the game. The Foundling can use this power at any time to prevent all incoming damage for a short period of time. Whether you are waving your sword a second too late or are about to be hit by a massive enemy attack near the last, you can use this power to petrify the character on the spot. Hardening requires a cooldown, so players must use it strategically to be successful. Mastering the skill is very important. This is a decisive move that will determine success or failure in combat.
The second unique feature of the game is theuse of shells. The Foundling is incredibly weak and can be easily knocked down with a couple of hits. The game allows you to get the first shell at the beginning of the adventure, but finding the other three won't be easy. Fortunately, there are clues inside the Fallgrim Tower that reveal where the bodies are hidden. Each shell represents a different warrior (with its own historical background) and provides unique fighting styles, allowing each player to find the right shell for their style.
Graphics and technique
Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition features several goodies that ultimately make it a next-generation title. It takes approx 15 seconds to enter the game, all thanks to Sony's custom SSD, from the main menu and Fallgrim's glance, at least initially, is quite stunning. The title runs smoothly at 1440p / 60fps and the framerate is stable as well as the general fluidity of the movements. We have however noticed some texture problems who struggled to charge. While everything looks fine in the game, many places are too similar to really stand out. Our favorite dungeon was that of the Crypt of the Martyrs in the snowy mountains because it finally represented a change of scenery.
Although the Open world and dungeons provide nothing melodic, there are actually very clever uses ofspeaker integrated into the DualSense. At the beginning of Fallgrim, you will come across a lute that you can add to your inventory. At any time, when you pull out the instrument and start playing it, you will hear a rather catchy melody that mixes the audio between the TV / headphone speakers and that of the controller. There is also a cat in the game that purrs through the controller when you pet it.
Final comment
Mortal Shell is a bold reinterpretation of what a Soulslike can be and a wonderful Cold Symmetry debut on next-gen consoles. It features quite interesting and challenging fights as well as some characters capable of bringing the entire game world to life. Although the diversity of enemies and the environment is lacking, this Enhanced Edition is recommended for all players who, after completing Demon's Souls on PS5, are looking for a new Soulslike challenge. Excellent integration of the DualSense controller as well as uploads, practically very fast and able to immediately bring you back to battle after an inevitable death!
