For everything we’ve seen of Axiom in Lords of the Fallen 2, which has definitely had better days, CI Games and Hexworks haven’t really showcased the Umbral until now. Today, a new alpha gameplay trailer is available, showcasing the land of the dead in all of its massive, sickening glory. And much like the previous game, there are plenty of new horrors that await.
But what’s changed? Chief creative officer and creative strategist Ryan Hill said in a press release that it’s more like the “realm of the undead.” “Its former scab-like crust has been ripped away, revealing the raw flesh beneath—an open wound that seethes with newfound hunger.”
Thankfully, game director James Lowe offers something more concrete in the latest “Lifting the Veil” Developer Update video. He described it as “a lot bigger and better,” and how it feels less distinct from Axiom because the two realms have begun to bleed into each other.
The team is aware that the first game’s take on the Umbral wasn’t very satisfying. To incentivize exploring the realm and not simply running through as quickly as possible, Lowe says that some things are only possible in Umbral (and vice versa in Axiom). Furthermore, killing things in the land of the living will result in them re-emerging in the land of the dead with “different forms,” which probably explains the “undead” part.
So while Axiom may come across as more like a Souls-like, the development team is really leaning more towards Umbral feeling like a horror game. There’s a definite fear of the unknown, where you won’t know what to expect.
Lords of the Fallen 2 will launch later this year for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. The first game will reportedly be offered for free with PlayStation Plus Essential this April.