Announced in 2014 as Lords of the Fallen 2, The Lords of the Fallen has been while coming. EDGE featured the upcoming Souls-like action RPG in Issue #381, and Hexworks provided tons of new information on what to expect.
From the start, the developer wanted to make “Dark Souls 4.5” and despite Elden Ring taking the gaming world by storm, it stuck to its guns. The connection to the first game is “tenuous,” and the sequel is several times larger with lots of inter-connectivity. Each level is described as branching into others, with every three levels looping into each other.
One key mechanic is the Umbral, the world of the dead, and a lantern which allows for crossing over and escaping from it. HR Giger, Zdzisław Beksiński and Olivier de Sagazan were inspirations for the Umbral’s art. Some Umbral creatures may cower before your lamp, but the larger ones are less fearful and may even try to drag you to the other side.
At times, the real world and Umbral will intertwine, with a chasm in the former potentially connecting to the latter. Using the lantern allows for crossing. A fair bit of observation is required when encountering gaps and dead ends, and changes in the world could open up new paths (like in Soul Reaver).
While dying allows for respawning at anchors (the equivalent of bonfires) and backtracking to retrieve your currency, you could also venture into the Umbral. It provides another chance to bring you back to the real world and presents opportunities for locating treasure. However, healing items aren’t as effective, and an insanity meter will gradually build.
The Lords of the Fallen is out in 2023 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. Stay tuned for more details in the meantime.