TheSouls-like RPGMortal Shellhas quickly become one of the most interesting announcements of the Summer Game Fest. Two trailers over the past several days teasedMortal Shell’s grim story and grisly combat. One aspect of the game that’s been notably absent is an extended look at one ofMortal Shell’s boss fights, though. That absence has since been filled, with developer Cold Symmetry putting out a lengthy look at a mini-boss fight with the warrior Hadern.
During yesterday’s PC Gaming Show presentation anewMortal Shelltrailerwas shown, but the trailer ended abruptly just as the Hadred fight started. Here’s that extra footage showcasing the Hadern mini-boss, which makes for a great showcase ofMortal Shell’s tactical and deliberate combat.
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InMortal Shell, players start in whatCold Symmetrycalls the Dark Form. From this Dark Form, players can inhabit the corpses of fallen warriors, which are called Shells. Shells offer their own unique combat strengths, as well as unique upgrades and lore. For this boss fight, however, it seems the player has decided to forgo a Shell in favor of their Dark Form. That’s why they look like some sort of skinless creature. It’s possible that this fight is from an early section of the game prior to the player earning their first Shell.
Throughout theboss fightwith Hadern, viewers get to see another ofMortal Shell’s unique mechanics. It’s a sort of hardening, in which the player seemingly becomes briefly encased in a sort of stone. This ability prevents all damage, though there appears to be an ability that allows the player to recuperate damage while hardened, too. Hardening will last several seconds waiting for damage to be done before it breaks. After use, it takes some time to recharge this ability, though other trailers have shown that players will be able to build up multiple charges over time.
What’s really interesting about the Hadern fight is that Hadern can use the hardening ability, too. Clearly, the player isn’t the only Dark Form being in the world ofMortal Shell. Perhaps there are a range of such afflicted just like in theSoulsgames.
Beyond the unique aspects ofMortal Shell’s combat, it’s still a very interesting system. As promised, efficient actions are done very deliberately.Button mashingattacks is a quick way to die, since Hadern’s hardening will lead to a deflection and vulnerability. Still, dodges are as important as ever in aSoulsgame.Mortal Shelldoesn’t deviate that far from players' expectations.
Mortal Shellreleases Q3 2020 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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