Mortal Shell 2, the follow-up to the 2020 Soulslike hit, has been released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, offering what its developers describe as the most accessible entry point in the genre. The game, published by Playstack and developed by Cold Symmetry, introduces an open world environment inspired by Elden Ring, alongside a revamped shell system and a complete absence of a stamina bar.
Open World Design and Visual Style
Mortal Shell 2 adopts an open world structure, a departure from the original's more linear levels. However, the game's floating-in-the-air setting makes it easy to fall off, and the level design does not feature wide open spaces or wilderness areas akin to Elden Ring. According to the review, the open world feels gimmicky, as the style of level design has not changed significantly from the first game.
The visuals remain dark and gothic, with a near monochrome palette, a tone that the review notes is common among Soulslikes. The storytelling is described as abstruse, with the plot revolving around collecting magic eggs for a giant goddess. Despite the unoriginality, the visuals are deemed evocative, and enemy designs are praised.
Shell System and Customisation Options
The game's core mechanic involves players inhabiting different dead bodies, known as shells. Mortal Shell 2 doubles the number of shells from the original to eight, each acting like a character class with no restrictions on stats or weapons. Players can relieve the memories of the bodies they inhabit, learning about their backgrounds and the game world.
Customisation options are extensive, including shells such as a thief that can turn invisible, a character with an electric grappling hook, and a masochist who gains power from pain. The harden ability from the original returns but is now accessed via a seal, with different seals altering blocking, parrying, and stagger mechanics. One seal makes the entire game easier but prevents trophy completion. The review notes that these systems allow players to adjust difficulty in specific areas, maintaining the series' reputation as the most accessible Soulslike.
Combat System and Innovations
The most significant innovation is the complete lack of a stamina bar, allowing unlimited dodging, blocking, and attacking. However, attacks cannot be cancelled once committed, requiring careful timing, similar to Monster Hunter. The game also includes a range of guns and side weapons from the start, powered by a resource called Resolve, gained from successful melee attacks. This approach is compared to Bloodborne's action-oriented style.
Combat is described as enjoyable and varied, though the review notes a lack of enough enemy types to avoid excess repetition. The boss fights are not as memorable as those in Elden Ring, but the review states this is true for 95% of all video games.
Accessibility and Difficulty
Mortal Shell 2 is positioned as the most accessible Soulslike, though the review emphasises that this is only in comparison to other games in the genre. For players intimidated by FromSoftware titles, this is an easier starting point. The review notes that the game is still punishing for normal games but less esoteric than typical Soulslikes.
The game's score is 8/10, with pros including a great combat system, a huge range of shells, weapons, and ability modifiers, impressive visuals, and enemy designs. Cons include a lack of major new ideas, a strangely handled open world that did not need to be designed that way, and limited enemy variety. The review concludes that Mortal Shell 2 is entertaining enough to keep fans engaged until FromSoftware returns to the genre.
