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Disappointing soulslike: lords of the fallen (2014) review

A growing chorus of players reflects on their frustrations with the 2014 release of Lords of the Fallen. As reviews pour in, many express discontent over slow combat, poor level design, and misleading NPC choices.

By

Marcus Huang

Apr 24, 2025, 01:18 PM

Edited By

Marcus Chen

Updated

Apr 24, 2025, 11:53 PM

2 minutes of duration

A character battling a large enemy in a dark, gritty environment reminiscent of the game Lords of the Fallen.
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Players Voice Frustration

Despite the disappointing elements, Lords of the Fallen has sparked discussions about expectations in the soulslike genre. One player summed it up: "This game straight up sucks!" after struggling through just four bosses. This sentiment is echoed by others who criticized the catacombs as the worst level design encountered.

Combat Mechanics Under Fire

Combat mechanics have drawn sharp criticism as well. Described by some as "slow, floaty, and clunky," players noted that the controls often felt tedious. An enemy frequently cited in complaints is a shielded opponent, making maneuvering behind him nearly impossible. Gamers remarked, "It is literally coded to be impossible to roll or maneuver behind him." Others found it frustrating that trading health with powerful foes became the only option.

Illusionary Choices

An interesting discovery emerged through user discussionsโ€”NPC quest choices offer no real consequences. One player highlighted a video analysis that pointed out, "The crazy thing he highlighted was how the NPC quest โ€˜decisionsโ€™ are complete illusions." Players noted they felt misled, calling it a waste of time.

Save Mechanic Critique

Gamers continue to express disappointment regarding the limited save system tied to bonfires. One noted, โ€œIf you want to exit, youโ€™ve got to find another one first,โ€ showcasing how inconvenient this setup can be.

Glimmers of Hope for Gamers

While many players share negative sentiments about Lords of the Fallen, some show optimism for future titles in the series. Comments noted that the development team has significantly improved, with one user saying, "The new game is basically a very fun game; it became a decent soulslike." Despite the frustrations, players are keen to see what comes next.

Major Takeaways

  • โš”๏ธ Combat is slow and often unfulfilling.

  • ๐Ÿ”ด NPC choices are perceived as misleading and ineffective.

  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Limited save options frustrate gamer experience.

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Optimism exists for upcoming titles in the franchise.

In Summary

While Lords of the Fallen (2014) attempted to carve its niche in the soulslike genre, execution faltered. Fans are left hoping that the sequel will overcome the shortcomings of this entry. With the conversation shifting towards future releases, it remains to be seen if developers can redeem themselves from early missteps.