Lords of the fallen full play through, - stream 1

Overview

Lords of the Fallen (2023) is a dark-fantasy action RPG reboot of the 2014 title of the same name. Set in a richly detailed world torn between light and darkness, the game invites players to explore two interconnected realms — the living world (Axiom) and the dead realm (Umbral). This dual-realm system defines the game’s core identity, blending exploration, puzzle-solving, and high-stakes combat into a single grim odyssey.

Gameplay

At its heart, Lords of the Fallen is a Souls-like — challenging, deliberate, and punishing in all the right ways. Combat is weighty, methodical, and deeply satisfying when mastered. You’ll wield a wide variety of melee weapons, ranged tools, and spells to confront grotesque enemies and towering bosses.

The game’s standout feature is its dual-realm mechanic: at any moment, you can peer into or transition between worlds. Die in Axiom, and you awaken in Umbral — a decayed mirror of reality filled with even deadlier foes but unique paths and secrets. It’s both a second chance and a curse, turning every death into an opportunity for discovery.

Exploration feels expansive, though sometimes uneven in pacing. Bonfire-like checkpoints (called Vestiges) offer safe havens to upgrade, rest, and prepare for the next onslaught.

Visuals & Design

Built in Unreal Engine 5, Lords of the Fallen is visually stunning. Gothic cathedrals, fog-drenched ruins, and burning wastelands create a haunting aesthetic worthy of Dark Souls and Elden Ring. The interplay between the bright, holy light of Axiom and the grotesque decay of Umbral is both beautiful and disturbing.

Lighting, textures, and animations shine — though some technical hiccups remain. Frame rate dips and occasional camera jank can momentarily break immersion.

Narrative & Atmosphere

The story revolves around a fallen god, Adyr, and the struggle between divine and demonic forces. While lore is rich and steeped in mystery, storytelling takes a backseat to atmosphere. You’ll uncover the narrative through cryptic NPC dialogue, item descriptions, and environmental cues — very much in the FromSoftware tradition.

There’s a palpable sense of spiritual decay — a world teetering between damnation and rebirth. The soundtrack complements this beautifully: mournful choirs, haunting strings, and bursts of orchestral fury.

Performance & Issues

Despite its ambition, Lords of the Fallen launched with performance issues: stuttering, AI bugs, and awkward lock-on behavior. Patches have improved stability, but occasional technical quirks persist.

Difficulty can feel uneven — some bosses are exhilarating, others frustratingly unbalanced. Still, for fans of the genre, the challenge is part of the allure.

Verdict

Lords of the Fallen is an ambitious reimagining that dares to step out of FromSoftware’s shadow. It’s not flawless, but it’s a confident, atmospheric, and inventive Souls-like that rewards patience and curiosity. The dual-world mechanic alone makes it worth experiencing — an innovation that transforms death itself into gameplay.
Score: 8/10
Highlights: Dual-realm exploration, stunning art direction, heavy and satisfying combat
Lowlights: Technical issues, uneven difficulty, underdeveloped story delivery