Summary
Recently, a representative from Hexworks came forward to proclaim thatLords of the Fallenoffers a co-op experience that is distinctly superior to its genre counterparts.Lords of the Fallen, developed by Hexworks and published by CI Games, has prominently established itself within the Soulslike RPG category.
It’s worth noting thatLords of the Fallenserves as a spiritual successor to a 2014 title of the same name, effectively marking a robust reboot of the franchise. This collective endeavor, involving the creative input of over 400 developers, presents players with a vast array of choices, including the promise of three unique endings and a formidable array of 30 challenging bosses, implying a depth that invites diverse and repeat gameplay experiences. Furthermore,Lords of the Fallenboasts an impressive arsenal, featuring 194 weapons and shields, along with 339 armor pieces. It also incorporates 76 spells and catalysts, adding an additional layer of depth to the gameplay.
In a recent Q&A stream following theOctober 13 release ofLords of the Fallen,Executive Producer and Hexworks head Saul Gascon delved into the game’s co-op system in light of feedback from the player community. When asked about potential changes to the co-op experience, Gascon firmly expressed their intent to not alter the game’s core essence, drawing a distinction from other titles likeRemnant. He emphasized Hexworks' commitment to improving the player experience where it logically aligns with their vision. A key design principle, Gascon explained, was safeguarding the integrity of a host player’s world against disruptive interference, a reason for certain co-op limitations.
However, Gascon proudly pointed out the game’s co-op flexibility, emphasizing the uninterrupted exploration players can enjoy together without the common restrictions seen in other Soulslikes. Highlighting the innovativeuse of the Sanguinarixfor resurrection to add even more flexibility to the co-op experience, Gascon confidently remarked that, in the realm of Soulslikes,Lords of the Fallenboasts probably the best and most adaptable co-op design. He wrapped up by acknowledging room for improvement but underscored their current design as superior to other titles in the genre.
While these are the developer’s claims, areview ofLords of the Fallencommended its robust core gameplay and the innovative dual-world mechanic, reminiscent of titles likeElden RingandDark Souls. However, it also drew attention to issues such as cramped and perplexing level design, an abundance of challenging enemies, and occasional unfair enemy tactics. The review also acknowledged Hexworks' ongoing efforts to address and improve existing concerns, hinting at the potential forLords of the Fallento evolve into a more refined and balanced gaming experience over time.
