I'm really starting to think that one of the prerequisites for being considered a "Soulslike" is that your game needs to be grim, dark, and most importantly, centered around a sentient, soulless husk that must slay other soulless monsters in order to syphon their life force(?) for various, nefarious reasons. But hey, it seems to work, and if that's your bag then Mortal Shell will likely be the game for you.
Anyway, here's the trailer:
Previously known as "Dungeonhaven" in its earliest days, Mortal Shell definitely looks to have all the trappings of a soulslike game. Developer Cold Symmetry insists that it will offer the sort of punishment and brutality that the genre is known for, which I'd imagine might excite some people.
For those with an academic interest in knowing what sort of grimdark high-fantasy Mortal Shell has in store for them, here's the game's official synopsis:
"Awakening as an empty vessel, you will enter into a shattered and twisted world where the remains of humanity wither and rot. Implored to do the bidding of the mysterious “Dark Father”, you must traverse this tattered landscape and track down hidden sanctums of devout followers. There, in Mortal Shell’s most hallowed grounds, you must overcome formidable foes and harvest the sacred glands. You won’t be truly alone when the dead litter your path: Scattered across this land are the remnant anima of lost warriors who can be inhabited to gain their unique abilities and knowledge of weapons. The Dark Father is desperate for you to complete your task — but to what end?"
Sounds cheery.
Mortal Shell is expected to launch for PS4, Xbox One, and PC this year, with a closed beta planned sometime prior to release.
