Soulslikes have made a huge impact on the gaming world, and I’ve spent years diving into them. So when One More Level, the team behind Ghostrunner, announced their new project, Valor Mortis, at Gamescom 2025, I immediately got excited. This isn’t just another entry in the genre; it’s taking a bold step forward by putting the entire experience in first-person perspective.
That alone makes Valor Mortis stand out. Soulslikes rely on precision, timing, and spacing, and shifting that into a first-person view changes everything. Given how One More Level nailed the speed and flow of Ghostrunner, I’m eager to see how they handle a slower, more methodical combat style while keeping the tension and challenge that define the genre.
The game drops players into a warped version of 19th-century Eastern Europe during Napoleon’s conquest. You play as William, a fallen soldier resurrected by Nephtoglobin, a plague-like substance that grants supernatural abilities but has also corrupted his allies into monstrous abominations. With Metroidvania-inspired levels, grotesque enemies, and Napoleon’s Eternal Guard standing in the way, William has to fight his way through a world ravaged by war and corruption.
Combat blends brutal melee with ranged weapons and special powers called “Transmutations,” offering new synergies not often seen in Soulslikes. One More Level says the goal is to merge the precision and intensity of Ghostrunner with a more deliberate, punishing system that pushes players to adapt and master their abilities. Boss fights, of course, will be a major highlight.
Players at Gamescom 2025 can try Valor Mortis right now at booth A-053 in Hall 8, while a closed playtest will be happening in the coming weeks. Sign-ups are open at ValorMortis.com.
Interestingly enough, the more I watch footage of this game, it reminds me of another first-person title, Witchfire. This is more of a Soulslike meets FPS, and is a game you should be checking out if Valor Mortis is checking the boxes for you.
As someone who’s been hooked on Soulslikes for years, I can’t wait to see if first-person is the next big evolution for the genre. It’s a bold move, and I’m ready to find out if Valor Mortis can pull it off.
