Mortal Shell, one of the biggest indie surprises of the summer, is getting closer to its official launch. Wednesday morning developer Cold Symmetry dropped a brand new trailer for theDark Souls-like action RPG. Not only is it one of the best trailers of 2020, but it also confirmedMortal Shell’s official release date. Excited fans can look forward to playingMortal Shellon PC, PS4, and Xbox One starting August 18.
The August 18 release date is especially surprising given thatMortal Shellwas only announced several months ago. The game’s first reveal came on April 1, though it really broke into the mainstream in June when gameplay debuted during the PC Gaming Show. Following that, Cold Symmetry released a limitedbeta version ofMortal Shellin July that also was received very well. It’s the kind of indie game that’s deservedly gaining attention as more of the game is shown.
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Even with a substantial amount of pre-launch gameplay footage available, however,Mortal Shell’s launch trailer may be the best representation of the game yet. The first portion of the trailer focuses on mood, story, and setting, establishingMortal Shell’s dark and disturbing world. The second portion focuses on gameplay, particularly the game’s beautiful combat and animations. It goes from a spooky trailer to an action-packed one in a matter of seconds.
TheDark Souls, and specifically theDemon’s Soulsinfluence is clear in the first portion of the trailer. The dark forests and bandit camps, as well as the female NPC voiceover are eerily familiar. Once the action picks up in the trailer,Mortal Shellstands apart. If anything, it takes on a shinier style more akin to other Souls-like titles likeLords of the Fallen.
While the comparisons to otherSouls-like titlesmay be apt, sinceMortal Shellis a highly derivative experience,Mortal Shellwill have to prove its quality on its own come launch. That doesn’t mean it has to be strikingly original or anything. It just has to be a polished and high-quality Souls-like. Exciting trailers, sharp visuals, and a familiar genre work great for marketing pre-launch, though.
An August release date also sets upMortal Shellfor success. September is when larger games start to launch, making competition much more heated.Mortal Shell’s launch date gives it the opportunity to stand out againstAugustgame releaseslikeMicrosoft Flight Simulator,Battletoads, andUFC 4rather thanMarvel’s Avengersand the like. It’s a great chance forMortal Shellto explode, so long as it delivers a great game.
Mortal Shellreleases August 18 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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