Mar 2021
Imagine a world where you’re a hulky, weirdly-sculpted character, wandering in a gloomy landscape, dodging enemies that want nothing more than to turn you into a colorful stain on the floor. Welcome to *Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition*! If you thought your last family reunion was dark and spooky, wait until you step into this beautifully crafted nightmare. It’s like *Dark Souls* but with an even more exaggerated melodrama and a distinct flair for shell-switching! Yes, it’s a game where you can literally put yourself in someone else’s skin—not that we’re judging your skin choices!
In *Mortal Shell*, you play as a nameless wanderer (or 'the nameless one,' for those dramatic fictional names), who has a penchant for snatching up various 'shells.' Each shell is like a different flavor of ice cream—some might be choc chip cookie dough, while others are more like... well, plain vanilla. You can swap shells rapidly, adapting to different combat styles with a flick of your analog stick! One moment you’re bashing enemies like a hammer of justice, the next, you’re gracefully dodging with the elegance of an elven ballet dancer. The key here? Timing! Your best friend and worst enemy comes in the form of having only a limited number of health items, which forces you to play smart. You can leech health from enemies, because why not? What could be better than returning to full health while your foes wade through sorrow? Let's be real: *Mortal Shell* is a love letter to the soulslike genre while also throwing in enough quirks to keep you guessing (and cursing) all the way through to the end.
This game is practically a feast for the eyes! While it doesn't quite boast the visual fireworks of a blockbuster action flick, it evokes a moody atmosphere that’s darker than a teenager after a breakup. With textures sharper than your ex's insults, the lighting plays a part in creating a scene that looks like Salvador Dalí designed an epic dungeon. Each character and enemy design is intricate, resembling Victorian-era horror art. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you're trudging through a frightful painting, then this aesthetic definitely gives you that 'dread and awe' experience.
Overall, *Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition* is like the awkward cousin at your family reunion who unexpectedly steals the show with their dark sense of humor. The gameplay is satisfying, the graphics are hauntingly beautiful, and if you enjoy *Dark Souls* or just want to poke a sacrificial flame, this is the game for you, my friend. With shell-swapping escapades and an enigmatic world, it hurls challenging yet rewarding gameplay at you like it’s confetti at a slightly unsettling parade. If you fancy a game that insists you learn and adapt (while giving you enough of a hard time that you start contemplating life decisions), then scoop this one up. Just be prepared for the existential crisis that comes along with it. Score? 8.5 out of 10, perfect for those who love a bit of grit with their gaming!
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