When word first spread that One More Level, the studio behind the lightning-fast Ghostrunner games, was developing a soulslike, plenty of fans felt a familiar pang of skepticism. Why pivot to a crowded genre? Would the developer's signature precision be watered down for a broader audience? Those doubts lingered in the back of many minds. But after spending a few hours with Valor Mortis, it becomes clear that those worries were wildly misplaced. In fact, if the full game maintains this level of quality, it might not just rival Ghostrunner—it could surpass it.

A Surprising Blend of Ghostrunner and Soulslike

At first glance, Ghostrunner and soulslikes seem like oil and water. One is a hyperkinetic first-person platformer; the other is a methodical, third-person action RPG. Yet Valor Mortis reveals that the two share more DNA than anyone realized. The brutal difficulty is there, of course, but so is the puzzle-like level design. Every enemy is meticulously placed, turning each encounter into a unique obstacle to solve. One More Level's historic design tendencies—tight, rhythmic combat and environmental awareness—mingle elegantly with soulslike fundamentals. It's a match that, in hindsight, seems obvious.

Combat That Feels Like Sekiro Meets Lies of P

Soulslike combat is all about positioning, reading enemy animations, and taking calculated risks. Valor Mortis nails these pillars while adding its own twist. Players have a standard arsenal: light strike, heavy strike, dodge, block, and parry. Blocking reduces damage, and blocked damage can be regained by attacking—a rally system reminiscent of Bloodborne. Parries, meanwhile, negate damage entirely and fill an enemy's stagger meter. It's a beautiful split between Lies of P and Sekiro, and it works flawlessly.

What truly sets the combat apart are transmutations—spells that function like BioShock's plasmids. The first one available is a fire spell that builds burn status and boosts melee damage. Transmutations consume a resource called Nephtogoblin, but in a stroke of genius, players can replenish it through melee attacks. A small amount is always available, meaning you can earn the right to use powers as much as you like. This synergizes perfectly with the constant forward momentum of the parry system. In a traditional soulslike, a flame spell would be shackled by a finite FP bar. Here, it feels like an extension of your aggression.

Weapons, Playstyles, and Build Variety

As the campaign progresses, the combat sandbox blossoms. William, the protagonist, starts with a saber but later acquires a musket for long-range attacks, a defensive transmutation, and a rapier. The rapier makes parrying more effective but removes the ability to block properly. So players must choose: compensate with a defensive transmutation, or risk death to master the parry while gaining an offensive edge with an offhand pistol or flame spell? It's not Elden Ring levels of build variety, but when coupled with One More Level's precise, endlessly satisfying combat, it's practically hypnotic.

Level Design and Enemy Encounters

One of the preview's most delightful revelations was how many different ways a single encounter can be approached. During one challenging gauntlet, the author discovered that an enemy would fire its gun in a narrow hallway, making it easy to bait it into hitting a much more powerful foe with an explosive on its back. Another path led into a building, allowing stealthy dispatch of smaller enemies before facing the tougher ones. Just like in Ghostrunner, approaching an area from a different angle leads to a fundamentally different but equally satisfying experience. With a touch of soulslike RPG elements, this expertly crafted encounter design becomes even more fruitful.

Story and Setting

The narrative is unexpectedly character-driven. William is a member of Napoleon Bonaparte's Grande Armée who rises from the dead on a battlefield. Around him are his fellow soldiers—except they've gone insane due to a mysterious supernatural force. The preview didn't reveal much of the plot, but the setup is intriguing, and the atmosphere is thick with dread and mystery.

Boss Fight and Final Thoughts

The preview session ended with a fast-paced boss that rewarded an intensive parry-focused playstyle. It left a sense of satisfaction—and frustration, because the only thing worse than dying repeatedly is having to stop playing. There's still much to learn about Valor Mortis' story and how the full game will come together, but any title this compelling after just a few hours is worth watching. Mark these words: One More Level has something special on its hands. Valor Mortis launches in 2026, and if the preview is any indication, it could be one of the best soulslikes of this generation. 🎮⚔️🔥