Unraveling Mysteries and Conquering Battles: Top-5 Alternatives to Mortal Shell

If you're a fan of the Souls-like action RPG Mortal Shell, there's a good chance that you're always on the lookout for similar games that can scratch that same itch. Fortunately, the gaming world is teeming with titles that offer deep lore, challenging combat, and intricate world designs akin to Mortal Shell. We've compiled a list of five top-tier alternatives to Mortal Shell that are sure to entice and challenge even the most seasoned players.

1. Dark Souls III

Intro on Dark Souls III

Dark Souls III, developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, is one of the finest examples of action RPGs in the market today. It offers an immersive storyline coupled with a perilous world filled with formidable adversaries just waiting to test your mettle.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

In Dark Souls III, players assume the role of an Unkindled Ash as they face off against countless foes in their quest to return the five Lords of Cinder to their thrones at Firelink Shrine. The game places heavy emphasis on tactical enemy encounters throughout its dark and atmospheric world. The gameplay revolves around exploration and progression through various levels while battling enemies using different weapons and magic spells. The setting takes place in Lothric, where players travel across various environments such as castles, fortresses, wastelands, and more. Strategic combat is crucial as each enemy has its unique patterns and tactics. Players need to learn these patterns to defeat them successfully.

2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Intro on Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is another masterpiece from the creators of Dark Souls. It offers a unique blend of stealth, exploration, and combat, which sets it apart from most action RPGs.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, players control a shinobi named Wolf as he embarks on a mission to rescue his kidnapped lord and seek revenge on his enemies. The gameplay diverges from typical RPG elements with its focus on precise swordsmanship and stealth mechanics. Set in late 1500s Sengoku Japan, the game presents a dark and twisted world where life is fleeting. Players explore vast areas riddled with complex vertical traversal using their grappling hooks. The story unfolds through interactions with characters and environmental storytelling.

3. Bloodborne

Intro on Bloodborne

Bloodborne is an action RPG developed by FromSoftware that carries the same DNA as Mortal Shell but distinguishes itself with faster-paced combat and a deeply unsettling atmosphere.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Bloodborne puts players in the role of a Hunter traversing through the city of Yharnam, infected with a blood-borne disease. The gameplay features a more aggressive combat style compared to other Souls-like games. A strategic offense is often the best defense in this game. The narrative relies heavily on exploration and the discovery of lore, which is primarily disclosed through item descriptions. Yharnam’s Gothic Victorian architecture, coupled with cosmic horror influences, creates an ominous setting teeming with danger at every turn.

4. Nioh 2

Intro on Nioh 2

Nioh 2 by Team Ninja introduces players to a challenging samurai-focused gameplay experience set against the backdrop of historical Japan infused with mythical elements.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

In Nioh 2, you play as a half-human, half-supernatural Yokai warrior wielding various Japanese weapons like katanas and spears. The game blends action and strategy by encouraging players to study their enemies, know when to attack, and when to defend. The story is set in the late 1500s during the Sengoku period in Japan. It combines historical events with fantasy elements as players face off against both human enemies and mythical creatures from Japanese folklore.

5. Ashen

Intro on Ashen

Ashen is an action RPG developed by A44 that draws inspiration from the Souls-like genre but incorporates its distinctive art style and cooperative gameplay mechanics.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Ashen places players in a sunless world where they must hunt for relics of light to repel darkness. The combat is stamina-based where strategic decisions matter just as much as your ability to swing a sword.

The setting takes place in an open-world environment with minimalist design aesthetics. As for the story, it unfolds through exploration and interaction with other characters who can join your camp and assist you in your quest.

Each of these games brings its unique blend of challenging combat mechanics, engaging storytelling, and beautiful world-building that fans of Mortal Shell will undoubtedly appreciate.