f13.net

New Soulsborne game, now in open "beta" (it's really a demo not a beta) on the Epic Store. Exclusive on PC to the Epic Store till 2021 (I'm assuming it'll be a full year timed exclusive). Also will be on PS4 and Xbox One.

https://www.mortalshell.com/ (age verification required)

This looks like a decent overview of the beta from IGN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXU9xKJvk70

Overview of some of the more advanced/different from Soulsborne game combat mechanics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grSzc5Tm9Zo

Looks and feels very much like the Soulsborne games but does have its own twists on the genre. No Estus Flasks/Blood Vials so healing is a lot more limited. Block is replaced with a more limited but more powerful "Harden" ability where you literal turn yourself to stone (even in midair and you stay up there). There is a parry/riposte system that will give you back some health. "Shells" that you inhabit are like the classes in the game but you can also switch them at designated points (akin to Code Vein expect that Code Vein lets you switch at any time). You can also just run around naked (literally) without a shell and fight if you want, though I'm not sure why you would if you aren't a speed/challenge runner (e.g. naked no deaths/no damage/no hit runs) except to try and recover your corpse.

Speaking of which here's the Closed Beta deathless tournament: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBI-DyA8T0w

I hate Souls clones but this looked inspiring. I was looking forward to it and yesterday very happily installed it. Unfortunately, while looking great, so far it has been disappointing. Like every Souls clone. But I want to try some more.

Loaded up the demo and the default control scheme requires fingers on all 4 triggers/bumpers to play optimally which I'm not good with (I need my middle fingers to grip the controller securely). I.e. by default Light Attack is Right Bumper, Heavy Attack is Right Trigger, Parry is Left Bumper and Harden is Left Trigger. Haven't tried remapping things to see if there's a better configuration.

BTW the "secret" passage right in the starting area past the tutorial leads to a boss :awesome_for_real:

Edit: oh and a PS4 controller with DS4Windows works fine with the game

i wanted to play mortal shell, shame it got delayed a year

On the bright side the PC port will be very well tested by the time it comes out.

The starting beta area is so dark and desaturated it's giving me eyestrain while trying to play. Probably will have to pass on this one just from that aspect alone.