Is Lords of the Fallen the Same as The Lords of the Fallen? A Soulslike Saga Explained
The answer, unequivocally, is no. Lords of the Fallen (released in 2023) is not the same game as Lords of the Fallen (released in 2014). While the 2023 title serves as a spiritual successor and reboot to the original, it’s a completely new game with a new story, world, and gameplay mechanics. Think of it like this: they share a name and some thematic DNA, but they’re distinct entries in what is now a growing franchise. The addition of “The” at the beginning of the title was intentional, signaling a fresh start for the IP. The game was officially revealed by CI Games during Gamescom 2022 as The Lords of the Fallen. It was then rebranded as simply Lords of the Fallen in March 2023.
Let’s dive deeper into what makes these two games unique and address some common questions that players have about them.
Delving into the Differences: A Reboot, Not Just a Remaster
The most crucial distinction is that Lords of the Fallen (2023) isn’t simply a remastered version of the 2014 title. It’s a reboot, meaning it reimagines the core concepts of the original while introducing a completely new narrative, world, and gameplay experience.
- Story and Setting: While both games share a dark fantasy setting and involve battling a fallen god, their specific narratives and characters are distinct. The 2023 title takes place a thousand years after the events of the first game and introduces a new protagonist and a sprawling, interconnected world divided between the realm of the living (Axiom) and the realm of the dead (Umbral).
- Gameplay Mechanics: Both games are Soulslike, meaning they feature challenging combat, intricate level design, and a focus on player skill and learning. However, the 2023 title refines and expands upon the original’s mechanics, introducing a unique dual-world mechanic that allows players to seamlessly transition between Axiom and Umbral, offering new combat options, exploration opportunities, and puzzle-solving challenges.
- Visuals and Technical Advancements: As a product of modern hardware, the 2023 title boasts significantly improved graphics, performance, and overall technical polish compared to its predecessor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Lords of the Fallen Series
Here are some of the most common questions players have about the Lords of the Fallen games, addressed with clarity and expertise:
1. Is Lords of the Fallen (2023) a sequel to Lords of the Fallen (2014)?
Yes, in the sense that it builds upon the lore and world established in the original. However, it’s best understood as a spiritual successor that tells a new story within the same universe, rather than a direct continuation of the first game’s plot.
2. Do I need to play Lords of the Fallen (2014) before playing Lords of the Fallen (2023)?
No. While playing the original might provide some context and appreciation for the lore, it’s not necessary to enjoy the 2023 title. The reboot is designed to be accessible to new players.
3. Is Lords of the Fallen harder than Elden Ring?
While both are challenging Soulslike games, Lords of the Fallen (2023) is generally considered less difficult than Elden Ring. Elden Ring’s vast open world and demanding bosses often present a steeper learning curve. Both games fall into the Soulsborne genre, which means they are more difficult than the average game.
4. Is Lords of the Fallen related to Dark Souls or Elden Ring?
Lords of the Fallen is inspired by the Dark Souls series and Elden Ring, sharing similar gameplay mechanics and design philosophies. However, it is not directly connected to those franchises in terms of story or lore. Lords of the Fallen‘s strongest selling point might be that it maintains the circuitous, detailed, almost Metroidvania-like level design of Demon’s and Dark Souls in the face of Elden Ring‘s more open approach.
5. Is Lords of the Fallen (2023) a remake of Lords of the Fallen (2014)?
No, it’s a reboot, not a remake. A remake typically recreates the original game with updated graphics and mechanics, while a reboot reimagines the core concepts and creates a completely new experience.
6. Who developed Lords of the Fallen (2023)?
Lords of the Fallen (2023) was developed by Hexworks and published by CI Games.
7. What platforms is Lords of the Fallen (2023) available on?
It was released on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
8. How long does it take to beat Lords of the Fallen (2023)?
A single playthrough of Lords of the Fallen (2023) typically takes around 30 hours. Completing everything in the game can take up to 45 hours or more.
9. Does Lords of the Fallen (2023) have a map?
Yes, Lords of the Fallen (2023) features a map that helps players navigate its intricate and interconnected world. The Lords of the Fallen Map Size is massive, allowing players to explore most parts of this ravaged and bleak land.
10. How many endings are there in Lords of the Fallen (2023)?
There are three endings in Lords of the Fallen (2023): the Radiant ending, the Adyr/Inferno ending, and the Umbral ending. Each ending is tied to a specific faction and requires different choices throughout the game.
11. What is the dual-world mechanic in Lords of the Fallen (2023)?
The dual-world mechanic allows players to seamlessly transition between the realm of the living (Axiom) and the realm of the dead (Umbral). This opens up new pathways, reveals hidden secrets, and provides unique combat opportunities.
12. Is Lords of the Fallen (2023) worth playing?
Whether or not Lords of the Fallen (2023) is “worth it” depends on individual preferences. If you enjoy challenging Soulslike games with a dark fantasy setting, intricate level design, and a unique dual-world mechanic, then it’s definitely worth checking out. However, be aware that the game can be relentlessly miserable to play through.
13. What are Vestige Seeds in Lords of the Fallen (2023)?
Vestige Seeds are items that allow players to create their own checkpoints in the game world. They offer more flexibility in terms of save points compared to traditional Soulslike games.
14. Who is the hardest boss in Lords of the Fallen (2023)?
The hardest boss in Lords of the Fallen (2023) is subjective and depends on individual playstyles and builds. However, some of the most challenging bosses include The Sundered Monarch, The Lampreaper, Judge Cleric – The Radiant Sentinel, Elianne The Starved, Tancred – Master of Castigations & Reinhold The Immured, and Spurned Progeny.
15. What makes a game a Soulslike?
A game is typically categorized as “Soulslike” if it incorporates certain key elements reminiscent of FromSoftware’s Dark Souls series. These elements include:
- Challenging Combat: Emphasizing precise timing, strategic decision-making, and learning enemy attack patterns.
- Intricate Level Design: Featuring interconnected areas, hidden pathways, and a sense of exploration and discovery.
- Punishing Difficulty: Where death carries significant consequences, such as losing progress or resources.
- Dark Fantasy Setting: Often featuring a grim and atmospheric world with gothic or medieval themes.
- Lore-Rich Storytelling: Unveiling a complex narrative through environmental details, item descriptions, and cryptic dialogue.
- Stamina-Based Combat: Where actions consume stamina, requiring careful resource management.
- Bonfire/Checkpoint System: Allowing players to rest, level up, and respawn after death.
- Loss and Retrieval of Currency: Dying results in the loss of a valuable currency (souls, echoes, etc.) which can be retrieved by returning to the death location.
The Evolution of the Lords of the Fallen IP
The journey from the original Lords of the Fallen to the 2023 reboot demonstrates the evolution of game development and the willingness of developers to revisit and reimagine existing franchises. While the original had its merits, the reboot represents a significant step forward in terms of gameplay, visuals, and overall polish.
The success of Soulslike games highlights the enduring appeal of challenging and rewarding gameplay experiences. As the genre continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how developers push the boundaries and innovate upon the core mechanics that define it. You can also explore the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org to understand how games provide powerful learning experiences.
Ultimately, both Lords of the Fallen games offer unique experiences within the Soulslike genre. Whether you’re a fan of the original or a newcomer to the series, the 2023 reboot provides a compelling and challenging adventure that’s worth exploring.