Souls-like games have passed me by due to my own lack of patience in repeating sections or boss fights. However, I’m trying to break that cycle with Mortal Shell. Initially, it was the atheistic that attracted me to the game. But I also want to enjoy these types of games more and I’m bringing you along on my journey. I’ve already covered my first couple of hours which you can catch up on here. And now let’s plough on.
Grisha is dead
This was my first real challenge in Mortal Shell, the big hairy beast in its cave. I had been bested a few times already which began to irritate me. However, I took a break and came back a day or two later ready to try again. It’s been said by some that fights like these should be treated like rhythm games. I, therefore, took the time to learn the attack patterns of Grisha. Watching out of harm’s way each additional hit, where openings for attacks were. And how far I’d need to distance myself to be safe from the power moves.
It took a few more deaths – one in particular that really hurt was getting the creature to one of two hits only to be caught napping. That being said, my perseverance and more importantly, patience eventually paid off.
The sense of satisfaction was immense. I’d finally defeated something more worthy than a standard grunt.
Getting to know you
After my triumphant victory over Grisha I was free to explore the rest of the cave. At the back, through a tangle of branches was another small cave. Housed within it was the next Shell, Solomon.
Up until this point, I’d not really invested any time into understanding my shells abilities. When visiting Sester Genessa you can purchase new abilities for your equipped shell with Tar and Glimpses – the two main currencies. Each shell has its own unique set of abilities to choose from and I’d suggest doing a little digging on them to find out what you’d prefer to invest in.
Additionally, your weapons can also be upgraded and in my fight with Grisha I was rewarded a mechanical spike – well it was in the chest in that cave, that shoots out of the hilt dealing massive damage and making you immune whilst performing the attack.
I’m eager to find some other weapons next but as of right now I don’t know where they are.
Fallgrim Tower
Fallgrim Tower is your main hub in Mortal Shell and here is where you will find a few of the other characters in the game. The Aforementioned Sester Genessa resides here as does a vendor named Vlas who will sell you various items in exchange for Tar. But the most important thing is that Vlas has a cat you can pet. Oh, there’s also some other massive… thing chained and locked up who you can talk to. I don’t trust whatever it is.
I’ve been spending a little time getting to know the immediate area around Fallgrim Tower a bit better. Learning where there are tunnels and which areas they lead to. I’m actually really starting to enjoy Mortal Shell.
Next
The plan of action is to head to one of the other areas, probably the Temple Grounds as I’ve heard that is one of the easier ones to deal with. I’m excited to see a new part of the game and see how it varies from what I’ve already seen.
-Will
