All eyes are on the newest FromSoftware project Elden Ring following its recent gameplay reveal trailer, but Cold Symmetry's Mortal Shell is not one to be missed for fans of the genre. In Mortal Shell, the player awakens as a wraith, and must inhabit the bodies of the fallen in order to survive and complete the mission tasked to them by the "Dark Father." The twist here is that the player's strengths vary depending on the body they inhabit, a feature that adds a creative new aspect to the Soulslike genre.

The aesthetic of Mortal Shell most closely resembles the grim, gothic style of the Dark Souls series, but the gameplay brings to mind another FromSoftware title. Mortal Shell is remarked for being a fast-paced Soulslike game like Bloodborne, one of the more unique FromSoftware Soulslike games. The latest Mortal Shell DLC, The Virtuous Cycle, lays its inspirations bare by borrowing a feature that is characteristically Bloodborne.

RELATED: 5 Soulslike Games to Play While Waiting for Elden Ring 

Bloodborne's Trick Weapons In Mortal Shell

Bloodborne's trick weapons became somewhat of a signature feature for the game, standing as one of the elements that set the game apart from other FromSoftware games. These trick weapons are so-called because of their ability to transform into an alternative weapon type by pressing L1.

Trick weapons were very well received by Souls fans, as their inclusion proved to be a unique introduction that really had endless possibilities in terms of the combinations of weapon types the developer could make. On top of this, they allowed the player to vary their playstyle, changing their approach depending on the situation. This motivated the player to try out playstyles they ordinarily wouldn't, encouraging the more cautious gamer to branch out and take risks.

The reveal of Mortal Shell's Virtuous Cycle DLC put trick weapons front and center, featuring a staff being transformed into a halberd, before being transformed once more into a katana. The Bloodborne inspirations are immediately apparent, as the wielder transforms their sword into a halberd to deliver a final powerful blow. The weapon and its variations are deliberately highlighted by the trailer, suggesting they could be a huge part of the DLC. Mortal Shell takes this trick weapon idea to another level by introducing a third variation, which will be sure to further build upon the feeling of experimental freedom both this game and Bloodborne are predicated on.

A Possible Replacement For Bloodborne

Mortal Shell

There had been rumors of a Bloodborne remaster coming to PS5 and PC this year, but with nothing announced as of yet, Bloodborne fans will be looking for a multiplatform, next-gen alternative. This is where Mortal Shell could prove to fill a gaping void for Bloodborne fans. While Mortal Shell launched on previous-gen consoles, an enhanced version is available for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, making Mortal Shell available to most gamers.

As for the content of the game, Mortal Shell adds just enough to the Soulslike formula to feel like an entirely new experience, without compromising the gameplay that Souls fans crave. Mortal Shell manages to innovate on its inspirations by adding a unique gameplay feature that introduces a fantastic amount of variety to the gameplay.

The protagonist of Mortal Shell is a disembodied wraith, who is capable of occupying the bodies of the fallen. Beyond simply functioning as an intriguing plot point for the game, this brings a number of gameplay innovations, including the ability to change class by possessing different types of soldiers and allowing the player a second chance at life after being defeated and ejected from the wraith's vessel.

There are two main aspects of Bloodborne that set the game apart from the Dark Souls franchise: the setting, and gameplay. While the setting of Mortal Shell resembles more closely the wretched, gothic environment of Dark Souls, the gameplay is unmistakably Bloodborne, with the Virtuous Cycle DLC set to expand upon this similarity. Fans who can't get enough of Bloodborne's Lovecraftian horror are perhaps better served to hope for a Bloodborne remaster, as Mortal Shell lacks in this department.

However, if the addictive and fast-paced gameplay is what draws the player to Bloodborne, Mortal Shell is the perfect replacement. Mortal Shell captures the feel of Bloodborne, while also innovating by adding its fair share of gameplay features that make the game no less challenging, but a lot more action-packed.

Mortal Shell is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

MORE: E3 2021 - Schedule, Where To Watch, Everything Announced, & More