Valor Mortis evokes a curious connection to turnips, a sentiment that may seem peculiar at first glance. My recent foray into the tabletop game Turnip28 has introduced me to a whimsical alternate history where a peculiar root has taken hold of the world. In this quirky universe, turnips serve as the primary building blocks for crafting Napoleonic-era soldiers, while my own squad boasts garlic-headed riflemen and a cannon emerging from a toad’s mouth. This imaginative approach to the 19th-century battlefield is mirrored in Valor Mortis, a game I anticipated but did not expect to experience so soon. With a full release scheduled for 2026, the current playtest offers a tantalizing glimpse into what lies ahead.
Gameplay Experience
Setting aside my turnip musings, it’s clear that Valor Mortis presents itself with remarkable visual flair. My relationship with soulslike games is a complex one, often characterized by a blend of admiration and frustration. The absence of a pause button can be particularly challenging for a parent of young children, as interruptions can disrupt the flow of gameplay. Without the ability to pause, immersing oneself in the game becomes a daunting task.
Nonetheless, I find myself captivated by the genre’s artistic designs. I often indulge in the gruesome aesthetics through the experiences of friends and colleagues, appreciating the creativity that permeates titles ranging from the expansive Elden Ring to the more accessible Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn, another game set against a Napoleonic backdrop. The ingenuity within this genre is truly remarkable.
From the moment I watched the first trailer for Valor Mortis, I was hooked. As a follower of the Ghostrunner developers, I was already invested in their next project, but the sight of a masked Napoleonic soldier transforming into a grotesque creature amidst battle was enough to draw me in completely.
Having only sampled a few minutes of the playtest thus far, I can confirm that it lives up to the promise of its trailer. Armed with a trusty saber, I found immense satisfaction in slicing through the visceral challenges presented in the opening sequence. It appears that this demo is the same one that PCGamesN’s News Editor, Lauren, experienced at Gamescom, which only heightens my anticipation following her enthusiastic preview of Valor Mortis.
The Valor Mortis playtest is available today, October 7, from the official website or from Wednesday, October 8 on Steam. You can download it <a href="officialwebsitelink”>here, and find the Steam page <a href="steampagelink”>here.
If you share my eagerness to dive into this experience this evening, consider exploring some of the best single-player games for additional grim entertainment. Our curated list of the best action games also features some hidden gems.
Are you among those playing Valor Mortis early? Join the conversation in our community Discord server, where staff and readers engage in discussions about the latest gaming news over hearty turnip stews.
