From dark fantasy worlds to unique settings, these upcoming first-person action games are set to completely redefine the genre.
First-person action games are tricky. There’s an easy flow to first-person shooters that makes swinging a gun around and aiming down the sights feel natural. The same isn’t always the case with first-person melee combat, which is why, despite years of iteration and innovation, no game has truly nailed down the perfect first-person melee combat system.
That hasn’t stopped developers from trying, though. Coming soon to consoles and/or PCs everywhere, these upcoming first-person action games are looking to put their stamp on the genre. Granted, some of these games do have shooting elements to them; the main thing we’re looking at here is that they aren’t exclusively focused on first-person shooting, but incorporate other elements into the mix, be it melee combat or supernatural powers.
Valor Mortis
For a team that has all but mastered the modern first-person action game, Valor Mortis is a pretty major change of pace for the devs at One More Level. This is a studio that made its name by developing Ghostrunner 1 & 2, which are some of the best first-person action games of all time. They are also incredibly fast-paced, something that Valor Mortis is toning down a bit.
It’s described as a «first-person action Soulslike», which sounds awesome, but also suggests a more methodical approach to combat compared to Ghostrunner’s slash-and-dash style. There are the standard parry and dodge abilities, but there’s also a bit of gunplay in the mix. You can use the pistol in your left hand to shoot grenades out of the air, for example. You play as a fallen Napoleonic soldier who rises from the dead to battle supernatural threats, which promises both a unique setting and some really cool enemy and boss designs.
Fatekeeper
Not much is known about the story of Fatekeeper, but it’s set in a desolate fantasy world, the protagonist is voiced, and a talking rat is following him around. Honestly, that’s a pretty good place to start, but there’s plenty more that has put this game on people’s radar, one being the jaw-dropping visuals. Fatekeeper looks gorgeous, which is particularly impressive when it’s being made by a team of just 12 people.
Then there’s the combat, which also really stands out. There’s definitely some Dark Messiah of Might and Magic influence here. The hit reactions are fantastic; each swing of the player’s sword sends smaller enemies tumbling to the ground, while magic has a telekinetic element to it that lets you pick up and toss your foes like a ragdoll.
