Valor Mortis

About the Project

Valor Mortis is an ambitious first-person soulslike game from One More Level, where players take on the role of William, a former soldier of Napoleon's Grande Armée. Our team was responsible for creating the main cover art that captures the game's unique blend of historical warfare and supernatural horror.

The Game's Vision

Set during Napoleon's campaign across Eastern Europe, Valor Mortis presents a world where the horrors of war are compounded by supernatural corruption. The mysterious substance Nephtogolobin has corrupted former comrades, turning them into abominations while granting the protagonist supernatural powers and the ability to return from death.

Cover Art Design

Our cover art needed to convey multiple themes: the historical setting of Napoleonic warfare, the supernatural elements that corrupt the world, and the intense first-person combat that defines the gameplay. The artwork captures William's transformation and the dark atmosphere of a world where reality and nightmare collide.

Technical Approach

Creating cover art for a game with such unique gameplay mechanics required careful consideration of visual storytelling. We focused on:

• Historical accuracy in military uniforms and equipment
• Supernatural corruption effects and visual elements
• Dramatic lighting to convey the game's dark atmosphere
• Character design that reflects William's dual nature
• Composition that works across multiple marketing formats

Gameplay Innovation

Valor Mortis represents a significant technical challenge in game development - creating satisfying first-person melee combat. The game builds on One More Level's experience with Ghostrunner, expanding into a soulslike experience with:

• Precise first-person melee combat mechanics
• Challenging boss encounters requiring perfect timing
• Acrobatic platforming elements
• Dynamic weapon switching between melee, firearms, and supernatural abilities
• Character progression and kit optimization

Development Status

The game is currently in development with playtests available at major gaming conventions including Gamescom and PAX West. Players can sign up for upcoming Steam playtests to provide feedback and help shape the final experience.

Release Information

Valor Mortis is scheduled for release next year, allowing the development team to incorporate player feedback from the extensive playtest program. The game represents a bold new direction for One More Level, combining their expertise in fast-paced action with the strategic depth of soulslike gameplay.