A debut trailer just dropped for the dark fantasy shooter Chains of Lukomorye, a gorgeous looking game which draws inspiration from the folkloric fantasy of Dark Souls and the wasted WW1 landscapes of Battlefield One. By wading into the Soulslike genre, as well as the cinematic, narrative-driven fare of PlayStation, the game is heading for crowded territory, but its detailed Slavic setting, its shooter sensibilities, and its dreamy, war-torn landscapes set it apart.
You play as an unnamed soldier, travelling to the underworld to rescue his wife’s soul from the underworld. He is joined by Sirin, a prophetic demon girl. Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter significant figures from Slavic folklore, like the witch Baba Yaga or the giant cat Kot Boyun. You even fight some of them, like the forest guardian Leshy. The game may have a fantasy flair, but it has some realistic touches. You’ll use a mix of WW1-weaponry, like bayonets and rusted, jamming guns, and mythical abilities. Furthermore, the game has co-op; you can play Chains of Lukomorye on your own or with a friend taking the role of Sirin.
Like many of the best story games, Chains of Lukomorye is inspired by more than just other video games. It takes from the tale of Orpheous and Eurydice, but more directly on the poem Ruslan and Ludmila by Alexander Puskin (the trailer even quotes it right at the start). Fitting with this historical pedigree, the game has a gorgeous, otherworldly vibe. Ghostly ruins hover over decimated WWI-era forts and forested enclosures give way to haunted, ancient places.
If you are looking for more detailed fantastical games, check out our list of the best fantasy games. If you want more grim tales of soldiers in trouble, look at the best war games.
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