# Mortal Shell 2: The Kotaku Review
Kotaku has published its review of Mortal Shell 2, Cold Symmetry's soulslike sequel. The review emphasizes the game's metal aesthetic and design philosophy, with the headline "It doesn't get more metal than this" capturing the reviewer's take on the title's visual and thematic direction.
Mortal Shell 2 builds on the foundation of the original 2021 indie soulslike, expanding its possession mechanic where players inhabit different shells to access unique abilities and playstyles. The sequel delivers the brutal, deliberate combat fans expect from the genre while leaning harder into its industrial, gritty atmosphere.
The game releases across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Cold Symmetry positioned this as a spiritual successor to the original while incorporating refinements based on player feedback. The soulslike market remains crowded, but Mortal Shell carved out a dedicated audience through its distinctive visual style and gameplay hook that differentiated it from From Software's dominance.
Kotaku's review signals strong reception for the sequel's execution. The metal descriptor suggests the game maintains the series' aesthetic identity while potentially amplifying its personality. This matters for indie developers competing against major studio releases. Mortal Shell 2 demonstrates that niche soulslike experiences continue finding audiences willing to engage with non-mainstream interpretations of the formula.
The game arrives at a moment when players actively seek alternatives to Elden Ring and Dark Souls. Cold Symmetry's ability to sustain development on a smaller budget reflects growing player appetite for soulslike variety. Mortal Shell 2's release adds another entry to an increasingly populated subgenre, though its focused design and visual identity position it distinctly within that landscape.