CI Games Describes Lords of the Fallen 2 as Their “Empire Strikes Back” Moment, Promising a “Darker” Experience Compared to the 2023 Reboot

Overview of the Lords of the Fallen Franchise

The inaugural installment of the Lords of the Fallen series debuted in 2014, garnering some interest but ultimately failing to resonate widely with gamers. Fast forward to 2023, the franchise experienced a remarkable revival with a reboot that significantly outperformed its predecessor, leading CI Games to announce the development of a sequel, titled Lords of the Fallen 2, scheduled for release in 2026.

Expectations for Lords of the Fallen 2

In conversations with industry source MP1st, David Valjalo, CI Games’ creative portfolio strategist, expressed strong confidence in the upcoming sequel. He poetically compared Lords of the Fallen 2 to iconic sequels such as “The Empire Strikes Back”from the original Star Wars trilogy, or for those less familiar with that universe, likened it to “The Dark Knight, ”a standout sequel from Christopher Nolan’s renowned Batman trilogy.

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

Valjalo shared his enthusiasm for the game’s development process: “We’re right on track and heavily engrossed in production. The sequel is shaping up to be outstanding. I’ve had the opportunity to witness some thrilling behind-the-scenes work on aspects like art, animation, and combat. Each day reveals something astonishing—it’s bold, brutal, and a true sequel. While it enhances elements from the previous title, it also deepens its essence. Moreover, it’s taking a darker direction thematically, coupled with a unique setting and heightened stakes that will surprise players.”

Learning from Previous Challenges

These comments come from a studio that faced a rocky path, as their last game was criticized for various issues, earning the label of “one of the most frustrating Soulslike games”upon release. In a bid to make amends, CI Games recently announced a permanent price reduction across their game catalog, emphasizing their commitment to a “player-first”strategy. This move appears to be a deliberate effort to address the lapse in quality experienced previously.

Looking Ahead

If CI Games manages to meet its 2026 launch timeline, Lords of the Fallen 2 could very well become the franchise’s definitive moment—akin to the legacy of “The Empire Strikes Back”—by as early as 2028.

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