Before you expect Breath of the Wild comparisons let me start by saying that I might be one of the 10 Nintendo Switch owners who still hasn’t played that game. I went into Elden Ring excited about the story, the world, and the game development pedigree of From Software. After the dumpster fire that was Cyberpunk 2077, I was genuinely nervous about being too hyped but as the time for Elden Ring’s release grew closer I couldn’t help but be excited. 100 hours and just as many deaths in I am really enjoying my time in the lands between and wanted to share 5 reasons why I think it’s a great game.
Rewarding Exploration in a living world
Elden Ring didn’t disappoint when it comes to world-building. It really is rewarding to explore a living world. The game literally plops you out after a short tutorial and though there is a hint towards where you should be going and what you should be doing you really can do most things in any order your choose. The result? You will find yourself shopping at a vendor on the top of the mountain, dodging arrows shot at you by a giant from way across the map, scavenging tiny shiny skulls that help you level up, falling into traps laid by enemies and watching from the sidelines with popcorn as different factions of enemies fight amongst themselves.
You will die – It’s a difficult world to play in
Death is a part of the gameplay loop in Elden Ring – you will die – A LOT. It is an action-adventure game but has many horror elements. The world of Elden Ring is ravaged by war, disease and death with dangerous threats around every corner and LITERALLY in every hole.
There is some method to the madness
All the challenges, frustrations, and borderline unfairness start to become worth it when that early game enemy that bullied you melts after a few swings of your now upgraded sword and armour. You level up to become stronger but with each battle and victory, you learn to manoeuvre your character better, study your enemies and learn more strategies that lead to victory. Nothing really prepares you though for a huge dragon levelling a forest and chucking lighting in your direction.
From Software gets better with each game
My experience with games from From Software is somewhat limited. I played Dark Souls 1, Dark Souls 2 and then Sekiro, the latter being one of my favourite games of all time. I didn’t play Bloodborne and other games from From Software. In my experience and from listening to others, the company gets better with each game, building on elements that they mastered in previous games and pushing the envelope just a little more. You can see the DNA of each title in each subsequent release as the scope and scale of the games they develop increase.
It’s better with friends
If it’s one part of this game that deserves all the criticism is how complicated, confusing and convoluted playing multiplayer is. However when it does work and you and 2 friends are able to fight a giant lizard wielding a sword or mess with an undead gondola operator just trying to ferry his friends to the nearby karaoke bar things get crazy fun, memorable and addictive.
Elden Ring TLDR
Exploring the world in Elden Ring is difficult but rewarding. There are things waiting to murder you behind every bush and in every hole. The developers have really knocked it out of the park with this one and its multiplayer is great if you can get it to work consistently. Watch me play it @ Twitch.tv/jamaiplays