There is something to be said about witnessing a historical moment firsthand.
From Software’s Hidetaka Miyazaki has pioneered the Soulsborne genre, a clever subversion of the usual action RPG mechanics filled with magical settings, writhing horror, and certain death. After the triumphant launch of Demon’s Souls in 2009, From Software’s rise to prominence is all but guaranteed…or so I’ve been told. You see, I have no doubt about the reported brilliance of the studio’s catalog; I have never experienced that myself. Until now, that is.
Elden Ring emphasizes and rewards player agency, a tempting offer for any novice. Simply put, there is no Mistake how to play. And while I suffered countless losses, I also received the comfort in the freedom that The Lands Between promised immediately.
In Elden Ring, you design yourself outstanding stories – every given life after death is different. During an encounter with a giant, I hid behind my shield and plated armor, heavy and unable to quickly dodge the giant’s impacts. In another, I killed the monster manually, armed with nothing but a pair of chain pants and a bow – risky but exhilarating nonetheless. When I grew tired of failing to subdue Margit, Fell Omen, I instead navigated the zigzag routes along the border of his ruined castle. And what awaits me in the green pastures of Limgrave? Go find out! The class builds and overall gameplay are so malleable that my inexperience with looping feels unimportant.
For young Soulsborne kids like me, progress is combining natural curiosity with heightened vigilance. Treasure chests hidden beneath the ruins can bestow craftable items. Additionally, they will teleport unsuspecting adventurers to the infernal landscapes of the late game. However, Elden Ring’s various quality-of-life features help overcome frustrations for starters. Fast-travel sites like “Sites of Grace” and “Stakes of Marika” will negate large-scale run-ins. Torrent, your trusty mare, speeds up navigation. Summoning Spirit and multiplayer makes intense boss battles less lonely and easier to win. And a bunch of collectible/purchasable weapon arts and items that upgrade your avatar’s combat power. Thanks to these tools, I have been empowered to experiment with unique devices or seek out rare prizes in the face of adversity. From Software’s titles are notoriously punitive, but Elden Ring is sometimes at the mercy of its new players.
Listen, this is my first Soulsborne game, and I’m obsessed with it. From the ever-bright Erdtree to the goblin-filled coastlines, the world is amazingly active instead of reactive. Knights armed with protective poles glided under the treetops. Assassins in cloaks patrol the winding waterways. And deep underground, monstrous objects grafted beyond imagination lay dormant. Sneak through in search of more magnificent vistas or fight for runes as unrestricted exploration allows players of all skill levels to find success.
The Elden Ring is a rallying call to uninitialized Soulsborne. I can’t tell you if From’s latest blockbuster is more accessible than the movie ancestor. I can’t even speak with confidence about the development of the combat system or the design of the narrative. Let me be clear, though: you should play Elden Ring regardless of whether you’re familiar with its genre or not. Will you spend hours analyzing the game’s confusing stat-enhancing systems? Yes. Will you constantly alternate between excitement and apprehension? Naturally. And will you encounter ruin at every turn? Beyond a shadow of a doubt.
However, new colleagues, do not miss this historic moment. Become a target.
