Elden Ring is an upcoming action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Although the game has not been released as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, I can provide you with some anticipated pros and potential cons based on the information available at that time.
Pros of Elden Ring:
- Collaboration between FromSoftware and George R.R. Martin: Elden Ring is a highly anticipated game not only because of FromSoftware's reputation for creating challenging and immersive experiences but also due to the collaboration with acclaimed author George R.R. Martin, known for his work on "A Song of Ice and Fire" series. This collaboration brings together two creative powerhouses, and fans are eager to see how their combined efforts will shape the game's world and narrative.
- Vast and immersive open world: Elden Ring promises to introduce a vast and intricately designed open world for players to explore. FromSoftware games are known for their atmospheric environments, and Elden Ring is expected to deliver a similar experience, with diverse landscapes, interconnected areas, and secrets waiting to be discovered. This open-world approach provides players with a greater sense of freedom and allows for a more expansive and immersive gameplay experience.
- Deep lore and storytelling: FromSoftware games have gained a reputation for their deep and mysterious lore, with narratives that are often cryptic but fascinating. Elden Ring is expected to continue this tradition, offering players a rich and intricate lore to unravel. The involvement of George R.R. Martin suggests that the game's world and story will be even more captivating and engaging, providing players with a compelling narrative to explore.
- Challenging gameplay: FromSoftware is renowned for its challenging gameplay mechanics, emphasizing precise combat, strategic decision-making, and punishing difficulty. Elden Ring is expected to maintain this high level of difficulty, catering to fans who enjoy the thrill of overcoming tough encounters and discovering hidden strategies. The game's combat system is likely to be deep and satisfying, rewarding players who invest time in mastering its mechanics.
- Rich enemy and boss design: FromSoftware has a track record of creating memorable and visually striking enemy and boss designs. These formidable foes often pose significant challenges and provide intense and rewarding battles. Elden Ring is anticipated to feature a diverse range of enemies and bosses, each with unique characteristics and combat patterns. Defeating these adversaries will likely require careful observation, adaptation, and skill, adding to the game's overall appeal.
Cons of Elden Ring (anticipated):
- Steep learning curve: FromSoftware's games, including the Souls series and Bloodborne, are known for their steep learning curves. While this aspect is appreciated by fans who enjoy the challenge, it can be off-putting for players who prefer more accessible and forgiving gameplay experiences. Elden Ring is likely to continue this tradition, meaning that newcomers to the genre or casual players may find the game initially difficult to grasp.
- Punishing difficulty: While the challenging gameplay is a major draw for many players, it can also be a potential downside for those who prefer more relaxed and casual gaming experiences. Elden Ring's difficulty level may deter some players who do not enjoy repeated deaths, steep difficulty spikes, or the need for precise timing and execution in combat encounters.
- Potential performance issues: As with any ambitious open-world game, there is a possibility of encountering performance issues, such as frame rate drops, glitches, or optimization problems. Although FromSoftware has generally delivered polished experiences in the past, the sheer scale and complexity of Elden Ring's open world may present technical challenges that could affect gameplay enjoyment.
- Complexity of the lore: While the deep and intricate lore is often praised, it can also be overwhelming for some players who prefer more straightforward storytelling.
To play Elden Ring, you'll need a gaming platform such as PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, or a PC. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to play the game:
- Obtain the game: Purchase a copy of Elden Ring either in physical form from a retail store or digitally from an online marketplace, such as the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Steam.
- Install the game: If you have a physical copy, insert the disc into your console's disc drive or follow the instructions on the packaging. If you have a digital copy, download and install the game through the respective platform's store.
- Launch the game: Once the installation is complete, launch the game from your console's menu or the desktop shortcut on your PC.
- Start a new game: After the game has launched, you'll be presented with the main menu. Select "New Game" to begin your adventure.
- Character creation: Elden Ring offers character customization, allowing you to create a unique protagonist. You can choose from various classes, appearances, and abilities to tailor your character to your playstyle.
- Explore the world: Once your character is created, you'll be immersed in the vast and open world of Elden Ring. Explore the environment, interact with NPCs (non-playable characters), and uncover the game's lore and secrets.
- Engage in combat: Elden Ring features challenging combat mechanics. Master the art of swordplay, magic, and various weapon types as you face off against formidable enemies and bosses. Learn their attack patterns, dodge or block their strikes, and find openings to deliver devastating counterattacks.
- Level up and acquire gear: As you progress through the game, defeat enemies, and overcome challenges, you'll earn experience points. Spend these points to level up your character, improving attributes such as strength, dexterity, and magic. Additionally, discover and equip new weapons, armor, and items to enhance your combat prowess.
- Unravel the story: Elden Ring presents a deep and intricate storyline. Engage in dialogue with NPCs, unravel the lore through item descriptions, and piece together the narrative as you progress through the game. Expect a dark and mysterious tale woven within the world's rich lore.
- Multiplayer features: Elden Ring incorporates multiplayer elements. You can team up with other players in cooperative play to tackle challenging areas or engage in player-versus-player combat for intense duels.
While Elden Ring is highly anticipated and unique in its own right, there are several other games that might appeal to fans of the Soulsborne genre and those looking for similar experiences.
Here are ten notable alternatives:
- Dark Souls series (FromSoftware): The Souls series, developed by the same studio behind Elden Ring, is a must-play for fans of challenging and atmospheric action RPGs. It features dark fantasy settings, intricate combat, and deep lore.
- Bloodborne (FromSoftware): Another masterpiece from FromSoftware, Bloodborne combines fast-paced combat with a Gothic Victorian setting. It offers a unique twist on the Souls formula, emphasizing aggression and rewarding risk-taking.
- Nioh series (Team Ninja): Nioh draws inspiration from the Souls series but adds its own flavor with a feudal Japan setting and a focus on samurai combat like zenith games. It features intense action, tough enemies, and a deep progression system.
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (FromSoftware): FromSoftware's latest release before Elden Ring, Sekiro showcases a feudal Japan setting with a protagonist wielding a katana. It features fast-paced combat, precise parrying mechanics, and a richly detailed world.
- The Surge series (Deck13 Interactive): The Surge series combines the challenging combat of Souls games with a sci-fi setting. Players battle against hulking machines in a dystopian future, utilizing brutal melee combat and unique limb-targeting mechanics.
- Hollow Knight (Team Cherry): While Hollow Knight is a 2D platformer, it shares similarities with the Soulsborne genre in its challenging gameplay, cryptic storytelling, and interconnected world. The game features stunning hand-drawn visuals and a deep sense of exploration.
- Ashen (A44): Ashen offers a co-op action RPG experience set in a post-apocalyptic world. It features a captivating art style, brutal combat, and a passive multiplayer system where players can encounter NPCs controlled by other players.
- Remnant: From the Ashes (Gunfire Games): Combining third-person shooting and Souls-like mechanics, Remnant: From the Ashes is a cooperative action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by monstrous creatures. It features challenging boss fights and randomized levels.
- Salt and Sanctuary (Ska Studios): Salt and Sanctuary is a 2D platformer that draws heavy inspiration from the Souls series. It offers deep character customization, challenging gameplay, and a dark, atmospheric world.
- Code Vein (Bandai Namco Entertainment): Code Vein combines the action RPG gameplay of the Souls series with a post-apocalyptic vampire-themed setting. It features a deep character customization system, a companion system for cooperative play, and a rich story to unravel.
These games provide varying degrees of challenge, atmospheric worlds, and unique gameplay mechanics that should satisfy fans eagerly awaiting Elden Ring. Each title offers its own take on the genre, ensuring an immersive and thrilling experience for players.
