Elden Ring
Elden Ring is an action RPG developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, released in February 2022. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, with world-building contributions from novelist George R. R. Martin, the game features an expansive open world called the Lands Between. Players assume the role of a customisable character known as the Tarnished, who must explore this world, battle formidable enemies, and seek to restore the Elden Ring to become the Elden Lord. The game builds on the challenging gameplay mechanics familiar from the Dark Souls series but introduces a more open-ended structure with vast exploration, dynamic weather, and a day-night cycle. It offers deep lore, complex characters, and an interconnected world filled with secrets, dungeons, and powerful bosses.
What it feels like
An unflinching darkness pervades the world, refusing to look away from brutality and suffering. A pervasive wistful sadness finds beauty in decay and loss across the game's lore and character arcs. The story and character arcs play emotional beats with sincere, unironic weight despite the fantasy setting.
What it's about
A grim, decayed fantasy world with Lands Between lore, curses, and morally complex questlines define the setting. A classic hero's journey to restore the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord structures the central narrative.
How it plays
Deliberate, stamina-gated melee combat with precise spacing and punishment of openings is the foundational challenge system throughout Elden Ring. Invincibility-framed dodges are the primary defensive tool against enemy attacks in combat. Deep stat, skill, and gear combinations enable diverse theorycrafted character archetypes.
How it looks and sounds
The camera follows the player character from behind throughout exploration and combat. Grimy, worn high-detail realism of decay, rust, and environmental deterioration throughout the world. A sweeping orchestral soundtrack with boss themes and exploration music drives emotional resonance.
How it's structured
The Lands Between is a large continuous explorable space with player-chosen order of objectives and regions. The Lands Between is traversed without loading screens or hard area boundaries between most regions. The player chooses the order of bosses, regions, and content tackled across the open world.
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