The latest game production of FromSoftware, Inc. takes place in a beautiful, yet death-stricken world referred to as, “The Lands Between.” The Game, Elden Ring, stands independently from its prestigious industry-changing franchise Dark Souls, but it carries much of the same qualities with every bit of the difficulty—if not more. Say goodbye to the linearity and straightforwardness we used to rely on when lighting a bonfire. No more is there a direct order of bosses to defeat. It’s left for you to discover, and for your adventure to be your own: to take the path that leads to the Elden Ring. Arise, Tarnished, and taketh thy flame of ambition to the Erdtree and becometh thine Elden Lord.
Since the creation of Skyrim, open world games have been in extremely high demand amongst the gaming community. And, ever since the release of Dark Souls, the community has desired an open world concept with the combat system of the souls regime. In February of 2022, the community got its wish. A world twice the size than that of Skyrim and an unforgiving combat style like that of the Souls series was born.
The Lands Between consists of 9 relentless regions. Each region is home to a plethora of menacing bosses (238 in total not including the DLC) that each have different motives, skill sets, secrets, and lore. One thing they all have in common, though, is to see your flame evaporate as swiftly as it sparked. Do you have what it takes to raise up arms against the Gods of these lands? Dost thou swear fealty to no one, except thy blade and thy spirit, guided by the hand of a maiden—shielded by the fates of the tormented?
Aside from the immense beauty and riveting soundtrack that lies within the 2022 Game of the Year, the combat and leveling system is what pushes this game further. Much like the Souls series, there are 8 stat categories that players can level. Each one contributes to a different scaling property that determines your build. This allows for the game to be played in whatever fashion you deem fit. Whether that’s the classic Strength build with a big bonking weapon, or strictly no weapon at all but the magic you wield, this world is your oyster.
As someone who has over 700 hours in the game, I can assure you there is no end to the possibilities in which you can play this Miyazaki-breathed masterpiece. I have never once ran the exact same build as a previous runthrough, and I have never once become bored with it. The boss fights remain compelling and challenging, and the story gets clearer every time you venture it.
For those that might be new to the souls genre of gaming, this is not a game for the faint of heart. The challenges new players face are real and should be expected. It is not a game that you waltz into and pick up handily. It should be noted that only 73% of all players have beaten the first boss (who is actually more of a miniboss), and only around 40% have beaten the final boss. These stats are not meant to deter you, but instead to inform you that this game is not for casual conquest. Take it from me, It took me over 80 hours to beat the game the first time. And, the first 40 hours were spent figuring out the combat and leveling system. I was one of those new players to the soulsborne games, and if I prevailed, you can too!
If you seek a world of wonder, and a place that knows not the mundane tolls of time; a game that allows you to create your own character with your own story and goals; a journey that gives the purest form of dopamine when defeating an enemy that has bested you countless times; Then look no further, and listen not to complaints of the weak. The secrets to the Elden Ring are just around the corner.
