ELDEN RING
" Epic action RPG with deep combat and vast exploration but late-game difficulty spikes "
ELDEN RING Review
Elden Ring is widely regarded as a landmark in open-world game design, blending the challenging combat of FromSoftware's Soulsborne series with a vast, mysterious landscape. Players praise its intricate lore, deep customization options, and the rewarding sense of exploration and discovery. The game offers a unique storytelling approach through environmental clues and item descriptions, encouraging players to piece together the narrative themselves. The introduction of mechanics like horseback riding and a jump button enhances mobility and combat flexibility, setting it apart from previous titles.
However, some players find the late-game difficulty spikes frustrating and note the reuse of bosses and enemies diminishes the sense of novelty. The lack of quality-of-life features like a pause function or quest journal can hinder immersion, especially for newcomers or casual players. Despite minor performance issues and occasional design criticisms, Elden Ring remains a critically acclaimed masterpiece that captivates both Souls veterans and new players alike, offering hundreds of hours of engaging content and exploration.
Highlights
Gameplay mechanics are praised for their depth, flexibility, and rewarding challenge, accommodating various playstyles from melee to magic.
Graphics and world design receive acclaim for their stunning vistas, detailed environments, and atmospheric art direction that bring the Lands Between to life.
Storyline and lore are celebrated for their cryptic and immersive delivery, encouraging players to uncover the narrative through exploration and interaction.
Players also appreciate the freedom to explore an expansive open world filled with secrets, diverse weapons, and meaningful NPC quests.
Criticisms
Difficulty spikes in late-game areas are seen as artificial and sometimes frustrating rather than skill-based.
The reuse of bosses and enemies across the game and DLC is frequently mentioned as diminishing the excitement and discovery.
Lack of quality-of-life features such as a pause function and quest journal impairs accessibility and immersion.
Some players find the world feels empty with few NPCs and limited reaction to player actions.
Camera controls and lock-on mechanics can be problematic, especially during certain boss fights.
Pros
- • Deep and flexible combat system supports multiple playstyles and builds.
- • Expansive open world encourages rewarding exploration and discovery.
- • Stunning graphics and atmospheric world design create immersive environments.
- • Intricate lore and storytelling through environmental clues and item descriptions.
- • Horseback riding and vertical movement enhance exploration and combat.
- • Varied and memorable boss fights with challenging mechanics.
- • Extensive weapon and magic variety allows for creative customization.
Cons
- • Late-game difficulty spikes feel artificial and frustrating to some players.
- • Frequent reuse of bosses and enemies reduces novelty and excitement.
- • Lack of pause functionality complicates playing for casual or interrupted sessions.
- • No in-game quest journal makes tracking objectives difficult.
- • Sparse NPC population and limited world reaction reduce immersion.
- • Camera and lock-on issues hinder combat, especially against large enemies.
- • Some locations and dungeons feel repetitive and less engaging.
Rating Criteria
THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FANTASY ACTION RPG. Rise, Tarnished, and be guided by grace to brandish the power of the Elden Ring and become an Elden Lord in the Lands Between.
