Gamer’s Review: Elden Ring

After “Dark Souls III” came out in 2016 earning huge praise as a swan song to “The Dark Souls Trilogy,” FromSoftWare president, Hidetaka Miyazaki wanted to create a Dark Souls game set in an open-world bigger than the aforementioned trilogy, “Bloodborne” & Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” all in one. A “Game of Thrones” fan, Mr. Miyazaki met George R.R. Martin to brainstorm ideas regarding worldbuilding, original mythology, boss battles and unique locations for players to invest their spare time.

Released in 2022, (same year Marvel’s Midnight Suns came out) Elden Ring received universal acclaim from critics and gamers alike. Plus, it sold millions of copies worldwide. Elden Ring won “Game of the Year” at the Game Awards.

Powerful & Weak Qualities

Powerful: George R.R. Martin helped developers brainstorm the game’s lore.

Hidetaka Miyazaki and his game developers all did an excellent job taking their Souls formula to another level. You can tell FromSoftware are passionate about gaming. They don’t rely on microtransactions or loot boxes. Quality over Quantity. In the words of Heath Ledger’s Joker. “It’s not about the money, it’s about sending a message.”

Graphics bring Mr. Martin’s vision to life.

The Map is huge. Containing a variety of locations.

Story is about the player recruited by a mystical maiden named, Melina. A dangerous journey to defeat demigods, gather shards or “Great Runes” to reforge a powerful artifact, the Elden Ring.

Gameplay/Mechanics

• Elden Ring retains core elements from The Dark Souls Trilogy. You create a character, choosing a class, personally customize your appearance.
• FromSoftware’s known for making hard games. If you never played a Souls game, you’re gonna be frustrated, but in a good way. All it takes is patience. Look up walkthroughs on how to beat a tough boss. Safe up on runes to make your character stronger and equip better gear.
• Drinking potions restore your health and magic.
• Bon Fires are called, “Sites of Grace.” Once you activate it. You’ll camp out. If you do, enemies will respawn. They also enable you to Fast Travel.
• Killing an enemy or boss gives you runes. If you die, you’ll lose ’em. So, be wary.
• Summon spirits known as “Ashes.” They’ll help you on your journey. Make sure to increase your Focus Points.
• Craft ammo, food, explosive pots and temporary damage boost. They can be unlocked whenever you find a recipe. Certain items are listed to make an item.
• Equipping a specific talisman, grants you a boost.
• Bosses are located in dungeons, catacombs, caves and outdoors.
• You can also pick up a golden rune. They can be found near coffins or a skull.
• Spend your runes on leveling up your stats, buy/upgrade weapons, spells, armor and other items.
• Some weapons have a special attack.
• After defeating Rennala, you can redistribute your stats for a better build.
• Besides bosses, enemies will try to kill you. They’re definitely not friendly.
• Multiplayer allows you to partake in co-op mode helping a fellow player or engage in combat. All you have to do is mark a “summon sign.”

Boss Battles never get old. Each one’s organic. A few story-based bosses get a cutscene. Conquering a boss feels satisfying. Like a pat on the back.

Boss Designs look great.

The game’s influenced by “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Shadow of the Colossus” & “The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim.”

I made my character based on Ichigo Kurosaki from “Bleach.”

You can ride on horseback. It’s also a requirement to battle dragons, giants or knights on horseback.

It took me countless hours to conquer nearly every single boss. Replay Value racks up over 100 hours if you wanna play a different class or unlock multiple endings.

If you’re feeling lost, look up walkthrough videos on YouTube.

Once you beat the Main Story, you can replay it on New Game Plus. Allowing you to retain all your upgrades and gear. This time, it’s harder. Think you can handle a challenge?

Weak: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving FromSoftware an Extra Point for making a fun, but difficult game as possible.

Microtransactions and Loot Boxes are nowhere to be seen. I prefer playing a game the old fashion way. What’s the point of spending real money if you wanna conquer an entire game? It ruins a euphoric experience. EA wishes they can make a critically and commercial success.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

Elden Ring’s my favorite game of 2022. I really enjoyed an epic quest to become an Elden Lord. All the positive stuff listed, indicates why Elden Ring won Game of the Year at the Game Awards. If you haven’t played this game, it’s a must-buy worth every penny.