When FromSoftware’s Elden Ring swept the game awards in 2022, it came as no surprise. The game was a monster. From its expansive world-building, challenging but rewarding gameplay, the deep but difficult-to-grasp plot, and its overall presentation, one that again reaffirmed the position of gaming as art!
So much has been said about the greatness and grandeur of Elden Ring that to sing its praises again would seem pointless. What more can be said about the game that reviewers virtually across the board gave it top (10/10) ratings. Now that over two years have passed since the release of the ‘soulsborne’ game, we thought a retrospective review of what many consider to be a gaming masterpiece is required.
Elden Ring – World Building Like No Other
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A gamer or otherwise, the first thing that will strike you about Elden Ring is the world. The world-building in this game is truly astounding. It is not without reason that Elon Musk when commenting on the game on Lex Friedman’s Podcast, stated that Elden Ring seemed like a game designed by an alien. There is something truly otherworldly about this game. And that feeling of otherness never really goes away.
From the varied environments, unique and bizarre enemy types with bosses that range from horrifying to downright crazy. And then there is the exploration. The game wants you to go and experience (or endure) the world. The result of just wandering off in any direction can be severe, depending on your skill level or knowledge of the game mechanics.
For players who are willing to invest their time in getting to know the systems, from character development, summons, movement, and upgrades, there is a lot of reward at the end. The trouble, of course, is that not all players are able or willing to make this investment. This is why an argument can be made that not very many players would finish Elden Ring on their first try. But even if you don’t, you must give it a try.
Master the Game by Mastering Yourself
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Is Elden Ring a great game? Undoubtedly. Is it one of the best-designed games ever made? Well, the gaming critics certainly seem to think so. However, is the game a ‘Masterpiece’? Meaning, is it one of the best of the best?
This is a tricky question to take on. Considering the fact that the critics and game sales absolutely prove that Elden Ring does hit the mark. However, upon closer inspection, there are certain issues with the game. Or at least aspects of the game that certain gamers will take issue with. Among the most notable ‘weaknesses’ is the, at times, insurmountable difficulty of the game.
This point is well-noted in the gaming community. In some respects, the developer FromSoftware deserves credit for not simplifying the mechanics or caving into the temptation to provide an ‘easy’ mode. However, the point remains that to truly master Elden Ring, you need to be ready to put in some hours. Especially if you are coming into the Souls franchise for the first time; if that is the case, Elden Ring, be warned can make you not only hate the game but gaming as a whole. Owing to its unforgiving nature.
Elden Ring – A Carefully Crafted Work of Art
When one thinks of some of the greatest games ever made: games like The Witcher 3, the Breath of the Wilde, and heck, possibly even Cyberpunk 2077, following its redemption (development) ark, Elden Ring can arguably hold a place of its own. However, it will be for different reasons.
You see, one of the things that this Souls game does better than most is that it understands the nature of the toil and the importance of the reward. When that big bad boss that had blown you away with a few hits in your X number of tries finally goes down, you really do feel it. And that sense of reward that Elden Ring gives is virtually unmatched in the gaming world.
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