ELDEN RING

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Why Elden Ring Will Be The Opposite of Sekiro
Elden Ring is FromSoftware's much-awaited next Souls-like, but it will likely look very different from its previous title for a few reasons.


From Software's upcoming game Elden Ring may prove to be a return to the developer's roots and a departure into uncharted territory. Elden Ring will be taking another stab at the dark medieval fantasy that put From Software on the map, but it also promises some big changes in storytelling, presentation, and mechanics. With a larger open world, a deeper emphasis on RPG elements, and a large chunk of lore sourced from legendary writer George RR Martin, Elden Ring appears to be the crystallization of some of the disparate pieces that went into Dark Souls. By focusing in on a few key elements, FromSoftware will be able to create a game that sets itself apart by taking ideas that went into FromSoftware's previous games and pushing them to their full potential.

Comparing Elden Ring and Sekiro

In that regard, Elden Ring will be very similar to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. That is where the similarities end, though. The elements that Sekiro focused in on were the tight, snappy, almost rhythmic combat of faster weapons in Dark Souls 3 and Bloodborne, as well as the stunning and engaging vertical level design that From Software remains the best at. That resulted in a game that was all about traversal and a single style of combat. Many fans were disappointed that Sekiro forced them to use one weapon and just a few abilities to face every challenge, but that allowed the developer to fine-tune every boss, enemy, and encounter to have the exact level of difficulty that they intended.


Dual Design Philosophy In FromSoftware Games
Dark Souls 2 Bosses Feature Header Image
In return for sacrificing RPG elements and playstyle customization, Sekiro gained focus. In Dark Souls, some bosses might be total pushovers for a certain build, while others would be nigh on impossible. In Sekiro, every boss's weakness was perfectly calculated to test players and wring out every ounce of skill and knowledge that they had learned up to that point. Sekiro was more of an action-adventure game than an RPG, and its combat benefited while its variety and replayability suffered.

On the other hand, Elden Ring will dive far deeper into the RPG elements that Sekiro eschewed. An open world, heavy RPG elements, and Norse-inspired mythology seem to be all the things that Sekiro is not. The creation of two totally different games begins to make a lot more sense when From Software's creative direction in their last few games is inspected more closely. As masterful as they are, there are elements from each of From Software's games that deserve more individual focus.

In Dark Souls and Bloodborne, there always seemed to be a clash between a multitude of design elements. As mentioned previously, a mage in Dark Souls might annihilate one boss only to come up against one later than can't be beat. There was a constant conflict between attempts to fine-tune difficulty and the ideal of giving players freedom. As a result, it makes a lot of sense for From Software to separate those elements into multiple projects that allow each ideal to shine to its full extent. A relatively more linear story and fine-tuned combat make Sekiro great, while Elden Ring will give From Software the chance to dive into RPG goodness and open world design with the same care that it gave to Sekiro's swordplay.

Lore And Level Design

The most obvious difference between Sekiro and Elden Ring are the two games' settings and lore. From Software tends to repeat themes across multiple games, regardless of setting, but the collaboration with George RR Martin is a very promising start for delivering fresh new concepts to the dark fantasy that From Software is so accustomed to working with. Norse-inspired story notes are about as far as it gets from Sekiro's feudal Japan, but it really remains to be seen how much classic Miyazaki storytelling flair Elden Ring brings to bear.

A more substantial difference will likely be Elden Ring's level design. Sekiro trended towards linear level design with most of the exploration centering on traversal and stealth, rather than the open and interconnected areas of previous From Software games. According to leaks and teased information, Elden Ring will be comprised of much larger and more open areas, much better suited to a game that focuses on RPG elements and exploration. In a game with more customization, it makes a lot more sense to allow players to explore the setting in whatever order works best for their build.

Combat, Co-Op And RPG Systems
Publicity image for FromSoftware's Elden Ring
The combat of Elden Ring will be very different from that of Sekiro because it will rely on how the player builds their character. There is no doubt that Elden Ring, like every From Software game, will include tight, engaging combat and challenging bosses. However, the major difference from a game like Sekiro will be in the multitude of ways to go about any given encounter. Sekiro had some customization in skills and gadgets, but bosses typically had one or two key weaknesses that were meant to be exploited. With a more RPG-heavy design, when Elden Ring comes out it will likely see a return to slower combat and a near-infinite number of methods to defeat any given boss.


Many are also hoping for a return of online and co-operative gameplay in Elden Ring. Co-op makes a lot more sense in a game with a wider variety of builds, because friends or strangers with different setups can be called in to help during particularly thorny sections. Sekiro was so focused that multiple players would have ruined many boss fights, while much of the joy of more RPG-heavy games is in playing with friends or testing a unique build by dueling against players online.

The most interesting question is how FromSoftware will integrate deeper RPG mechanics into the story and gameplay of Elden Ring. FromSoftware almost never includes a mechanic that doesn't have some basis in lore, and almost every feature has a deep role to play in the overall feel and flow of gameplay. With the freedom to focus on RPG mechanics without compromising other parts of the game, FromSoftware will likely surprise us with how they implement new ideas and evolve souls-like gameplay.

Elden Ring is currently in development for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

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Gameplay and Release Date

Elden Ring generated quite a bit of buzz when it was revealed at Xbox's E3 2019 press conference, with many fans excited to play a collaboration between celebrated Dark Souls developer Hidetaka Miyazaki and Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin. Unfortunately, Elden Ring basically disappeared after its reveal, with no significant updates on the game for nearly two years. However, that all changed when the Summer Game Fest kickoff show ended with the first-ever Elden Ring gameplay trailer.

The Elden Ring gameplay trailer had some incredible sights to show off, with the player character summoning a horse and doing battle with all kinds of horrific monstrosities. Elden Ring's open field concept was in full display, showing off what was basically a far more open twist on classic Dark Souls gameplay. Needless to say, fans of FromSoftware's previous games should have plenty to look forward to when they finally get the chance to play Elden Ring.

Luckily, the wait to play Elden Ring won't be all that much longer. The Elden Ring gameplay trailer concluded by confirming the game's release date. Elden Ring fans can mark January 21, 2022 on their calendars, as that's when the highly-anticipated new game from FromSoftware will launch for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. Previously, Elden Ring was only confirmed for last-gen consoles, so this is exciting news for those that have managed to upgrade to next-gen.


As far as the trailer goes, there's a lot to digest. The incredibly active Elden Ring subreddit will be have plenty to dissect in the months ahead, and it will be interesting to see what secrets they can find. There are hints at a lot of things in the trailer, including what could potentially be Elden Ring multiplayer, but fans will have to wait for FromSoftware to share more information on that front.

The Elden Ring gameplay trailer is likely hiding many secrets, but it's definitely not hiding the game's roster of monsters. All kinds of creatures are on display in Elden Ring, from grotesque monstrosities that wouldn't look out of place in Bloodborne to massive dragons. In one particularly memorable moment, a dragon seems to catch a lightning bolt from the sky and throw it at the player, which should add up to a formidable boss fight.

With the Elden Ring release date now in sight, hopefully those looking forward to the game don't have to wait so long to get another look at it.

Elden Ring launches January 21, 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.

[VSW]

Miyazaki Explains How Elden Ring Will Differ From Dark Souls

In a new interview, Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki explains how the upcoming game's combat will build on the existing Dark Souls formula.

In a recent interview, Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki discussed how the highly-anticipated game will shake up the existing formula first established by the Dark Souls series. Miyazaki stated that developer From Software's main goal with Elden Ring's combat is to give players more options than in the studio's previous games, which also include Sekiro and Bloodborne.

"We wanted to allow the player to combine these different elements to find their own strategy and even indirect approaches to combat if they wanted to," Miyazaki told IGN. "So yes, this is something that we wanted to explore moreso than our previous games and really focus on...this level of variety and this level of freedom in combat."


In terms of specifics, Miyazaki revealed that Elden Ring will not feature Sekiro's resurrection mechanic, which allowed players to come back to life after dying without penalty in specific circumstances. Miyazaki also said that there will be less emphasis on the game's stamina bar--which largely defined the pace of combat in the Souls series and Bloodborne--because they want it to feel "less restricting" and "contribute to that level of freedom." The director also stated that Elden Ring's stealth will be much more simplistic than Sekiro's, though players can sneak through long grass to fish for backstabs against unsuspecting foes.

At E3 2021, Elden Ring resurfaced after two years of radio silence with a new trailer as well as a release date: January 21, 2022. We also learned that publisher Bandai Namco thinks of Elden Ring as more than just one game, and that the game will allow you to play the game solo or online with other players.

[Kwa]

I would be the first to say that this looks interesting, and could be lit for the next year.
Plus I am excited, both last gen PS4 and "Xbox One" gets to live a little while long, meaning the remaining of 2021, and even thoughout 2022.
Believe me when I say, I'm not rushing on upgrading right now, I'll probably stick to PS4 until it's last leg..

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Elden Ring – 19-minute gameplay preview video, Collector’s Editions announced

Publisher Bandai Namco and developer FromSoftware have released a 19-minute gameplay preview video of Elden Ring ahead of the action RPG‘s closed network test.

The companies also announced the Elden Ring Collector’s Edition ($189.99) and Bandai Namco Store-exclusive Premium Collector’s Edition. Both include a copy of the game, nine-inch statue of Malenia holding the Blade of Miquella, exclusive SteelBook, 40-page hardcover art book, digital soundtrack, and an exclusive collector’s box. The Premium Collector’s Edition also includes a 1:1 scale official helmet replica. Pre-orders are available today.

Digital pre-orders are also now available in $59.99 standard and $79.99 Deluxe editions. The latter includes the digital art book and official soundtrack. Pre-orders for either edition include the “Adventure Guide” (information for the player’s adventures) and a bonus gesture that can be used in-game.

Elden Ring is due out for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam on February 25, 2022.

[Kwa]

I like what I see, the open world, gameplay, battle style, the abilities, I might try aiming for this on ps4.