Since Dark Souls and Bloodborne, players have craved a new game that challenges them and provides an amazing plot equipped with amazing imagery and more. FromSoftware Inc., and Bandai Namco dropped the biggest new release in February 2022, Elden Ring. Admittedly the game looks stunning and yet overwhelming.
As a new player to the souls-like dark fantasy RPG world, I’m super impressed. With over 20 hours already put into the game, I am finding challenges that I haven’t come across before. The trailer and plot drew me in, and I easily paid the $60 USD because I knew this game was going to be the best. A big challenge also? Yes.
Getting into the game was easy, Elden Ring has asynchronous players and lovely little messages left from players before you. Although some players can walk past it (or choose to), there is a tutorial in the Cave of Knowledge that prepares you without making you feel like the game has been interrupted. I prepared my melee weapons (I’m a vagabond specifically) and made my way.
Upon entering, you are met with a massive open world, starting at Limgrave, with the best graphics I’ve probably ever seen. This game is worthy of many screenshots. The colors are stunning and well put together. Every detail is just right there for you. This is also where you can find the Church of Elleh and your first boss fight if you choose to of course. The goal is to get into Stormveil Castle but there are many things to do first, like not die to trolls and ginormous golden horses.
Stealth can be used heavily in this game and learning this is very helpful. Do your farming and test your weapons. Leveling isn’t easy if you keep dying. Every break you take at the stake of Marika, your healing potions, and the enemies that you’ve already killed respawn. This includes the bosses! Dungeons are also scattered throughout the various lands that lead to precious items but getting to them is no easy task. Literally, Elden Ring is the game where you almost want to rage quit but then you realize you made progress, so you don’t.
Weapons can be upgraded with the assistance of Runes. As you go you can also buy some weapons or acquire some. Never forget to upgrade your stuff. Some guards drop brass shields, and some merchants sell range weapons, just be alert for these. When you get your horse Torrent, you can also use them to aid you in battle, but make sure to give Torrent some treats.
There is so much going on in this game that a single article won’t cover it. The goal is to get the Elden Ring, fight the demigods and gather every spell, map fragment, and special stone you can. Have fun exploring but watch out for all the creatures that want to eat you. If you need help in battle, you can signal other players in co-op multiplayer, but you will need a bloody finger.
I highly recommend this game to anyone with previous experience or no experience. I didn’t have any. Just prepare yourself mentally for the number of times you will need to die and change strategies until things start working. Who would’ve thought I’d go from playing Garden Paws to Elden Ring?
10/10