Elden Ring (2022)

Two things I love about Elden Ring:

1. I think it's a bit of a fallacy that this is less approachable than previous FromSoftware games; while it still retains very much the ethos that made their games what they are, this game feels incredibly more flexible. I think is hard to find oneself stuck in one place here, when there's so much breath to explore. Of course, I have stated before that I love replaying Dark Souls for instance, though I have never beaten it, in part because I love the world. Yet in the case with Elden Ring, I have never found myself so 'sucked' into a game's environment like this before. Another reason why this game is more approachable, I'll take the case of my brother. For a long time an anti-SoulsBorne, he always felt stuck and aimless, never getting around even the first boss without wondering if it was a waste of time. In Elden Ring though level 30+, loving every single beat, and for once he considers himself "actually good". Whenever he encounters a challenge, there's the option to go around another part of the world, improve and come back. He plays co-op with a friend, and for what I know, he is having a blast.

1. In this age of storytelling, lore and worldbuilding (thus exposition texts) are taken huge amounts of prominence. In many occasions, I have debated with other people on films, and much of their criticism has stemmed from flaws they perceive or lack of explanation thereof. This is probably one of the things that has pushed me away the most from Fantasy narratives (a genre that I loved), that usually extends to several books in trilogy/series. I love what Elden Ring does (just like the majority of FromSoftware games), how little amount of attention is required in understanding the lore around the player. It's there if you want to search for it, but for the long term, it makes you exist in the world. This makes it feel more grounded; how many times have you wondered or did you need to explain to a friend (or otherwise), what X statue/monument/building in your city meant, it's history? We just inhabit the place, we are surrounded by lore, but we take it as everyday fodder. I particularly have an interest in the world of Elden Ring, but in the case of my brother, I just find neat how he just goes exploring and living adventures in it, without never coming with a barrage of unwanted exposition or lore background. I find this incredibly successful environmental storytelling actually. Pretty cool.

And that’s a wrap on journey number two. Although I only started journey two yesterday, I did spend about a week tying up loose ends after beating the game initially. A week searching for stray field bosses, talisman and anything else worth collecting allowed me to approach the game differently during journey two. I’m still amazed at the number of new things I discovered as a result. New paths and secrets, minor characters and stories I managed to miss the first time through, and even a field boss or two despite thinking I was thorough enough the first time.

(30 hours of gameplay later, 150 hours total)

At this point I have completed the game and all optional content that I skipped. I also helped my friend clear his game. It was intense.

I must admit, Haligtree must be one of the most frustrating and poorly designed/balanced area's in a videogame ever. I guess that's why people love invading there.

Errr, Malenia, what a silly fight. Either way. Love this game and the customization that it offered. It's one of those rare once in a decade videogame type of experiences. So grateful that I was able to share it with a close friend and play through it, together.

I cannot wait for the Demon Souls Remake on Steam or the next Monster Hunter game. Elden Ring was a blast, flawed, imperfect gem. But a gem nonetheless.

i hunted down every boss, every dungeon, every weapon, every armor piece, every talisman (except one that would require a different choice in a side quest) there might be something i missed. i'm still looking around for field bosses i didn't find. so far i keep discovering new secrets. but i'm definitely running out of content. I might spend some time reading item descriptions to try and put some lore together.

...why can't I stop playing this

2nd playthrough with the Death's Poker build

I beat the game again. I have yet to beat Malenia, Rykard, and Mohgwyn again, but I will say from start to finish, this weapon is really freaking good. I'd recommend if you want good DPS early in the game and want to challenge yourself with spacing and timing. I'll be writing a review for this one some time soon.

The Godskin Duo have been quietly nerfed to take 10 additional seconds to revive each other. Those familiar with the dynamic of the fight will know that’s a surprisingly significant change to how it plays out. Nice to see them making more changes to make the more annoying parts of the game at least a lot more tolerable.

edit: Apparently also the final boss’s extremely annoying homing projectile attack has been “adjusted” somehow, not sure on the details but that is also big. Disliked both of these fights and these are helpful changes.