Elden Ring (2022)

There's something really special and exotic about From Software's games that is hard to describe or analyse. It brings me back to this feeling of excitement, when watching Monster Hunter PS2 trailers in Japanese, over a decade ago, or playing Dragon's Dogma for the first time.

From Software creates games that are dense with lore, context, stories, characters and gameplay that is as layered and customizable as it gets. It's rather simple when you pick it up, but so darn advanced when you dig into it. Exploration, experimentation and creativity are key to complete these games.

Elden Ring seems to transcend "videogames" as a medium. It's bigger than that. Because it's so damn good at what it tries to do and what it does is carried by passion and vision. Like many other Japanese games that have been praised throughout the years (Street Fighter, Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, Splatoon, Resident Evil, Final Fantasy, Metal Gear, Dragon Quest, Death Stranding, Zelda, etc.)

The director's vision, combined with talented developers and craftsmanship, have turned many of these Japanese titles into something truly special. Unique and memorable experiences.

Lastly, VaatiVidya's recent video on the lore behind the things he uncovered in the Network Test was just baffling. I cannot wait to experiment with builds and discover this intricate, deep, beautiful and twisted universe that From Software has created (with George R.R. Martin) for Elden Ring.

Thank god for Japan(ese games).

Took some creativity, but I think I've come up with a Steam controller configuration that'll allow me to play Elden Ring without using my injured left thumb! Combining the infinite press function with separate action sets for exploration, locked-on fighting, and menus gives my right thumb a d-pad, analog movement, and camera control as necessary.

Super excited to be able to play on release day, and the whole experience has been a huge reminder of Steam controller configuration's incredible value as an accessibility tool. It's a shame all those nifty options are so obscure and poorly documented.

Elden Ring Director Interview (Part 2/2): Miyazaki Discusses the Gameplay (Famitsu translation by Frontline Gaming Japan)

According to the game’s director, thanks to the RPG mechanics and new options for stealth, spirit and player summons, etc., this game will sit difficulty-wise nearer to Dark Souls III than to the more hardcore Sekiro and Bloodborne. “Manageable,” he says. Considering I’m still traumatized by my first go at Sekiro’s final boss after 2 years and a full replay, that’s a relief… Lol

With the more open-world focus already in mind, some of the other changes from Dark Souls that he mentions in the above link like more/larger “dungeons” and a more flexible weapon skill system also sound great.

I thought I would report back on my Elden Ring book experience. So From Software director Hidetaka Miyazaki recommended a couple George R R Martin books in his recent Elden Ring interview. I finished reading this novel, Fevre Dream, a week or two ago.

I can safely confirm that Miyazaki has impeccable taste, it's one of the finest novels I've read in recent years. It's set in America down south during the slave times and it's all about vampires and steam boats. It sounds awful and I was sceptical at first. But it's truly a masterpiece. I think it has to do with the way Martin creates characters; they're so believable and intense. I actually drew a tear toward the end of the book and was a little upset that I was parting ways with this set of characters, actually a little bit heartbroken that the book is over.

I actually have some respect for George R R Martin now, and I no longer view him as another cheap pulpy high fantasy writer. I might even read Song of Ice and Fire at some point. Though it seems to me that his other books are more interesting.

So I went out and bought two more books that Miyazaki also mentioned in the interview. Have just started reading Tuf Voyaging.

Would definitely recommend Fevre Dream to anyone, especially From Software fans. It's just an excellent book on all accounts. I feel like there are some elements of Bloodborne hidden in there, and also these intense, troubled characters we know from the souls games, these mesmerising environments and confrontations, you can definitely see that GRR Martin has had some subtle influence in Miyazaki's worlds.

My copy of Fevre Dream arrived in the mail today, being the book that Hidetaka Miyazaki recommended in his Elden Ring interview. Written in 1982, a decade before writing his Ice & Fire Game of Thrones books. Apparently it's about vampires, but otherwise I know very little about it.

Can't wait to sink my teeth into it! (pun intended)