Elden Ring: a new benchmark for open-world RPGs

Elden Ring Review: Why This Open World Game is a Must-Play

When FromSoftware announced Elden Ring, expectations were sky-high. The studio behind legendary games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne is no stranger to creating challenging and immersive experiences. The game was set to merge FromSoftware’s iconic difficulty with a sprawling open-world experience. With its release, Elden Ring has proven to be a game that exceeds expectations. This Elden Ring review will dive into the game’s gameplay, world, and lore to explain why it’s a must-play for fans of dark fantasy and open-world RPGs.

A Stunning Open World That Rewards Exploration

From the moment you step into Elden Ring, the vast and beautiful open world captures your attention. Where other open-world games may feel formulaic, Elden Ring thrives on organic exploration. Every corner of the Lands Between holds the promise of danger, mystery, and hidden treasures. Exploring crumbling ruins, eerie forests, or vast underground cities offers an unmatched sense of adventure.

The open-world design is seamlessly integrated with FromSoftware’s trademark difficulty. While you’re free to roam, danger lurks in every new area, with powerful enemies and bosses waiting to challenge you. The mix of freedom and peril ensures that every discovery feels earned.

The Combat of Elden Ring: Brutal Yet Rewarding

The combat in Elden Ring stays true to the challenging mechanics fans expect from FromSoftware. The game combines the deliberate, methodical combat of Dark Souls with the faster-paced action of Sekiro. Melee builds such as Strength and Dexterity are viable, as are magic-focused builds using Faith, Intelligence, or Arcane. Spirit Ashes, a new feature, let players summon allies in combat, introducing fresh tactical options.

Although Elden Ring is undeniably difficult, it offers more options for players to tailor their experience. The freedom of exploration gives players control over how they approach the game’s challenges. Challenging bosses like Godrick or Malenia encourage players to explore and grow before returning to fight them. This flexibility makes Elden Ring more accessible to newcomers without sacrificing the difficulty that hardcore fans crave.

Memorable Boss Fights and Challenging Encounters

FromSoftware has always excelled at creating memorable boss fights, and Elden Ring is no exception. The game is packed with unforgettable encounters that test players’ skill and perseverance. From the ferocious Morgott, the Omen King, to the awe-inspiring Radahn Festival, each boss is designed with meticulous attention to detail. These encounters showcase the game’s deep combat mechanics and the importance of preparation, timing, and strategy.

Some of the most notable battles include Malenia, whose graceful yet deadly attacks make her one of the most challenging bosses in the game, and Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, whose grotesque design and unique mechanics leave a lasting impression. Each boss fight feels like a culmination of the player’s progress, offering a satisfying blend of frustration and triumph.

A Dark Fantasy World Rich in Lore

The lore of Elden Ring is as intricate and mysterious as fans have come to expect from FromSoftware. Written in collaboration with George R.R. Martin, the story of Elden Ring is steeped in dark fantasy themes and cryptic storytelling. Players piece together the narrative through item descriptions, NPC dialogue, and environmental storytelling.

The Lands Between is a world shaped by the shattered Elden Ring and the demigods who wield its power. Characters like Queen Marika the Eternal, Radagon of the Golden Order, and the Greater Will are central to the game’s mythology, but much of the story is left open to interpretation. This approach encourages players to dig deeper into the lore, fostering a sense of immersion and discovery.

Visuals and Performance Across Platforms

On all platforms, Elden Ring is a visual masterpiece. The game’s art direction is stunning, with hauntingly beautiful environments that range from the ethereal glow of the Academy of Raya Lucaria to the desolate wastelands of Caelid. Each region has its own distinct aesthetic, making exploration a visual treat.

On PC, Elden Ring performs well, though some players have reported minor stuttering issues. The PS5 and Xbox Series X versions offer smooth performance, with faster load times and higher frame rates compared to last-gen consoles. Regardless of the platform, the game’s visuals and atmosphere are nothing short of spectacular.

Why Elden Ring Is a Must-Play

In this Elden Ring review, it’s impossible to overstate how much FromSoftware has accomplished. The game combines the punishing combat and intricate design of Dark Souls with the freedom and exploration of an open-world RPG. The result is a game that feels both familiar and revolutionary.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of FromSoftware games or a newcomer to the soulslike genre, Elden Ring offers an experience like no other. Its challenging gameplay, rich lore, and breathtaking world make it one of the best games of its generation. If you’re looking for an open-world RPG that rewards curiosity, skill, and perseverance, Elden Ring is the game for you.