Elden Ring: the perfect balance of freedom and difficulty

Elden Ring Review: FromSoftware’s Best Game Yet

The reveal of Elden Ring by FromSoftware set the gaming world ablaze with excitement. The studio behind legendary games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne is no stranger to creating challenging and immersive experiences. With Elden Ring, the studio aimed to combine its challenging «soulslike» gameplay with the freedom of an open-world setting. Now that the game is out, it’s clear that Elden Ring not only lives up to the hype but surpasses it in almost every way. 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

The open world of Elden Ring is one of its most striking features. Unlike many open-world games that rely on repetitive tasks and map markers, Elden Ring encourages organic exploration. The Lands Between, the game’s sprawling dark fantasy world, feels alive and dangerous, with secrets lurking around every corner. Exploring crumbling ruins, eerie forests, or vast underground cities offers an unmatched sense of adventure.

The challenging gameplay and open-world design work together perfectly in Elden Ring. Exploring comes with the thrill of potentially running into deadly enemies or intimidating bosses. This balance between freedom and danger makes exploration feel rewarding and meaningful.

Elden Ring Gameplay: Challenging, Yet Accessible

At its core, Elden Ring retains the challenging combat mechanics that FromSoftware is known for. Elden Ring strikes a balance between the deliberate combat of Dark Souls and the agility of Sekiro. The game offers flexibility in playstyles, including melee and magic builds, allowing players to customize their combat approach. Spirit Ashes, a new feature, let players summon allies in combat, introducing fresh tactical options.

While the game is challenging, it provides more freedom for players to approach obstacles. The open-world design allows players to engage with the game at their own pace. Challenging bosses like Godrick or Malenia encourage players to explore and grow before returning to fight them. These options make the game approachable for newcomers while keeping the challenge intact for veterans.

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.