Elden Ring review: a triumph of artistry and gameplay

Elden Ring Review: FromSoftware’s Best Game Yet

When FromSoftware announced Elden Ring, expectations were sky-high. Having developed iconic titles such as Dark Souls and Sekiro, FromSoftware is known for its ability to craft unforgettable adventures. With Elden Ring, the studio aimed to combine its challenging «soulslike» gameplay with the freedom of an open-world setting. With its release, Elden Ring has proven to be a game that exceeds expectations. Let’s break down the gameplay, world, and story in this comprehensive Elden Ring review.

The Lands Between: A World Worth Exploring

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. Whether you’re scaling a crumbling castle, venturing into eerie forests, or descending into a hidden underground city, the sense of discovery is unparalleled.

The challenging gameplay and open-world design work together perfectly in Elden Ring. Players are free to explore at their own pace, but venturing into uncharted territory always comes with the risk of encountering a fearsome boss or powerful enemies. The mix of freedom and peril ensures that every discovery feels earned.

The Combat of Elden Ring: Brutal Yet Rewarding

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. Players can choose from a variety of playstyles, including melee-focused builds like Strength and Dexterity, or magic-based builds like Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane. The addition of Spirit Ashes, which allow players to summon allies to aid them in battle, adds another layer of strategy to the game.

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. If a boss like Godrick the Grafted or Malenia, Blade of Miquella, proves too challenging, players can explore other areas, level up, and return later. 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.