Video Game

Elden Ring: A Tarnished Triumph

Posted by David McKenzie on

Video Game Review: Elden Ring and Its Expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree

Overall Rating: 9.6/10

  • Gameplay: 9.7/10
  • Graphics and Art Design: 9.5/10
  • Sound and Music: 9.5/10
  • Replayability: 9.8/10
  • Performance and Optimization: 9.0/10

Introduction

Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, was released on February 25, 2022. This action role-playing game (ARPG) combines the intricate world-building and challenging combat mechanics that FromSoftware is renowned for, with a vast open world co-created by fantasy author George R.R. Martin. The game’s expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, launched on June 18, 2024, further enriching the Elden Ring universe.​

Gameplay (9.7/10)

Elden Ring offers a deeply immersive experience characterized by its expansive open world, intricate combat system, and rich lore.​

Strengths:

  • Expansive World: The Lands Between provide a vast, interconnected environment filled with secrets, challenging enemies, and diverse landscapes.​
  • Combat Mechanics: Building upon the Souls series, Elden Ring introduces versatile combat options, including a variety of weapons, magic systems, and stealth elements.​
  • Player Agency: The game encourages exploration and allows players to approach challenges in multiple ways, fostering a sense of freedom and discovery.​

Weaknesses:

  • Difficulty Curve: The game’s challenging nature may be daunting for newcomers, potentially leading to frustration.​

Graphics and Art Design (9.5/10)

The visual presentation of Elden Ring is both stunning and atmospheric.​

Strengths:

  • Artistic Direction: The game’s art design is lauded for its creativity and the depth it adds to the game’s atmosphere.​
  • Environmental Variety: From lush forests to desolate ruins, the diverse environments enhance the sense of exploration.​

Weaknesses:

  • Technical Performance: Some players have reported frame rate drops and minor graphical glitches, particularly on older hardware.​

Sound and Music (9.0/10)

The audio elements significantly contribute to the game’s immersive experience.​

Strengths:

  • Soundtrack: The musical score complements the game’s tone, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments.​
  • Ambient Sounds: Environmental audio cues add depth to the exploration experience, making the world feel alive.​

Weaknesses:

  • Voice Acting: While generally strong, some minor characters’ voice performances lack depth.​

Replayability (9.8/10)

Elden Ring offers extensive replay value through its open-ended design and variety of playstyles.​

Strengths:

  • Multiple Endings: Player choices lead to different outcomes, encouraging multiple playthroughs.​
  • Build Diversity: The wide range of character customization options allows for varied gameplay experiences.​

Weaknesses:

  • Repetitive Side Quests: Some side missions may feel redundant over multiple playthroughs.​

Performance and Optimization (9.0/10)

The game performs admirably across platforms, though some technical issues have been noted.​

Strengths:

  • Stable Performance: On current-generation consoles and high-end PCs, the game runs smoothly with minimal issues.​

Weaknesses:

  • Optimization on Older Systems: Players on older hardware may experience performance dips and longer load times.​

Expansion Overview: Shadow of the Erdtree

Released on June 18, 2024, Shadow of the Erdtree expands upon the base game by introducing new areas, enemies, and narrative threads.​

Content:

  • New Regions: The expansion adds expansive new areas to explore, each with unique challenges and lore.​
  • Additional Bosses: Players face formidable new adversaries, each requiring strategic approaches.​
  • Extended Lore: The narrative delves deeper into the mythology of the Lands Between, offering new insights and storylines.

Reception:

The expansion has been widely praised for its quality and depth. Critics have noted that it offers a substantial amount of content, comparable to full standalone games. The expansion’s ability to recapture the magic of the original game has been highlighted as a significant achievement. ​

Conclusion

Elden Ring stands as a monumental achievement in the ARPG genre, seamlessly blending challenging gameplay with a richly crafted world. Its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, builds upon this foundation, offering players a wealth of new content that enhances the overall experience. Despite minor technical issues and a steep learning curve, the game’s depth, aesthetic brilliance, and replayability solidify its status as a modern classic.

References:

Leave a comment