Elden Ring: The Review

Elden Ring: The Review

Score: 10 out of 10

Overview: "Elden Ring is a breathtaking achievement that redefines the open-world genre by blending FromSoftware's signature challenge and mystery with an expansive, richly detailed world. With a lore crafted by George R.R. Martin and directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the game offers a hauntingly beautiful and enigmatic experience. Its open-world design is unparalleled, with every corner of the Lands Between inviting exploration and discovery. Featuring deep, rewarding combat, a staggering variety of builds, and unforgettable moments of triumph, "Elden Ring" is nothing short of a masterpiece and one of the greatest games of all time."

The Positives

• The Lands Between is a marvel of world design. From the golden plains of Limgrave to the haunting crimson rot swamps of Caelid, every area is meticulously crafted, brimming with secrets, hidden dungeons, and awe-inspiring vistas. Exploration is rewarded at every turn, with treasures, lore, and challenges that ensure no two playthroughs feel the same;
• At its core, "Elden Ring" features FromSoftware’s trademark combat—precise, punishing, and deeply rewarding. With a vast arsenal of weapons, spells, and Ashes of War, players can customize their builds in countless ways. Whether you’re a spell-slinging sorcerer, a nimble dual-wielder, or a tanky greatsword user, every playstyle feels viable and satisfying. The addition of mounted combat and Spirit Summons adds fresh layers of strategy and excitement to encounters;
• "Elden Ring" is packed with some of the most challenging and creative boss fights in FromSoftware’s history. Each encounter feels unique, from the imposing demigods like Radahn and Malenia to the smaller, equally unforgettable foes lurking in hidden dungeons. The sense of triumph after defeating these bosses is unparalleled, and their designs and lore leave a lasting impression;
• George R.R. Martin’s contributions blend seamlessly with Miyazaki’s cryptic storytelling, creating a world rich with mystery and depth. The lore is conveyed through item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and subtle interactions, encouraging players to piece together the narrative on their own. The intertwining themes of ambition, loss, and decay resonate throughout the game, making the story as captivating as the gameplay;
• "Elden Ring" is a feast for the eyes. The art direction excels in creating a world that feels both vast and intimate, blending the grandiose with the grotesque. Every location is a work of art, from the towering Erdtree dominating the skyline to the eerie underground cities glowing with bioluminescent light. Despite its scale, the game maintains a consistent level of visual fidelity and design cohesion;
• The open-world design of "Elden Ring" offers unparalleled freedom. Players can forge their own paths, tackling challenges in any order they choose. This sense of agency is empowering, allowing for experimentation and discovery at every step. The optional content is so rich and substantial that it often rivals the main story, ensuring hours upon hours of engrossing gameplay;
• The hauntingly beautiful score by Tsukasa Saitoh and the sound design enhance every aspect of the game. From the quiet rustle of leaves in an abandoned forest to the thunderous orchestral swells during a boss fight, the audio experience is as impactful as the visual one, drawing players deeper into the world.

The Negatives

• As with other FromSoftware titles, "Elden Ring" is not for the faint of heart. Its lack of handholding may deter some players, especially newcomers to the series. While the freedom to explore often mitigates difficulty spikes, the absence of clear guidance can be daunting for those unaccustomed to this style of game. However, this is also part of what makes the game so rewarding;
• While the game’s visual and technical achievements are impressive, some players have reported minor performance issues, particularly frame rate drops in certain areas. These instances are infrequent and do little to detract from the overall experience, but they can disrupt immersion in an otherwise seamless adventure.

The Experience

Elden Ring is a once-in-a-lifetime gaming experience that had us enthralled from the moment we stepped into the Lands Between. Every hour spent exploring, battling, and unraveling its mysteries felt like an adventure of epic proportions. Our first playthrough clocked in at over 112 hours, and we’ve only scratched the surface of what the game has to offer. The thrill of conquering impossible odds, the wonder of discovering hidden areas, and the sense of freedom make "Elden Ring" a game we’ll revisit time and time again. It’s a landmark title that sets a new standard for open-world games and solidifies FromSoftware’s legacy as one of the greatest developers in the industry.