Elden Ring Review: A Masterpiece of Open World Design

Developer: FROMSOFTWARE
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Genre: Action RPG, Open-World
Release Date: February 25, 2022

Score: 10/10

Introduction

FROMSOFTWARE, renowned for the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, has outdone itself with Elden Ring. A collaboration with fantasy author George R.R. Martin, this open-world action RPG promised to blend FROMSOFTWARE’s punishing yet rewarding game-play with an expansive, intricately designed world. What emerged is nothing short of a masterpiece—a game that redefines the open-world genre and solidifies FROMSOFTWARE’s position as one of the best developers in gaming today.

Story: A Cryptic Epic of Power and Ruin

Set in the sprawling, mysterious Lands Between, Elden Ring tells the story of a Tarnished—your custom player character—tasked with reuniting the shattered fragments of the Elden Ring and ascending as the Elden Lord. The narrative is classic FROMSOFTWARE: cryptic, fragmented, and steeped in lore that requires players to dig deep to fully comprehend. George R.R. Martin’s influence is most evident in the game’s world-building, with factions, families, and regions imbued with mythological depth.

The demigods, each guarding a shard of the Elden Ring, serve as the game’s primary antagonists. Characters like General Radahn, Queen Rennala, and the enigmatic Malenia leave lasting impressions, not only for their incredible boss fights but also for the lore surrounding them. While the main story can feel opaque for casual players, those willing to piece together item descriptions, NPC dialogue, and environmental storytelling will find an epic tale of ambition, betrayal, and decay.

Gameplay: FromSoftware’s Masterstroke

At its core, Elden Ring retains FROMSOFTWARE’s signature action RPG mechanics: challenging combat, strategic stamina management, and high-stakes exploration. However, it layers these elements onto a vast open-world framework that feels revolutionary.

Combat in Elden Ring is the best FROMSOFTWARE has ever offered. Players can choose from a staggering variety of play-styles: sword-and-shield warriors, nimble rogues, devastating mages, or even hybrid builds. The addition of Ashes of War, which allows players to customize weapons with unique abilities, adds a new layer of depth to combat. Boss fights, a hallmark of FROMSOFTWARE games, are spectacularly designed and brutally challenging, from the haunting Malenia, Blade of Miquella, to the colossal Starscourge Radahn.

Exploration is where Elden Ring truly shines. The Lands Between is a masterfully crafted open world, filled with secrets, dungeons, and surprises. From the golden fields of Limgrave to the blood-red rot of Caelid, every region is visually distinct and brimming with lore. Unlike many open-world games, Elden Ring avoids hand-holding—there are no glowing way-points or endless map icons. This design encourages organic exploration and rewards curiosity with hidden treasures, deadly enemies, and unforgettable moments.

The inclusion of Torrent, your spectral steed, makes traversal both speedy and dynamic. Whether you’re scaling cliffs, galloping across vast plains, or leaping into hidden areas, Torrent feels like an integral part of the experience.

RPG Mechanics are deep and rewarding. Players can customize their Tarnished with stats, gear, and spells tailored to their preferred play-style. The game’s leveling system, tied to Runes (its currency), strikes a perfect balance between flexibility and challenge. Multiplayer features, including co-op and PvP invasions, add another layer of replay-ability, allowing players to test their builds against others.

Graphics and Performance: Beauty in Decay

Visually, Elden Ring is stunning. While it may not push the technical limits of gaming like some recent AAA titles, its art direction is second to none. The haunting beauty of its environments—from the eerie glow of the Ainsel River to the foreboding Erdtree towering over the Lands Between—creates a sense of awe and dread in equal measure.

Character and enemy designs are equally breathtaking. The grotesque monstrosities and towering bosses are as horrifying as they are memorable. The attention to detail in armor sets, weapon designs, and spell effects makes every moment feel epic.

Performance, however, is a mixed bag, particularly on PC. Frame rate drops, stuttering, and minor bugs were common at launch. While subsequent patches have improved stability, some issues persist, which can be frustrating during intense moments. Despite these flaws, the game remains playable and engrossing.

Sound Design and Music: A Symphony of Despair

Elden Ring excels in its auditory experience. The ambient soundscapes of the Lands Between—howling winds, distant roars, and the crackle of fire—immerse players in its haunting world. The sound effects of weapons clashing, spells firing, and enemies roaring are visceral and satisfying.

The musical score, composed by Yuka Kitamura and others, is phenomenal. Boss fights are accompanied by bombastic, heart-pounding orchestral tracks, while quieter moments feature melancholic melodies that underscore the game’s themes of decay and loss. The music not only enhances the game play but also reinforces the emotional weight of your journey.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Immersive, beautifully crafted open world with unparalleled freedom.
Deep, rewarding combat system with countless customization options.
Memorable boss fights that challenge and thrill.
Rich lore and storytelling that reward curiosity and exploration.
Gorgeous art direction and unforgettable soundtrack.

Cons:

Cryptic story may alienate players looking for a more straightforward narrative.
Performance issues, especially on PC.
High difficulty level may deter newcomers to the genre.

Source:

https://eldenring.bn-ent.net/en/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

What is Elden Ring?

Elden Ring is an action role-playing game developed by FROMSOFTWARE, released on February 25, 2022. It features an expansive open world, intricate lore, and challenging combat mechanics.

On which platforms is Elden Ring available?

Elden Ring is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Does Elden Ring support multiplayer?

Yes, Elden Ring offers both cooperative and player-versus-player multiplayer modes, allowing players to team up or challenge each other online.

How does character progression work in Elden Ring?

Players can customize their character’s attributes, such as Vigor, Mind, and Endurance, by spending runes earned through defeating enemies. Each attribute has specific “soft caps” where the benefits of leveling start to diminish.

Is using a guide recommended for playing Elden Ring?

While not necessary, many players find that consulting guides enhances their experience, especially given the game’s vast world and complex mechanics. However, exploring independently can also be rewarding.

Verdict

Elden Ring is a landmark achievement in gaming. FROMSOFTWARE has taken the best elements of its previous titles and expanded them into a sprawling, open-world format that feels fresh and groundbreaking. While its difficulty and cryptic storytelling may not appeal to everyone, those willing to embrace its challenges will find one of the most rewarding gaming experiences of all time.

The Lands Between is a world that begs to be explored, where every corner holds a secret, every enemy a lesson, and every victory a triumph. Whether you’re a seasoned SOULSBORNE veteran or a newcomer to FROMSOFTWARE’s games, Elden Ring is a must-play.

Final Score: 10/10

– DGP Corner