Elden Ring is probably a contender for one of my favorite games of all time. Why am I going to become a lyricist about it nine months after its release? Well, it didn’t completely capture me at first.
From the moment my character emerged blinking in the Limgrave sunlight, I understood the splendor of Elden Ring. There was a whole world for me to explore, and I intend to explore sincerely, with no markers adorning the map like in a Ubisoft game. There was a real sense of adventure. But I’m a coward.
I’ve only completed one FromSoftware game in my life, and it’s the excellent Bloodborne. It was a tough but fascinating grind. But my sense of what a Souls-like game should only be considered after playing around a quarter of it.
My problem, as many other players have pointed out, is that FromSoftware’s recent games are difficult. Very difficult at times. As in “throw the controller across the room in frustration”. I like challenges, but constantly feeling like I’m late, especially in a world where the story and gameplay are so opaque, means I’m not immediately in love with Soulsborne games.
In Elden Ring, my virtual butt was handed to me a few times by a big knight or a ferocious dog. And my fear of losing my hard earned runes, Elden Ring’s currency, meant that I made glacial progress through the game’s opening areas. Add in the intimidating range of items, skills and systems to learn, some darker than others, as well as the vast map, and I felt a little intimidated by Elden Ring.
The game also came at a time when I had Horizon Forbidden West to play, as well as other games competing for my attention. I often found that I had to be in the mood to play Elden Ring, as it was much easier to dive into the Forbidden West and finish a few side missions than it is to make my way through a forest with giant bears moving at frightening speeds.
My character’s build didn’t help either. I opted for a sword and shield, leveling up the strength and dexterity in what I later learned is known as a “quality” build. This was fine, but something was missing. My two-handed sword and shield combination was solid, but uninspired.
While I wasn’t put off by Elden Ring, per se, my aversion to getting stuck, having other games to play, and a bit of blistering summer heat kept me from crouching down and sinking all my gaming attention into the epic. role-playing game by FromSoft.
The joy of dex (and magic)
(Image credit: Bandai Namco)
But then September came and I decided to break my self-imposed rule of understanding Elden Ring for myself. I decided to dedicate myself to some guides on the best builds and weapons in the game.
At some point I learned that I could “respect” my character, allowing me to reassign the stat points so I wouldn’t get stuck with my sword and shield. And I found the Bloodhound’s Fang sword, which deals “bleed” damage and increases along with the Dexterity stat.
After dabbling with some other objects and tools, I suddenly found myself drawn to Elden Ring. So I indulged in some lore videos, like those by YouTuber VaatiVidya, who makes a living by discovering the lore and stories of FromSoftware games. Now, I was starting to get hooked.
After a certain point in the game, I was able to rework my character into a warrior focused on dexterity and intelligence, spell caster and armed with a katana.
Now, I’ve been able to deal a lot of damage in various ways. I was still playing cautiously, but I took a few more risks and started making a lot more progress in the game. Elden Ring grabbed me and now he won’t let me go.
Of course, I still get crushed by some enemies and am hopeless at fighting dogs. But sniping giant ravens with Loretta’s Greatbow spell, then getting close to dealing quick damage with the Uchigatana and Moonveil Katana, is incredibly satisfying.
When the action calms down, the world of Lands Between is just a joy to explore. It’s not quite as dark and wet as the destroyed worlds of Dark Souls, offering higher fantasy elements, with a mix of dark horror and the occasional bouts of existential terror. There is always something interesting around the corner, which often tells you more about the story through inference and intimation.
Speaking of which, the story seems a little easier to grasp than those of other Soulsborne games, and George RR, Martin’s influence is evident in some background. He’s addicting stuff and it doesn’t hurt that a lot of characters have Welsh accents, which makes this Welsh’s tired face smile.
I also have the excellent God of War Ragnarök to play, which will no doubt grab my full attention before long. But this weekend, Elden Ring is calling and I can already hear that deceptively bombastic menu music in my ears.
