Elden Ring Is My First Soulsborne Game, And I’m Obsessed With It

Witnessing an historic moment live is something that’s worth celebrating.

From Software’s Hidetaka Miyazaki pioneered the Soulsborne genre, a smart subversion of conventional action RPG mechanics brimming with marvelous setpieces, writhing horrors, and certain death. After Demon’s Souls’ triumphant launch in 2009, From Software’s rise to prominence was all but guaranteed … or so I’ve been told. I can’t deny the brilliance and quality of the catalogue, but it’s something I haven’t experienced. That is, at least until now. 

Elden Ring encourages and rewards players agency. It’s a tempting offer for beginners. It’s simple: there isn’t one. It is wrongPlay is my favorite way of getting out there. I was a victim of many losses but I found comfort in The Lands Between’s promise of freedom. 

In Elden Ring, you design your own emergent narratives – every given life after death is different. When I encountered a giant, my shield and plate armor were too heavy for me and made it impossible to avoid his slams. In another, I slew the beast handily, equipped with nothing but a pair of chainmail pants and a bow – risky but exhilarating nonetheless. Margit, Fell Omen became too much for me so I instead navigated the narrow roads along the borders to his ruin castle. What was beyond Limgrave’s lush pastures? Find out more! The class builds and overall gameplay felt so flexible that I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.

Soulsborne fledglings such as me know that progress is about combining extreme vigilance with natural curiosity. Hidden treasure chests beneath the ruins may contain craftable items. Or, they can teleport adventurers to end-game hellscapes. The Elden Ring has many quality-of-life features that can help with beginner problems. You don’t have to run back if you travel quickly with “Sites of Grace”, “Stakes of Marika” or “Sites of Grace”. Your trusty mare, Torrent, speeds navigation. Multiplayer summons and spirit make boss battles more fun and less lonely. And an impressive assortment of collectible/purchasable weapon arts and item buffs upgrade your avatar’s fighting prowess. These tools allowed me to try out new gear and find rare rewards in times of difficulty. Although From Software titles can be notoriously harsh, Elden Ring sometimes shows mercy to new players.      

It’s my first Soulsborne experience, and I am obsessed. The world, from the ever-luminous Erdtree down to the goblin-ridden coastlines is astonishingly dynamic rather than reactive. Below the treeline lurk mounted knights, equipped with protective polearms. Patrolling meandering watersways, armed assassins watch out. Tief underground, the grafted monstrosities of the future lie dormant. Uninhibited exploration allows players to explore the world and fight for runes.

Elden Ring can be a powerful rallying cry for the Soulsborne Uninitiated. The latest From blockbuster may be more accessible than the previous ones, but I cannot tell you. It’s impossible to speak confidently about the development of either the narrative or combat system. However, I will make it clear that Elden Ring should be played regardless of whether you are familiar with its genre. Do you want to waste hours studying the intricate stat-enhancing system of Elden Ring’s game? Yes. You will be able to alternate between fear and aggression. Naturally. Will you face ruin at every opportunity? Without a doubt. 

Nevertheless, newcomers, do not miss this momentous occasion. Be Tarnished.