Elden Ring
9.48
Storyline
8.9/10
The storyline of Elden Ring unfolds in the richly crafted Lands Between, a realm steeped in gothic overtones and a pervasive sense of desperation. Players step into the role of the Tarnished, a cursed being seeking to restore the Elden Ring and claim the title of Elden Lord. This journey is marked by the haunting remnants of a once-great world, now fragmented and rife with decay, where horrifying creatures and twisted landscapes reflect the sorrow and madness of its inhabitants.
The narrative delves into themes of ambition, betrayal, and the quest for power, all set against a backdrop of desolation. Each interaction and discovery in this dark fantasy world underscores the desperation that permeates the Lands Between, making the struggle to reclaim hope and purpose all the more poignant.
Feel and Mechanics
9.8/10
Seldom do we celebrate games for their flawless feel and finely tuned mechanics, particularly evident in the movement and dodge mechanic. The game's controls provide a seamless experience, while the dodge mechanic sometimes feeling overused is especially noteworthy. This sense of weightiness enhances the overall gameplay, as each roll and dash feels impactful and well-timed, allowing for a satisfying dance between offense and defense.
Players can add and enhance the experience through ashes of war which are completely autonomous. Overall a stunning adaptation to modern gaming combat.
Challenge and Entertainment
10/10
The entertainment value is significantly heightened by the challenging bosses that populate the game, each presenting a formidable test of skill and strategy. These encounters are meticulously designed, with unique mechanics and varied attack patterns that require players to adapt and learn through repeated attempts.
The satisfaction that comes from finally overcoming the bosses is immense, as each victory feels like a hard-earned achievement. This rewarding cycle of challenge and triumph not only fosters a deep sense of accomplishment but also encourages players to explore different builds and tactics, enriching the overall experience.
Build and Development
9.2/10
Character building is a deeply engaging aspect that allows players to tailor their experience, whether they choose to embrace the might of a warrior or the arcane prowess of a mage.
Warriors can focus on enhancing strength and endurance, unlocking powerful melee attacks and heavy armor options that emphasize brute force and resilience. Conversely, mages can allocate their points to intelligence and mind, honing their spellcasting abilities and unlocking a diverse array of powerful sorceries.
This flexibility not only encourages experimentation but also necessitates strategic planning.
Loot and Extras
9.5/10
Just stunning. From Software is incredible at side missions and scattering meaningful pieces of loot in every nook and cranny.
We found ourselves delighted by the rewarding nature of exploration with side missions, quests, armour, weapon and crafting materials in every corner of the map.
Elden Ring absolutely sets the bar when I comes to loot and extras. An absolute masterpiece and beautiful game.