The Test
Elden Ring returns in 2024 through a DLC titled Shadow of the Erdtree, two years after the release of From Software’s open-world game phenomenon, which has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. This is an accomplishment that should be acknowledged, considering what the game represents: an uncompromising adventure that continually challenges players. It is worth noting that Elden Ring is less complex compared to FromSoftware’s previous titles like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro. While some critics have been critical of Elden Ring, a broader audience has embraced it, finding pleasure in its challenging nature. As Laurely Birba often says, it’s never too late to see the light. This newfound enthusiasm from players helped propel Elden Ring to Game of the Year 2022 and among the best games of all time, with any dissent or criticism sometimes viewed as an offense. However, those who have been following FromSoftware for over a decade are aware that the studio has a history of reusing assets, enemies, animations, patterns, and more, along with its aging graphics engine. While this does not make it a bad game by any means, when other studios engage in similar practices, it often leads to controversy. This is why we are providing our honest opinion on Shadow of the Erdtree.
HAPPINESS THROUGH SUFFERING
Why does FromSoftware require players to defeat these two major bosses before accessing the DLC? Simply to test your skills and challenge you further. As recently noted, Shadow of the Erdtree offers no compromises and is even more difficult than Elden Ring was during its time, with the difficulty level increasing significantly. Indeed, now that FromSoftware’s gameplay formula has gained popularity among the public, Hidetaka Miyazaki can clearly express his true intent: to challenge players extensively. This explains the outrage on Steam and complaints from experienced players regarding the difficulty and lack of balance. Yes, enemies such as mobs, semi-bosses, and bosses have become more aggressive. If approached carelessly, players are likely to be one-shotted by these adversaries. All enemies have been notably powered up, and although it is known that each FromSoftware DLC is harder than the base game, like in Elden Ring’s case, there has been more complaining than reasoned critique regarding this trend.
A SEKIRO-LIKE FORMULA
I agree with those who point out the issue of overall balancing. Increasing enemy aggression and giving bosses faster, more venomous attitudes is acceptable, but in return, our character should have capabilities that compensate for this. FromS has incorporated elements from Sekiro into this Elden Ring DLC, which remains the most challenging Souls-like title from the studio. Until now, in Elden Ring, simply accumulating runes to level up your character and distributing skill points to increase power was sufficient. However, in Sekiro, the approach is different; gathering resources alone does not suffice to increase attack power; players must also re-explore old areas to face optional mini-bosses. This requires more player involvement and engagement, ensuring they can handle ultimate bosses. Yet, the character we control in Elden Ring lacks the capabilities of the Sekiro character. Sekiro demands real dexterity from the player, mastering gameplay timing down to frame-perfect levels, whereas in Elden Ring, players have more tools to manage bosses with magic, summons, status effects, etc. But when Sekiro elements are added to Elden Ring’s bosses, you’re left somewhat exposed. Of course, victory is eventually achieved but at the cost of significant frustration. Miyazaki speaks of balancing by adding Sekiro elements to Elden Ring, yet I believe it has the opposite effect. However, we know now that the developer is known for increasing difficulty in a challenging manner. The key to success remains the same: observe, study, analyze, wait, and always be prepared to face repeated defeats until you discover the weaknesses.
Certainly, this new uneven challenge does not detract from the overall experience. Shadow of the Erdtree remains an impressive DLC. Everyone hopes that their favorite games’ DLC will be as generous and rewarding as this one, offering another incredible journey through a vast open world. FromSoftware had announced a zone comparable in size to Necrolamb, the first region of Elden Ring; however, given the increased verticality of the open world, I believe its actual size could be twice as large. Just like in the original Elden Ring, everything is explorable with multiple layers and increasingly ingenious level design in each zone. The map is so rich, filled with incredible paths and terrain, that one can easily get lost; if you are not curious, you might miss out on many things. This game encourages exploration and rewards curiosity, much like Dragon’s Dogma 2 did a few months ago; we’re in the same mindset.
Aesthetically pleasing but technically weak.
Visually, “Shadow of the Erdtree” remains consistent with 2022’s “Elden Ring,” as it is a DLC. In terms of artistic direction, it continues to be equally impressive, taking one’s breath away, and certain effects significantly enhance the scene, such as wind bending foliage, rain creating a grimy atmosphere, and lighting in dark places. The bosses still look impressive, allowing players to overlook reused assets for over a decade, FromSoftware? However, let’s be honest: on a technical and purely graphical level, “Elden Ring” shows serious shortcomings. It is 2024, and good art design cannot弥补缺失的部分，以下是重构后的段落：—Visually, Shadow of the Erdtree maintains continuity with 2022’s Elden Ring, as it is a DLC. In terms of artistic direction, it remains equally sumptuous, taking one’s breath away, and certain effects significantly enhance the scene, such as wind bending foliage, rain creating a grimy atmosphere, and lighting in dark places. The bosses still look impressive, allowing players to overlook reused assets for over a decade, FromSoftware? However, let’s be honest: on a technical and purely graphical level, Elden Ring shows serious shortcomings. It is 2024, and good art design cannot compensate for everything; there are passages that genuinely strain the eyes. With 25 million copies sold for Elden Ring and 5 million in 72 hours for the DLC, FromSoftware’s next game must have a new graphics engine, given all the revenue generated. This will also address fluidity issues faced by players. Furthermore, with millions of dollars made from Elden Ring’s success, it would be beneficial if FromSoftware progressed in terms of narration. While the story is intriguing, its delivery in an open world feels outdated. It’s time to level up and create genuine cinematics, as there are no more excuses.—
