We are two days away from the official release of Elden Ring Nightfall, and FromSoftware has approved press outlets to share their reviews. The game holds an average score of 78% on Metacritic based on its PS5 version and 65 reviews, which is a slight disappointment. While this score is certainly acceptable, given the track record of the Elden Ring franchise known for consistently delivering excellence, it was not what we expected. It should be noted that this installment diverges significantly from the core elements that made Elden Ring unique and beloved, to the point where it may feel like more of a curiosity rather than a continuation of its legacy for some players.
Nightreign is considered a cooperative reread of Elden Ring’s universe and takes place over a three-day/night in-game cycle. During this period, players (up to three) must navigate through waves of enemies before encountering the final boss: the Nightlord. The gameplay features a roguelike concept with permanent death between runs, temporary bonuses, and class synergies. However, the quality of the group experience is crucial. As one review succinctly puts it: “Play with Elden Ring pros, and it can be a blast. Play with average Nightfarers or casual players…” In other words: “With skilled friends, the experience can be exhilarating. With strangers or casual players unfamiliar with the FromSoftware universe, the experience quickly becomes frustrating, imbalanced, and even discouraging.”
RECYCLING AND FELLING
Elden Ring Nightreign also suffers from a significant flaw: its excessive reliance on original material, with asset reuse becoming noticeable, despite years of criticism. The environments, bestiary, and animations collectively give the impression of a game built on a bundle of mods, with little visual or mechanical innovation. Adding roguelike elements does not erase this feeling of recycling, and even the titanic co-op battles, intended to be the heart of the game, suffer from a stiffer and less precise combat system than the original. The very structure of the game divides it as Elden Ring Nightreign represents a significant conceptual break with the rest of the series. While these titles rely on perseverance, slow exploration, and intimate progression, Nightreign opts for short, rhythmic runs that are often repetitive. For many players, the magic only works under ideal conditions: with friends and a good level. Otherwise, the lack of variety, sometimes imbalanced AI, and redundancy of objectives make the experience unstable.
Elden Ring Nightreign presents itself as a sincere attempt to renew the universe of Elden Ring, but its conception rests on shaky foundations. The game is multiplayer dependent and has unstable gameplay, with a roguelike loop that feels poorly adapted. This often gives the impression of an experimental laboratory rather than a polished work. However, it is not a bad game; players can experience sensations of cooperation and epic moments when three players face an oversized boss together. Nevertheless, it is clearly not for everyone, especially those who hoped for a spiritual successor to Elden Ring.
IGN Benelux: 9.2/10, Loot Level Chill: 9/10, Areajugones: 8.5/10, Gamepressure: 8.5/10, Meristation: 8.3/10, Combo Infinito: 8/10, Game Informer: 8/10, TierraGamer: 7.5/10, SpazioGames: 7.5/10, RPG Fan: 7.5/10, Gamersky: 7.4/10, 4P.de: 7/10, Saudi Gamer: 7/10, GamesRadar+: 7/10, IGN: 7/10, Gamespew: 7/10, GamePro Germany: 6.5/10, Guardian: 6/10, Critical Hits: 4/10
For fans of deep, challenging RPGs with a heavy focus on combat and exploration, Carlos Mendoza’s recent post, “The Lords of the Fallen: 17 Minutes of Pure Gameplay, Plenty of Boss Battles,” offers an exhilarating preview of what’s to come. Scheduled for release on October 13th, this action RPG draws inspiration from the world crafted by FromSoftware but introduces its own innovative features like a relic crafting system and enhanced combat mechanics. Dive into 17 minutes of gameplay footage showcasing interconnected zones filled with diverse challenges and cooperative multiplayer options. Meanwhile, for fans of epic fantasy and innovative gameplay mechanics, we have an exciting update from Pearl Abyss. Sophie Laurent’s latest piece on Players For Life, titled “Crimson Desert: When Zelda, Assassin’s Creed, and Final Fantasy Merged!” (August 22, 2023), explores a new title that merges beloved elements from several popular franchises. Dive into the world of Crimson Desert where players can equip gear reminiscent of Link’s arsenal in The Legend of Zelda, engage in dynamic melee combat inspired by Elden Ring, and explore vast landscapes with futuristic teleportation features akin to Final Fantasy XVI. Whether you’re diving into the intricate challenges of The Lords of the Fallen or immersing yourself in the unique blend of Crimson Desert, there’s something for everyone looking for their next big gaming adventure. Check out The Lords of the Fallen: 17 Minutes of Pure Gameplay, Plenty of Boss Battles and Crimson Desert: When Zelda, Assassin’s Creed, and Final Fantasy Merged! for a closer look at these intriguing new titles!
