Elden Ring Preview: A Look at New Mechanics and the Open World, Comparisons with Dark Souls and Other FromSoftware Games

Contents:

• The open world in Elden Ring is not The Witcher or Assassin’s Creed
• Riding is more than just fast travel
• Jumping, crafting, and stealth are small mechanics with big potential
• The ability to summon spirits does not make the game more casual
• Elden Ring's combat system has absorbed the developments of all Souls games at once
• But Elden Ring could still easily be called Dark Souls 4

FromSoftware studio's work has drawn both admiration and criticism. Some haters claim that since the release of the company's first games, it has been repeating the same concept, making only minimal changes. There is a certain amount of truth in this statement. However, it is the unique approach to gameplay mechanics and enemy artificial intelligence that creates the inimitable atmosphere in FromSoftware games, which continues to attract both old and new fans.

Elden Ring has generated great interest among both FromSoftware fans and skeptics. The open world, crafting elements, and the ability to ride horses create the impression that the game offers something truly new. However, is this really the case? We've spent about twenty hours in the Elden Ring beta and seem to have a good idea of ​​what to expect from the final release.

The open world in Elden Ring is not The Witcher or Assassin's Creed

In the first part of Dark Souls, the open world was a series of linear locations connected to each other. In Elden Ring, we see a truly seamless open world, filled with fields, meadows, and mountains that are available for exploration. However, this innovation has caused wariness among many players, since modern open worlds are often associated with routine tasks of capturing outposts and filling in the map, which is typical of Ubisoft games. The developers of Elden Ring decided to offer a different approach, creating a unique game space where exploration and interaction with the surrounding world become key elements of gameplay.

Elden Ring is not a service-based game; its goal is not to retain players and measure their engagement. Therefore, the developers do not strive to fill the map with monotonous activities. The open world of Elden Ring is handcrafted, and every corner has an original touch, allowing you to discover something interesting. These can be optional quests, secret characters, dungeons with bosses, or chests with armor. Even simply beautiful locations that can deepen your understanding of the game's lore play an important role. Every element of the world of Elden Ring is thoughtful and unique, making exploration engaging and rich.

In this game world, exploration plays a key role. Players must independently find important objects and locations, as only the most significant finds will be marked on the map, and then only after they are discovered. First, the map itself must be found, which adds an element of adventure. Most of the markers on the map must be placed by players themselves: here a picturesque view opens, there a patrolling horseman can suddenly attack, and elsewhere it is convenient to collect resources for upgrading weapons. This approach not only enhances the sense of mystery but also creates a deeper connection with the game world, allowing each player to make the universe unique and individual.

Elden Ring's approach to open worlds is often compared to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and even Skyrim, but this comparison is not entirely fair. In The Legend of Zelda, the player also does not receive direct guidance and is encouraged to explore the world without explicit clues. However, Zelda's open world is largely tied to ecosystems, where events unfold independently of the player's actions. Elden Ring, in turn, offers a unique experience, focusing on player interaction with the environment and depth of gameplay, making it an excellent example of a modern approach to open world creation.

The player is immersed in a dynamic biome, interacting with its elements and facing the consequences of their actions. A prime example of this is the way animals and enemies hunt each other, which creates a unique ecosystem on the map. Zelda places a strong emphasis on living physics: for example, if the player chops down a tree, it might roll down a mountain and hit a goblin in camp, triggering an unexpected brawl. These events aren't predetermined, but rather emerge as the game progresses, creating unique and unpredictable adventures.

In Elden Ring, the world is static, yet surprisingly beautiful and detailed. It's impossible to cut down trees or set fire to the grass in the fields. Nothing will change without player intervention—every corner of the map awaits their actions. This approach differs from games like Breath of the Wild, GTA, and Red Dead Redemption, and it's worth considering that this is simply a different style of interacting with the game world.

Riding is More Than Fast Travel

In today's gaming world, it's hard to imagine a large-scale open world without some form of horseback riding or vehicle mechanics. In Elden Ring, the protagonist can summon a unique spirit horse using a special ring, allowing them to traverse vast expanses. However, it's important to note that horse use is limited: you can't ride a horse in enclosed spaces like caves and castles. This innovation is a significant step forward for the Souls series, as similar mechanics haven't been used before. As a result, players are able to explore the world more dynamically and freely, enriching the gameplay experience.

Riding mechanics in games are an interesting aspect that can be implemented in a variety of ways. Mistakes in this process can easily occur. Approaches to horseback riding can be classified into three types: utilitarian, arcade, and realistic. A utilitarian approach, for example, is seen in Sacred, where the horse serves merely as a means of quick movement and lacks developed mechanics or physics. Similarly, this approach to horse riding is common in many MMORPGs. An arcade approach can be seen in Assassin's Creed, where the horse has virtually no inertia, quickly turns and stops, while still retaining a distinct control feel. A realistic approach, as in Red Dead Redemption 2, offers more natural horse movement, which adds to the challenge of control, as the horse can behave somewhat unpredictably. The diversity of these approaches makes horse riding in games engaging and multifaceted. src="//cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FxN3Ec7SFL9Y%3Ffeature%3Doembed&display_name=YouTube&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com% 2Fwatch%3Fv%3DxN3Ec7SFL9Y&image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FxN3Ec7SFL9Y%2Fhqdefau lt.jpg&key=8d3909c69dfb4ee29c710191d8dd756a&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=youtube" width="854" height="480" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture;" allowfullscreen="true">

The developers of Elden Ring chose to simplify the arcade control scheme, which made the gameplay more accessible. The horse in Elden Ring is highly responsive, comparable to the movements of the hero himself, creating the impression of lightness and maneuverability. However, it is worth noting that turning around at full speed can be difficult, and the player will still have to maneuver a little. In contrast, horse riding in Breath of the Wild is presented with an emphasis on realism, which makes it more challenging and requiring skill.

The developers deliberately abandoned complete realism, which positively affected the gameplay. Simple and responsive mount controls allow for effective mounted combat. Maneuvering around the attack circle, whether with a sword or magic, is satisfying and effective, especially against the weaker enemies encountered throughout the map. Even with some of the bosses introduced in the beta, such as the armored horseman in the field and the dragon in the swamp, mounted combat offers a unique and fresh experience for fans of FromSoftware games. This approach makes gameplay more dynamic and engaging.

The horse in Elden Ring plays a vital role not only in speeding up movement but also in enabling deeper exploration of the game world. From the start, it has the ability to double jump, opening up hidden areas otherwise inaccessible. These jumps not only allow you to find secrets but also effectively evade enemies, allowing you to quickly escape the battlefield and hide in a safe place. Using a horse significantly enriches the gaming experience and allows players to explore the world of Elden Ring more actively.

Jumping, crafting and stealth are minor Mechanics with great potential

In this chapter, we consider new mechanics that, although they don't radically change the gameplay, still play an important role. The developers took their implementation seriously. Jumping, available from the very first minutes of the game, is actively used in battles. For example, some enemy attacks can simply be jumped over, which is reminiscent of mechanics from Sekiro, a previous project by FromSoftware, which doesn't quite fit into the soulslike genre. For certain types of weapons, jumping attacks become primary and effectively penetrate enemy defenses.

The character's increased mobility significantly facilitates exploration of locations and the discovery of hidden paths. In the final beta version, players will explore a castle where survival without jumping becomes almost impossible. The ability to jump over obstacles not only increases the interactivity of the game world but also enhances immersion. Thus, the developers are unlikely to abandon platforming elements in the game.

Crafting in Elden Ring significantly simplifies gameplay, despite initial concerns that it could make the game overwhelming. In practice, various berries, herbs, and materials dropped by enemies gradually accumulate in the inventory. They can be quickly used to craft useful consumables, such as arrows or flammable oil for weapons. Previously, players were forced to purchase such items from merchants. Importantly, crafting does not require returning to a resting place or using a workbench—the process is available anywhere. This mechanic was a long-awaited addition to the series and, rather than simplifying the game, motivates players to use consumables more often and integrate them into their combat tactics.

The stealth mechanic was originally conceived by the developers as an auxiliary element, but they managed to implement it to a high standard. Now the protagonist can not only sneak but also hide in bushes, allowing for effective elimination of enemies without attracting attention. Stealth is best used when clearing large enemy camps, when open combat is not yet viable, and the opportunity to loot a captured camp is quite appealing.

At certain points, Elden Ring is reminiscent of games like Assassin's Creed and Ghost of Tsushima. The game offers various stealth tools, including sleep arrows, which can aid in a tactical approach to combat. The release version will likely feature additional spells and weapons specifically designed for stealth. An optional boss that can be defeated stealthily was already visible in the beta. However, despite the presence of stealth elements, this approach is not a universal solution. Using sneak attacks only allows you to seriously injure strong enemies, but not eliminate them completely.

The ability to summon spirits does not make the game

Casual

Summoned creatures are most effective in dealing with crowds of enemies. If enemies unexpectedly surround a player, spirits will distract them, giving them the opportunity to either flee or fight back. During boss battles, summoned creatures deal initial damage, but die within minutes. Previous games in the series also featured the ability to summon AI fighters to fight bosses, but they also fell quickly. This system has now become more convenient and flexible, allowing players to use it more effectively in critical situations.

In Elden Ring, the variety of spirits plays a key role in gameplay. In some situations, you might need a pack of wolves, while in others, a sorcerer with a long-range attack will be more effective. For now, summoning spirits feels like an optional mechanic, not essential for successful completion. However, with the release of the final version, changes may occur that will affect the significance and usefulness of the summon in various scenarios.

Combat Elden Ring's combat system draws on the foundations of all Souls games.

The Souls series is united by a unique combat system built on a few key principles: basic strikes, powerful attacks, dodges, parries, and defense. This simple yet effective set of elements allows for deep and intense battles. Success in these fights lies in correctly reading the timing and perfectly timed dodges—avoid enemy strikes and deliver your attacks at the right moment. This is the essence of Souls games. Elden Ring retains all of these mechanics, allowing players to enjoy a classic experience similar to Demon's Souls. While the new combat elements may be optional, they add additional depth and variety to battles, making them even more engaging.

The latest updates have introduced important changes that significantly impact gameplay. Now, after successfully blocking, players can perform quick and powerful counterattacks. This innovation will especially appeal to those who prefer a cautious playstyle hiding behind defense. While the game hasn't become easier, it has become more dynamic, which is especially noticeable in PvP battles. These changes make the game more engaging and strategic, providing new opportunities for tactical maneuvers.

One of the key aspects of the game is the ability to dual-wield different weapons, allowing for effective combination attacks. For example, equipping a scimitar not only increases damage but also unlocks new dual attacks. While this strategy may reduce defensive capabilities, it significantly enhances an aggressive combat style. This creates a unique combat experience that is radically different from a more cautious approach using a shield. It's worth noting that this mechanic is not new, but was borrowed from the cult game Dark Souls 2, emphasizing its importance in the gameplay experience.

One of the most significant improvements to the combat system is weapon skills. Each weapon now has a unique attack that costs mana. For some weapons, this attack is exclusive and cannot be changed. In contrast, the basic abilities of other weapons can be modified at a campfire using special items. However, it should be noted that modifying them also changes the characteristics of the weapon itself. For example, a regular sword can be transformed into a magical weapon, which is somewhat reminiscent of the reforging process familiar to Dark Souls fans.

The attacks in the game are varied and can significantly impact your fighting style. Some of them are an effective addition to simple combos, delivering powerful blows that can change the tide of battle. For example, the scimitar's special attack, a mid-range magic shot, becomes the foundation of a hero's build. This allows for the creation of a versatile swordsman and agility expert, capable of managing without the need for magic or ranged weapons like bows or crossbows. Meanwhile, the other sword, with its ability to deal area-of-effect damage after a prolonged charge, is ideal for carefully combating strong opponents or groups of enemies. This approach to attack selection opens up new tactical possibilities and increases the chances of a successful battle.

The new mechanics can be useful not only for archers but also for mages. The beta version of the game introduces a shield that can quickly push back enemies. It activates faster than any spell, allowing for effective range control in combat. The idea looks promising, and we are confident that the system will be further refined and improved upon release. Similar mechanics have already been successfully used in Bloodborne, where they showed excellent results.

But Elden Ring could still easily be called Dark Souls There are many reasons to be interested in Elden Ring. The game features many familiar elements borrowed from previous FromSoftware titles, such as animations and mechanics. You'll find traditional "bonfires," where the player can restore health, as well as flasks containing mana potions. After resting at these points, all normal enemies in the game world will respawn, adding an element of strategy and challenge. Characters communicate in riddles, and a significant portion of the lore is hidden in item descriptions, making exploration engaging. Before boss battles, players can leave summoning signs, allowing other players to call them to aid them. The game's plot will also be familiar to fans of Dark Souls: it unfolds in a dying kingdom, where a hero, doomed to immortality, inevitably journeys. Elden Ring combines familiar mechanics with a compelling story, captivating both new and experienced players.

Over the years, FromSoftware has demonstrated a unique ability to create games that, despite their similarities, are significantly different. Each new game offers players a fresh experience and deep mechanics. Elden Ring is no exception. The gameplay, world, story, and mechanics in Elden Ring promise to be unique, allowing players to immerse themselves in a captivating world with new challenges and opportunities.

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