Fromsoft seemingly never disappoints and remains one of the few companies that I blindly give money to on every new release. I imagine going from their typical interconnected yet somewhat linear world design of the souls series, bloodborne, and sekiro to a massive open world would be a difficult transition but Elden Ring pulls it off delivering a masterclass in world design. You never have to be told where to go, the world subtly pushes you in the right direction by drawing your attention to the important places with clever world design. Really can't say enough about the world, genuinely amazing.
This game isn't without it's faults though, I found some of the dungeon bosses to be a little recycled. For example some later game dungeon bosses will be just two of an earlier game dungeon boss or throw in some dogs or skeletons with an already used boss. This is forgivable due to the sheer number of these dungeons in the world but it is worth noting. The combat is largely the same as dark souls 3, but I am fine with that, if it ain't broke don't fix it right?
Honestly my biggest complaint about the game is that some of the bosses attack patterns seem to almost try to trick you by using everything you've learned from previous Fromsoft games against you. For example in most soulsborne games, when an enemy lifts their weapon in the air it typically means they are going to swing it at you so you should dodge. However in this game a number bosses have this almost comedically long wind up in their attack animation that is almost certainly programmed purposely to counter people who reflexively dodge. I found this cheap and annoying, almost like the game was punishing me for having good reflexes. instead I had to turn to pattern recognition and essentially become a video game playing robot who reacts to inputs like "he raised his left arm at a 30 degree angle with his right knee pointed outward, this means I have to wait 2.4 seconds then dodge". And I know that all the soulsborne games do this to some extent, but I personally prefer the fast paced reactionary combat of bloodborne to this where you are rewarded for aggression and good reflexes.
With those complaints out of the way, I will summarize by saying that this game is easily game of the year in my opinion and is one of the best open worlds of all time. The game is not quite a masterpiece, but is a damned good game worth every penny and was a joy to play... Except the Horah Loux fight... F that guy.
This game isn't without it's faults though, I found some of the dungeon bosses to be a little recycled. For example some later game dungeon bosses will be just two of an earlier game dungeon boss or throw in some dogs or skeletons with an already used boss. This is forgivable due to the sheer number of these dungeons in the world but it is worth noting. The combat is largely the same as dark souls 3, but I am fine with that, if it ain't broke don't fix it right?
Honestly my biggest complaint about the game is that some of the bosses attack patterns seem to almost try to trick you by using everything you've learned from previous Fromsoft games against you. For example in most soulsborne games, when an enemy lifts their weapon in the air it typically means they are going to swing it at you so you should dodge. However in this game a number bosses have this almost comedically long wind up in their attack animation that is almost certainly programmed purposely to counter people who reflexively dodge. I found this cheap and annoying, almost like the game was punishing me for having good reflexes. instead I had to turn to pattern recognition and essentially become a video game playing robot who reacts to inputs like "he raised his left arm at a 30 degree angle with his right knee pointed outward, this means I have to wait 2.4 seconds then dodge". And I know that all the soulsborne games do this to some extent, but I personally prefer the fast paced reactionary combat of bloodborne to this where you are rewarded for aggression and good reflexes.
With those complaints out of the way, I will summarize by saying that this game is easily game of the year in my opinion and is one of the best open worlds of all time. The game is not quite a masterpiece, but is a damned good game worth every penny and was a joy to play... Except the Horah Loux fight... F that guy.