Elden Ring is a reminder why (good) videogames are SO important.

As someone who got into the Soulsborne series a long time ago, with Dark Souls 1, before Bloodborne came out and really showed me who incredible these games are, Elden Ring has truly exceeded all expectations. To be fair, I didn’t know what to expect with the game, other than an open world souls' game. Which I was super down for. But I had no idea what we were in store for. Over 40 hours into the game, and I’m maybe over halfway through I honestly don’t know. But one thing is for damn sure, this is one of the greatest games to have ever been released and a reminder as to why video games are SO important.

I can’t remember a time when a game came fresh out of the box, and had this much content on day one and wasn’t asking for a season pass, battle pass, or any other modern day gaming bullshit marketing to get you to shell out more money than you probably are willing to admit. From Software once again shows the entire industry, that games can be deep, complex, engaging, long, while not skimping out on any of the features on offer. There’s no BS with this game; no tricks, nothing. If you’re a fan of their work, you’ll love this game. If you’re not, I’d argue there is still something here for you. I’m not even done and it’s an 11/10. Genuinely. No game in the last two years even comes fucking close to this level. Is it perfect? No, again, there is no such thing as perfect. But these kinds of ratings, to me, mean a game that goes above and beyond what is expected, and turns into an experience. Something that seriously gets my mind going and how lucky I am to be able to have this in my hands. I have a true emotional reaction to this game and how amazing it is. To see it; to hear it; all the effort and work that went into this game was worth it and then some. From Soft should be beyond proud at what they have accomplished with this game. It puts a lot of AAA studios to shame with their shoddy attempts at making these kinds of experiences. Elden Ring is something any avid gamer should try. Take the torch, and explore this world. And I think that’s what’s so incredible; the world and how this game is more than just that.

Elden Ring will suck you in and make you lose track of time. You’ll be given a general direction to go and while on that path, will find something interesting and explore. After that you adjust and get back to the main goal, until something else gets your attention and you go out of your way once more. And it will keep happening throughout the game. The Lands Between isn’t dead; it has so much life, charm, and wonder build into every single corner of it. So many places to go, areas to explore, and questions to ask. The world is your oyster. Now, you may come across something and may not be strong enough for it, but you can choose whether to turn around and come back another time, or take on the challenge and see what happens. When I say open world, I truly mean it. And the world is not small by any means. It can be overwhelming at times with how many directions are actually possible to explore. And if you get stuck with a boss or an area, go mess around somewhere else and level up. It will make the difference.

There’s no need for a review for this game. It has blown everyone away and shattered all possible expectations. It’s a masterpiece. And up there, rivaling Bloodborne as From Software’s magnum opus. It’s a testament that good design and direction, combined with a crew of people who actually give a fuck about making good games can achieve the best of every aspect. This game is a statement to the rest of the god-awful AAA developers in the world: step it up. Or be left in the dust. These games may only come out once every half a decade, but they will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone who played them for eternity. The sales numbers for this game from the little we have heard have blown all estimated numbers away. This game WILL be game of the year. I’m almost positive of that. And it fucking deserves it. Elden Ring is one of the greatest, most complete day one packages to every release in the last decade, and a reminder to anyone who enjoys videogames, just how important, how impactful, and how life changing they truly can be.