It’s been a big couple of weeks for From Software’s next big game,Elden Ring. After multiple delays and a general lack of information after its announcement at Microsoft’s Xbox E3 presentation in 2019, the game has finally been firmly placed back in the spotlight. While keeping much of theSoulslike formula from From Software’s past catalog of games, Elden Ring adds in a few of its own twists such as horse combat and a sprawling open world to explore.
Lucky fans of From Software are actually getting a chance to go hands on withElden Ringas it enters a closed testing state. Players are able to explore the vast open world,fight harrowing enemies like Margit the Fell Omen, and discover a few secrets along the way. As expected, the vast open map also gives plenty of opportunity for the studio to add secrets, Easter eggs, and references to games likeDark Souls,Sekiro, and evenDemon’s Souls.
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While it’s understandable that fans may be eager to jump intoElden Ringas soon as the start menu appears, players who want to hear a familiar tune as well as experience a big of nostalgia should let the intro theme play out. Fans have begun to discover a neat little Easter egg onElden Ring’s title screen, which utilizes the same melody and beats fromDemon’s Souls. While not identical, fans can definitely hear the same style and melody if they listen closely.
In fact, the reference may make more sense now that it may have a couple years ago. WhileDemon’s Soulsoriginally launched in 2009 and was followed by a number of games in theDark Soulsfranchise,Bluepoint Games brought the original game back to lifefor the launch of the PlayStation 5 thanks to a well recieved remake. Gameplay largely remained the same as players remembered it, but Bluepoint was able to breathe new life into it thanks to overhauled visuals, quality of life enhancements, as well as new features like the Fractured World mechanic.
Music isn’t the only reference to From Software’s history, as fans have also noticed a lot ofinfluences fromSekiro: Shadows Die Twicemade it intoElden Ringas well. Outside of the addition of a dedicated jump button and ability to parry enemy attacks, some of the more dexerity focused available classes, like the Warrior, features more movement and dodging based abilities. While Elden Ring no doubt toes a line betweenDark SoulsandSekiro, the open world offers plenty of opportunity to utilize stealth and silent takedowns.
Elden Ringreleases on July 06, 2025, on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
