Elden Ringwas initially announced at E3 in 2019, and since then, new details have been sparse. The new IP from developer From Software drew fan attention immediately for its ambiguous trailer and the involvement of George R. R. Martin, famously the author of theA Song of Ice and Fireseries. From Software games have an avid fanbase that has rabidly searched for any new details aboutElden Ring, and in light of some new information, it’s starting to look likeElden Ringwill more resembleDark Soulsthan other From Software IPs likeSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceandBloodborne. Indeed, that’s a good thing.
The influence ofDark Soulson the upcomingElden Ringis immediate in the reveal trailerlargely in the apparent setting. A return to a more medieval fantasy setting comes after the departures to Victorian-Era/Van Helsing style inBloodborneand the Japanese mythology and samurai aesthetic inSekiro.Fans ofDark Soulswere glad to see scenes like the unknown smith hammering against his forge and the gargantuan dragon flying that were featured in the trailer, but even now, there’s still a big question mark to what most of this means.
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Recent leaks have supposedlyshown off even more artwork forElden Ring, and rumors hint that the game might be more than just stylistically similar toDark Souls.These rumors have suggested that it playsmore likeDark Soulsthan other games from the developer, and the success of the recentDemon’s Soulsremake on the PS5 point towards that being a good thing for both fans and for the commercial success whenElden Ringdoes finally release.
Dark Soulsis praised both by fans and critics for its gameplay mechanics that highlight simplicity of control and depth of customization set against the series trademark brand of blistering difficulty. Naturally, those elements making their way into the new setting will be a big draw for returning fans and newer players experimenting with the souls-like genre. Battlingagainst the horrific monstershas always been a brutal experience, and fans will likely have some apprehensions put to rest knowing of the similarities in gameplay.
Thematic similarities in the story also seem to pull influence fromDark Soulsover other From Software games, and the involvement of Martin alongside From Software is something that fans are eager to learn more about as well. The brooding, ambiguous themes of theDark Soulsgames are in step with the dark and violent worlds that Martin has created in his writing. The worlds of dragons and dark magic that both of these creators have assembled should create something simultaneously uniquely its own and proudly a child of its predecessors.Elden Ringis rumored to be a larger gamethanDark Souls, so eager fans may have a lot to dive into whenever it is eventually released.
Elden Ringis in development for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
