Elden Ring’s DLC Still Has a Lingering FromSoftware Problem

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Elden Ring's DLC Still Has a Lingering FromSoftware Problem

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that FromSoftware‘s latest offering, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, is a rollercoaster ride through the realms of high fantasy and brutal gameplay. The expansion, much like its parent game, is a testament to the studio’s unwavering commitment to challenge and intrigue, but it also showcases their struggle with delivering emotionally engaging narratives.

The game titled “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree” showcases the studio’s pride, ambition, and daring creative vision, both positively and negatively. Analyzing “Shadow of the Erdtree” provides a deep understanding not only of “Elden Ring“, but also the design philosophies that underpin FromSoftware’s wider body of work.

A FromSoftware game is characterized by challenging gameplay, complex storytelling, and creative art design, and Shadow of the Erdtree follows this pattern without exception. This aspect is both its greatest strength and its biggest drawback: it’s essentially more Elden Ring, complete with all its strengths and weaknesses. The debate over difficulty notwithstanding, Shadow of the Erdtree shines in epic boss fights, rewarding progression, immersive world-building, and awe-inspiring landscapes, but falls short when it comes to its high fantasy narrative.

Shadow of the Erdtree Continues FromSoftware’s Tradition of Underwhelming Endings

The Difference Between Great Lore and Great Stories

In FromSoftware games, such as Bloodborne, Dark Souls, and Demon’s Souls, there are many unforgettable endings. For instance, transforming into a newborn Great One in Bloodborne (if certain conditions are met), lighting the first flame in Dark Souls, and witnessing the pathetic true form of Old King Allant in Demon’s Souls are moments etched into gaming lore. However, these finales are more impactful due to FromSoftware’s exceptional world-building rather than their emotional depth or buildup in the narrative.

In the intriguing and unsettling world of Bloodborne, it’s captivating to see the player-character surpass human limits. Meanwhile, it’s a clever twist in Demon’s Souls that the power-obsessed king is actually a grotesque mass of flesh, but these are intellectual discoveries rather than emotional connections. It can be challenging to form an emotional bond when characters lack personal histories or the game’s dramatic weight relies on events predating the narrative presented within the game itself.

An exception to this rule is the endings of Sekiro, as they are heavily influenced by the more intimate aspects of its storyline.

The ending of “Shadow of the Erdtree” seems to be a point of contention for many players. Following the defeat of Miquella and Radahn, viewers are presented with a fleeting cutscene that primarily reinforces Radahn’s status as Miquella’s consort – an aspect that players have likely deduced during the Promised Consort Radahn boss battle. After navigating treacherous paths to finish the DLC, uncovering the past of The Land of Shadow and characters like Messmer, it can be anticlimactic to receive merely a brief cutscene reiterating what has already been learned, rather than one that offers fresh insights or concludes the story with an impactful climax.

Future FromSoftware Endings Could Benefit From an Injection of Drama

In simpler terms, the game Elden Ring has multiple conclusions, yet most differ primarily based on their narrative rather than the content itself. Four out of six endings simply involve the player taking the throne as an Elden Lord, with minor variations. More intriguing endings like the Lord of the Frenzied Flame and Age of Stars are also short, often lacking in emotional depth.

In the upcoming games, it would be intriguing if FromSoftware attempts to create endings that evoke stronger emotions. They might achieve this by using conventional storytelling or cinematic methods, which could enhance the flow and visual appeal of the game. Given that players can invest a significant amount of time, up to several dozen hours, in these game worlds, understanding lore and characters, it’s worth noting that some players may find the detached and emotionally reserved nature of many FromSoftware endings less satisfying. While these games shouldn’t aim to replicate the intensity of “The Last of Us,” a bit more emotional weight and style would undoubtedly be appreciated.

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2024-11-13 21:03