Elden Ring Nightreign Preview – Night Fever

by

It seems possible that “Elden Ring Nightreign” could be misleading with its title, as it shares many similarities with Elden Ring – the gameplay, visuals, and even a good number of enemies and resources are alike. However, my experience with Nightreign has shown me that this isn’t just another Elden Ring; it offers unique elements that set it apart from its counterpart.

Instead of methodically exploring like in Elden Ring or other FromSoftware games, Nightreign offers an entirely unique experience. The action in this game is swift and chaotic right from the start, unlike the deliberate pace found in those titles.

As a thrilled fan, I was fortunate to spend a few hours with Elden Ring Nightreign during its latest network test, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of captivating – albeit initially mind-boggling. With high hopes, I believe this game could well be a smashing success for Bandai Namco and FromSoftware, although it may take some of the original’s devotees by surprise.

What the Heck Is Elden Ring Nightreign, Anyway?

Upon initial observation and even after some time spent frantically darting about in Limveld, it’s challenging to pinpoint precisely what Elden Ring Nightreign entails. Essentially, it combines elements of Elden Ring with a hint of Fortnite, while also incorporating a sprinkle of Risk of Rain 2 for added flavor.

Rest assured, there won’t be any conflicts with other players in this game. Instead, it’s not a battle royale style. In each round of Nightreign, you’ll traverse the map over three days, but you’ll be actively exploring for only two. The final day is reserved for battling the boss you’ve chosen for that particular session.

Regarding the network test scenario, your adversary is Gladius, a formidable three-headed canine you’ll face off against in a combat arena reminiscent of where you previously clashed with Starscourge Radahn in an epoch gone by. I suspect that the main game will introduce numerous other creatures to contend with.

In each game session, you and two other participants (though playing alone is an option, which wasn’t possible during the network testing phase) race through the landscape of Limveld. Together, you scour significant spots for valuable loot while battling any monsters or minibosses that have established themselves in those areas as their homes.

The aim is to progress sufficiently so that you might have a fighting chance against a larger mini-boss as evening approaches, and ultimately, collect enough levels and equipment to engage in battle with Gladius (or any chosen boss) by the end of the three-day cycle.

As you traverse, a circle persistently contracts toward a specific location on the map. If you find yourself beyond that contracting area, you’ll sustain continuous harm, much like in Fortnite. Once this circle has reached its minimum size, the boss emerges at its very center.

Nightreign also incorporates some roguelike features; each playthrough, regardless of the outcome, rewards you with trinkets which can be utilized to boost your characters’ abilities, and these enhancements carry over between gaming sessions.

Elden Ring Nightreign Feels Uncanny at First

Initially, I found the gameplay of Nightreign to be overwhelming and hard to understand. Avoid diving in headfirst without first exploring the tutorials located in the Roundtable Hold. If, like me, you’re not particularly tech-savvy, you might struggle to grasp the mechanics, especially if your teammates are rushing ahead without giving you time to catch up (which they likely will).

With time, you’ll master the fast-paced gameplay of Nightreign. Put aside any thoughts of Elden Ring’s careful exploration; this game is about killing as many enemies and gathering loot as possible, while always keeping an eye on the constantly shrinking Fortnite-like circle.

Instead of designing a unique character, you’ll be given the option to choose from eight predefined character types, each having distinctive strengths and vulnerabilities.

During the network test, I spent the majority of my time with Wylder due to his grappling hook, which made traversing the map swiftly and covering distances easier. It’s important to have character archetypes catering to various playstyles – for example, the Guardian is a more deliberate, tank-like character, while the Recluse excels in ranged combat with their spell-casting abilities.

Initially, I had the impression that I was going to dislike Elden Ring Nightreign. As a die-hard fan of the original, as well as FromSoftware’s other games, Nightreign seemed strange and uncomfortable at first.

It seems as if I’ve been dropped unexpectedly into a meticulously crafted video game world. The people of Limgrave, seemingly out of place without their context, gave me an unsettling impression. Even when Margit, the Fell Omen himself materialized, I didn’t feel joy, but rather despair. It’s hard to imagine such a noble, stern warrior being deprived of his history and compelled to fight in this storyless battleground.

In the end, I understood Nightreign’s intentions and got drawn into it. It’s not intended as a replacement for FromSoftware’s intricate action RPG journeys; instead, it serves as a complement, an additional course, a little something to keep you satisfied until Hidetaka Miyazaki finishes cooking.

Gameplay Is King in Elden Ring Nightreign

In essence, Nightreign appears to prioritize its fast-paced gameplay, as suggested during the network test. The intricacies of the Centipede Demon from Dark Souls in Limveld weren’t really elaborated; instead, the focus lies on figuring out the best strategy for you and your team to defeat him.

After you dismiss the nagging thought about this not being another “Elden Ring”, you can begin to understand the essence of “Nightreign”. Interestingly, “Nightreign” proves to be an enjoyable experience.

Racing across Limveld, obliterating foes and snatching treasures without a care for fitting them into your carefully designed setup, is akin to unveiling the hidden power fantasy in Elden Ring.

In the original game, Margit continually caused me issues; however, this time around, my team and I managed to defeat him within just a few minutes, even though FromSoftware equipped him with clever additional maneuvers.

In other words, although this task is still difficult, what makes it hard is not due to being watched closely or fear of making mistakes, but rather because you have a limited amount of time to complete it.

The fundamental battle system in Elden Ring stays unchanged, which means that if you’re already a seasoned player of Elden Ring, the core concepts of the gameplay should feel comfortable to you, despite the initial intensity potentially being overpowering.

In the network test, the recently appointed leader, Gladius, seems as formidable as some of Elden Ring’s toughest bosses. There’s an entertaining instance where FromSoftware hints that Nightreign is particularly tailored for three-player adventures.

I Want to Play More Elden Ring Nightreign

An exploration of the Elden Ring Nightreign could be completed in under two hours if executed correctly, yet upon initial play, I found myself eagerly anticipating the conclusion. However, by the end of my journey, I yearned for even more content.

In numerous aspects, this decision by FromSoftware stands out as particularly intriguing. After all, they are a company recognized for their clever use of asset recycling, and Nightreign might just be the epitome of that skill. It’s not only about reusing visual assets; it’s also about reinventing gameplay mechanics in a novel way.

I can hardly contain my anticipation to discover what new masterpieces FromSoftware has prepared for the complete game, set to release on May 30th. Until then, it’s a real letdown that I can’t return to Limveld for another skirmish with Gladius.

Read More

2025-02-17 23:33