Elden Ring Nightreign Impressions – A Confusing Yet Fun Experiment

by

The Souls-like games have never managed to keep my interest for long. I’ve given numerous attempts at these genre titles, especially those developed by From Software like Bloodborne and Elden Ring. Initially, they would captivate me during the initial hours, but soon enough, my enthusiasm would wane. The difficulty level is certainly a factor, but it’s not the only reason. Primarily, I haven’t found myself enjoying their gameplay mechanics, storytelling methods (which often rely on hidden lore rather than cutscenes), and overall style.

For me, Elden Ring stands out as the most significant instance. I’ve invested close to a hundred hours into the entire game, but I never really connected with its narrative, mechanics, bosses, or setting. When From Software unveiled Elden Ring Nightreign, a roguelite cooperative spin-off of Elden Ring, my initial response wasn’t as excited as many others.

When presented with the chance to try out the network test for Elden Ring Nightreign on PlayStation 5, I decided to give it a go. After spending approximately three hours and examining three out of the four primary classes, my thoughts are that this game is an unusual endeavor that hasn’t significantly altered my viewpoint towards the Soulslike genre. However, it’s an intriguing trial that I found enjoyable, which has subtly influenced my perspective on the genre to some extent.

A Bizarre Combination…

Previously discussed, Elden Ring Nightreign blends various gaming styles. Its fundamental look and feel originate from Elden Ring itself, yet it incorporates aspects of roguelike and cooperative gameplay. Furthermore, as you delve deeper into the game, influences from other games and genres emerge distinctly.

As soon as you begin playing, you’re quickly immersed in a central area reminiscent of that found in Elden Ring. At this point, all non-player characters within the central area only offer assistance if needed and don’t engage in conversation further. However, once you depart from the central area, is when the action truly unfolds.

During a short period, you’ll be given an opportunity to select one of four classes: Recluse, Duchess, Wylder, or Guardian. At the game’s release, additional classes will become available, but these four align with the established playstyles from the original game. The Wylder is a class that emphasizes strength, while the Guardian prioritizes defense. The Recluse is magic-centric, and the Duchess is a nimble and elusive rogue.

As I chose my character classes, I found myself soaring above The Lands Between, clinging to an eagle’s back. It was tough for me not to draw parallels with the thrilling world of battle royale games, as we maneuvered our glider towards strategic points on the map, coordinating with my allies. However, our objective was far from the usual survival: we were on a relentless pursuit of a particular monster over the course of multiple days.

In the universe of Elden Ring, you’ll find a mix of the known and unfamiliar as you move around. You’ll encounter novel creatures, powerful bosses, fresh weaponry, unique designs – it all seems fresh yet familiar. This duality works both for and against the game, making it engaging yet challenging.

As an ardent supporter, I can’t help but perceive Nightreign as more than just a strategic asset transfer to create a multiplayer game with high sales potential, DLC, and a massive player base that will continue to relish the game long after its launch due to regular updates and fixes. For those who adore From Software’s other intellectual properties, the deluge of Elden Ring content might be disheartening, especially for those who prefer their past works more.

In terms of my preferences, I fall squarely within that group, which is why, as I delved into Nightreign, I hoped it would captivate me and convert me to the Elden Ring franchise. Regrettably, it failed to achieve this goal due to its attempt to juggle multiple elements simultaneously. Not only does it incorporate cooperative play, but it also features numerous unique abilities that resemble ultimate moves from a game like Marvel Rivals.

In this game, you’ll encounter a repeating day-night cycle and a multi-day storyline. If your character dies a certain number of times, you’ll start over, but players can revive each other when one is knocked out. The monster hunting adventures evoke memories of the popular game Monster Hunter, and classic RPG features are included as well, reflecting the genre’s typical mechanics.

Regrettably, what sets From Software’s games apart – their dedication to storytelling and narrative – appears to take a secondary role in this game. The trailers and the Network Test don’t seem to suggest a unified story, and instead, the emphasis seems to be on the gameplay mechanics and the blending of genres as previously mentioned.

These components perform excellently on their own, but when combined, they can create a disorganized and chaotic feel. The game “Nightreign” is designed for individuals who appreciate roguelites, From Software games, and cooperative journeys. If you enjoy these genres blended together, then “Nightreign” is the perfect game for you. However, if these types of games don’t appeal to you, especially considering the price, it might not be suitable for your tastes.

Despite all that’s been discussed, there’s one crucial aspect I haven’t touched upon yet. You might wonder, given the Network Test’s eclectic mix of genres that often clash, how does it feel to actually play the game? To put it simply, the gameplay is a delight and managed to divert my attention from any lingering irritations.

…But This Combination Is Still Extremely Fun

When all aspects of Elden Ring Nightreign harmoniously coalesce, it offers an incredibly enjoyable experience. One reason for this is that it deviates from typical elements found in a From Software game. Unlike Elden Ring, there’s no fall damage or mount like Torrent to traverse on. Instead, characters can sprint across the world at speeds previously impossible.

Experiencing the thrill of sprinting across the globe with your band of skilled combatants, slashing through any monstrous enemies that come our way, is incredibly gratifying. What makes it even better is the stunning artwork. On day 2’s dawn, I caught sight of a troupe of dimly lit colossi strolling in the distance, and my jaw literally dropped at the spectacle. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring visuals I’ve encountered in a game in quite some time.

Using these classes is a blast! I gave Guardian, Wylder, and Duchess a spin. Initially, I found the Guardian’s playstyle hard to connect with as he moves quite sluggishly, and his focus on shielding didn’t seem to align well with my preferred gameplay approach. However, I wish there was more information about the unique abilities and controls of each character, though I assume that will be addressed in the full release version.

After making the change to both the Wylder and then the Duchess, everything started making sense. The Wylder is a thrilling powerhouse capable of dishing out substantial damage, though it takes time. There are instances where some of his weapons appear to barely graze an opponent even when they’re just inches away, but I hope that issue gets addressed promptly.

Among all the classes, I find the Duchess particularly appealing. She’s incredibly swift and her attacks are delivered so rapidly that opponents hardly get a chance to respond. The thrill of dancing around opponents and outmaneuvering them, along with my team, is simply exhilarating. Moreover, the freedom to select a class prior to an expedition, instead of being locked in for the entire game, adds a delightful layer of strategy. I’m eagerly anticipating the performance of the other classes.

In true style of From Software, the monsters and bosses in this game are simply amazing. During my gaming sessions, I’ve encountered a colossal centipede, faced off against Margott, The Fell Omen from Elden Ring, and battled a fearsome three-headed dog. Each of these foes boasted incredible designs and gave me quite the challenge (even if it was tough on my first try). It’s thrilling to see From Software hinting at incorporating bosses reminiscent of their past games, and I can hardly wait for a chance to take on an Armored Core mech in battle.

What really stands out in the Nightreign experience is undeniably the cooperative play. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or random players, there’s something incredibly satisfying about joining forces to confront a common danger, no matter your skill level. When you’re equally matched, it’s like having three Davids against one Goliath – the mix of fear, desperation, and even laughter as you face seemingly impossible odds is both exhilarating and amusing.

Should you find yourself teamed up with someone skilled, the thrill of witnessing them effortlessly defeat a boss that initially gave you trouble is unparalleled in gaming for me. The pride I felt from being able to assist in our collective advancement was immense, and during the Network Test, we even reached the destination of our quest.

Experiencing a surge of dopamine upon defeating a boss, despite being somewhat reliant on more skilled players in the genre, helped me finally comprehend the allure of From Software’s games. This rush left me yearning for more, and that desire alone underscores the potential of Nightreign. This potential becomes even clearer following the Network Test, though I remain apprehensive about the game’s confusing amalgamation of concepts.

Give Me More, But Make it Clearer

In Elden Ring Nightreign, there are numerous unconventional choices made in its design. The blending of roguelite, Soulslike, and multiplayer genres, the chaotic integration of various mechanics and concepts from other games, the inclusion of bosses and characters from previous From Software titles, as well as its premise and minimal story focus – these elements seem contradictory and frequently don’t gel effectively.

It seems that these ideas aren’t well connected, making it challenging and confusing to grasp the game mechanics and controls. I often found myself bewildered, struggling to comprehend how the special abilities functioned, differentiate between classes, and understand the purpose of the final zones. Given its $40 price tag, Nightreign remains difficult for me to recommend wholeheartedly.

By the close of the day, there was no denying that the Network Test had me grinning ear to ear. The gameplay is nothing short of rewarding, the diverse classes offer an amazing level of personalization, the graphics are jaw-droppingly beautiful, and it maintains the signature From Software sense of accomplishment you get when you conquer a near impossible hurdle. The cooperative aspects really shine and I can’t fathom how much enjoyment awaits when I play with my buddies.

Although I’ve faced numerous challenges with Elden Ring: Nightreign and the Soulslike genre in general, I now recognize their value and charm. However, when Nightreign is released, it might not be a game I ultimately decide to purchase since it doesn’t usually appeal to the type of gaming experience I tend to invest extensive time in.

After playing it, I found myself eager to explore more games within the same genre, which seems like exactly what From Software intended all along. If that’s true, their strategy is likely to pay off once the game releases in May.

Read More

2025-02-19 22:16