FromSoftwares Next Level-Up Lady Should Take Page From Sekiros Book

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that FromSoftware has consistently delivered masterpieces that push the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay. Their unique blend of tragedy and challenge is unmatched, and their games have become some of the most influential action RPGs in recent years.

FromSoftware is well-known for combining heart-wrenching narratives with tough, creative gameplay, resulting in some of the most impactful action RPGs in recent memory. A common element across their Soulsborne series is a “level-up” NPC, often a female character, who assists the player by boosting their abilities. This character type has been a consistent feature in many of the studio’s major titles, but one game dared to innovate by merging the roles of ally and fierce boss battle, an approach that could be effectively employed in the upcoming title Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

In the game “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” characters like Emma and the Sculptor deviate from the usual supportive roles seen in other NPCs from FromSoft titles. They continue to aid the player by providing upgrades and lore details, but they can also transform into formidable enemies you must fight at crucial moments. The battle with Emma, essential for the game’s grim Shura ending, demonstrates how such intense scenes could be replicated in future games that follow in “Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree”‘s footsteps.

The Level-Up NPC of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an Effective Subversion of a FromSoftware Trope

The Influence of Characters like the Maiden in Black

In simpler terms, the character known as the Maiden in Black from Demon’s Souls was one of the first examples of a recurring trope created by FromSoft, where a mysterious woman in a central location is connected to the game’s progression system. Characters like the Emerald Herald later followed this pattern with their own versions, but they all tended to only provide support and never significantly deviate from that role, regardless of the player’s actions.

Facing Sekiro’s Emma as a Boss Punctuates a Tragic Arc

In the game “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” although she usually stands as a reliable ally, reaching the Shura ending leads to an unexpected confrontation with Emma instead. The Sculptor may lose control and transform into the Demon of Hatred, but his battle with Emma is rooted in her autonomous choices, creating a compelling conflict that aligns with strong character development.

FromSoftware’s Next Release Can Take Advantage of a Similar Dynamic to Emma and the Sculptor

Elevating a Character Beyond Their Basic Utility

In Elden Ring, the enigmatic character Melina serves as a crucial guide for players, embodying the familiar FromSoft level-up NPC trope. However, her subtle narrative presence in the game may leave some players feeling that her storyline doesn’t fully match the epic scale of the world. If the next project from the studio includes a character like Emma who is more central to the story and could potentially become a boss, it could challenge and evolve expectations around this predictable archetype. Even in a future game set in a mystical, dreamlike world, a character reacting more dynamically to player choices could deepen immersion.

Selling the Loss of Betrayal and Complex Morality

In the realm of FromSoft games, subtly nuanced philosophical elements have earned a significant place, particularly when players find themselves forced to attack an ally. While this form of betrayal may not be entirely novel in the Soulsborne series, the emotional intricacy displayed by characters like Emma and Sculptor in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has kept its storytelling revered among fans for quite some time. If FromSoftware persists in favoring grim and grey environments, exploring the murky boundary between NPC and boss could prove to be a potent narrative direction in their future creations.

2024-09-29 20:43