FromSoftwares Next Soulslike Can Learn a Lot from Bayles Hype

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FromSoftwares Next Soulslike Can Learn a Lot from Bayles Hype

Highlights

  • FromSoftware could develop a smaller-scale action-RPG following Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, drawing from its success with Dark Souls and Bloodborne.
  • Immense world-building and hype for boss fights like Bayle the Dread in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree can enhance overall anticipation and satisfaction.

As a seasoned gamer who has battled through countless dark forests and labyrinthine catacombs of the Soulsborne series, I can confidently say that FromSoftware’s potential foray into a smaller-scale linear action-RPG is a tantalizing prospect. The studio’s mastery of world-building and boss fight design has always been a highlight, and if Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree were to follow this formula, I eagerly await the challenge.

As a devoted gamer, I’m speculating that FromSoftware might be working on another smaller-scale action-RPG, similar to Dark Souls or Bloodborne, which catapulted them to unprecedented fame. However, nothing about this studio’s development plans is ever straightforward. If they do decide to create a linear Soulslike game after Elden Ring, it wouldn’t mean they’re discarding everything they’ve learned from crafting one of the most cherished and widely played open-world action-RPGs. Instead, they could refine the experience by trimming it down and returning to the formula that made them successful in the past.

In a Soulslike game with a linear structure, it might not be suitable to incorporate crafting systems due to potential feelings of claustrophobia caused by limited exploration space. Similarly, an extensive overworld map may not be reintroduced for the same reason. However, FromSoftware has shown enthusiasm for building anticipation for boss fights in Elden Ring, using its stunning visuals to create a more immersive experience before certain battles. This approach is evident in the case of General Radahn and his festival, where multiple NPCs are involved, as well as other bosses whose lead-up is prolonged and filled with suspense.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree’s Journey to Bayle is More Hyped-Up Than the Fight Itself

Prior to facing Bayle the Dread in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, players will likely be familiar with his name, having heard it multiple times. They may also have spotted the towering, pale mountain where Bayle dwells, which might fuel their expectation for a challenging yet epic confrontation.

In the Shadow of the Erdtree, no other enemy is as ominously and frequently mentioned, and reaching Bayle requires a journey that seems longer than usual. To be precise, Bayle lies quite far off to the east, nestled at the tip of the Jagged Peak on the map’s edge.

Along their journey, players may dodge or battle other dragons they encounter, discovering dragon remains and ascending the entire mountain to reach its crater-like arena where they’ll face Bayle the Dread as boss. Accompanying them in this fight is Igon, adding a dramatic touch with his fierce yells at the massive, repulsive dragon. Whether Bayle lives up to the hype or not is debatable, but the buildup to him and the fight itself certainly creates an air of excitement.

In many games, players often encounter bosses without any clear indication, with a misty portal being the only hint of their presence. Bayle cleverly avoids this by ensuring players are well-informed about the difficulty level of the dragon ahead before they arrive. This method has an important implication: those who feel disappointed with Bayle’s performance might question whether the excitement leading up to it was justified, implying that a significant journey may lead to an underwhelming payoff.

FromSoftware’s Linear Soulslikes Need Hype for Hard-to-Find Bosses and Popular Bosses Alike

FromSoftware doesn’t always plan for every player’s expectations when it comes to significant reveals or boss fights at the end of a game development chain. However, there’s an undeniable allure in unexpected boss battles. Messmer the Impaler, found hidden behind an ordinary door in a seemingly insignificant corner of Shadow Keep, is a testament to this, as many players might not anticipate encountering Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree’s main antagonist in such an unassuming location.

Instead, Messmer’s excitement was already generated prior to players obtaining the DLC through the Cocoon of the Empyrean, largely due to his significant role in its pre-release promotions and collectible edition statue. This set the stage for his unexpected yet subtle entrance to make such a strong impact.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve come to realize that the FromSoftware community often plays a significant role in building anticipation for specific characters or events. But here’s the twist – FromSoftware has mastered the art of generating hype all by themselves! It’s like they’re stirring a cauldron of excitement, and when we finally encounter bosses like Orphan of Kos, it feels incredibly rewarding because we’ve heard so much about them beforehand. It’s as if FromSoftware is teasing us with tantalizing glimpses, making the discovery even sweeter.

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2024-08-12 00:23