Ever since it was released on February 25, 2022, the video game Elden Ring has been the talk of the gaming world, garnering massive critical praise and selling millions of copies in just the short time frame that it's been out so far. To call it a success would be an understatement.
At the same time, there's plenty that might not be immediately apparent, or that's not been talked about as much throughout the game's successful release. So, before you delve into this blockbuster, here are some things you should know.
It's Available On Older Consoles
Console gaming is currently in a transition period between the 8th and 9th generations of consoles, which means that many new games release on both eras at the same time. For those eager to get a chance to play Elden Ring, the good news is that it was also released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
There are definitely differences in what the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles can do versus their predecessors. However, for console gamers who don't have access to the current generation, the difference is negligible compared to the ability to play the game.
The Setting And Premise
Elden Ring is set in a fantasy realm called "the Lands Between" after the titular Elden Ring has been separated into different pieces called "the Great Runes," which are each possessed by enemies who are likewise scattered across the realm.
As a member of the Tarnished, a formerly-banished group that is summoned back to the Lands Between after the ring's destruction, it is the player's duty to travel across the map and recover the runes to restore the Elden Ring and thereby gain the power its reunification promises.
George R. R. Martin's Involvement
Anyone who has a passing familiarity with pop culture has heard of Game of Thrones, the TV show based on George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series. Although he was well known before the TV show, its success has catapulted his fame.
According to IGN, game director Hidetaka Miyazaki was a fan of Martin's work, which is what prompted him to first come to Martin to ask for his help developing the story and world. Based on the response to the game, it was certainly a great decision, and for any fans of Martin's work, Elden Ring definitely carries his signature.
The Developer's Previous Games
While published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Elden Ring was developed by FromSoftware, a Japanese company best known for developing Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
FromSoftware has a particular brand of game that they like to produce, and Elden Ring definitely fits within that mold, on both a technical and a story level. While the games aren't interchangeable from one another, anyone who has played recent games from them has a sense of what to expect with Elden Ring.
Gameplay
Elden Ring is an open-world role-playing game with a third-person point-of-view, which fits with FromSoftware's brand. Other gameplay features, of course, include combat, as well as the ability to travel by horse, although fast travel is also available.
There's even a co-op mode built into the game so that players can share experiences with friends. Some Elden Ring bosses are best handled in co-op mode, but it also harkens back to story games where playing alongside a friend was part of the appeal.
The Difficulty
Considering the pedigree of games that FromSoftware normally produces, it's no surprise that Elden Ring is a difficult game. While Elden Ring's meme-worthy difficulty is definitely something that appeals to players familiar with FromSoftware's game, it's far from universally appealing.
Players unfamiliar with FromSoftware's other games are warned that, whether it's the gameplay, save points or other aspects that affect a game difficulty, Elden Ring is not a forgiving experience. Just be aware of this before going in; however, difficulty can also enhance the thrills of a win.
The Length
Open-world games are known for requiring a long time to accomplish, and between Elden Ring's interesting side quests, its massive world, and of course the main narrative, there is genuinely a ton of content for players to enjoy. So, fans may be wondering just how much time Elden Ring takes to complete.
According to the developer, there was "a 30-hour cap in mind" in development, although this is definitely not a full figure (per Screen Rant). Screen Rant's own estimate places that number much closer to 80 or more. Of course, for open-world games the number will vary depending on how much extra content the player uncovers, but the short answer is that the game is pretty long.
The Size Of The Map
Speaking of Elden Ring's map, one question that players often have with open-world games is how large the map actually is. It should be also be noted that the map is slowly unlocked as players explore throughout the course of their campaign, rather than being immediately revealed.
The most well-reported metric comes from a Reddit user, Lusty-Batch, who, by using their horse as a measuring stick, calculated that the Elden Ring map is more than 79 square kilometers (49 square miles) large, which outdoes Grand Theft Auto 5's map. Needless to say, there's plenty to explore.
Gaming Influences Outside Of The Developer
Nothing is created in a vacuum, and video games are no exception. TechRadar reported on how - even based on the trailer alone - Elden Ring was taking inspiration from Shadow of the Colossus, a 2005 PS2 game that has gone on to be one of the most influential in history.
Another source is seemingly The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which has many similarities to Elden Ring. As it turns out, in fact, 4Players, a German-language publication that interviewed director Hidetaka Miyazaki got confirmation that both titles were influential in Elden Ring's development, among many others.
Choices Affect The Ending
Elden Ring is a video game where your choices really matter when it comes to determining the ending of the game. There are, in fact, six different possibilities depending on your choices throughout the campaign that will determine how events progress.
To reveal any exact details of how the story plays out would spoil the experience. Players should simply know to keep track of their choices, especially the major ones, and play according to what they want. The main goal, of course, is to enjoy the game.