Every review is subjective and aligns with the perception, tastes, and/or interests of the person writing it. I’m someone who views video games as another form of artistic expression, which is why I do NOT assign a score. I don't believe art can be measured or quantified. I’ll simply share my personal experience while avoiding spoilers as much as possible.

Elden Ring is essentially a culmination of everything FromSoftware has refined over the years in their previous titles, wrapped in a vast open world that invites exploration and discovery. If I could describe Elden Ring in one word, it would be "Lost." Like other FromSoftware games, this one is filled with moments where you’re not entirely sure what you’re doing, who the enemies are that you’re fighting, why they’re there, where you should go, or what the correct path is. Yet, that sense of being lost isn’t frustrating; it’s a driving force that pushes you to keep going. There’s something magnetic that urges you to press forward, to explore every corner of the map in search of an NPC, an item, or any clue that might give you some direction. But as you progress, things only become more convoluted. When you finally defeat an enemy, a tougher one appears. When you think you’ve grasped a part of the lore, new information emerges that forces you to rethink everything. The game constantly keeps you in a state of uncertainty, wondering whether you’ve taken the right path or strayed into a dangerous detour.
The only clear indicators of progress in Elden Ring are the boss fights, a few scattered dialogues, and some of the graces placed across the map. The sense of accomplishment from defeating a boss is unparalleled, it serves as a reminder that despite the confusion and challenges, you are making progress.

One of the standout aspects of Elden Ring is the sheer size and richness of its world. In open-world games, I’ve always enjoyed exploring every last corner of each zone, and this title was no exception. The world’s vastness, both visually and in terms of content, is impressive. The thrill of discovering a new area or finding a well-hidden secret is what drives me to keep playing. However, as I explored, I encountered one of the game’s most criticized aspects: repeated bosses. While it’s a common practice in some games, I expected FromSoftware to maintain their unique touch of originality. Perhaps the decision to reuse bosses was driven by the ambition to make the world as large as possible in their first attempt at an open-world game. Personally, I wouldn’t mind it as much if these bosses became increasingly challenging or had new attack patterns, but in most cases, the fights feel nearly identical. Despite this shortcoming, the overall experience wasn’t “tarnished” (xD), I thoroughly enjoyed every battle, striving to improve with each encounter.


The Erdtree expansion brings new mechanics and a narrative focus that complements the base experience of Elden Ring. When I first accessed the expansion, I thought it would be similar to the DLCs in the studio’s other games: having a high level would be enough… I was wrong. Erdtree introduces a unique mechanic that intertwines with the game’s lore. If you choose to ignore that detail, be prepared to suffer like never before. What’s fascinating is how this expansion not only adds content but also manages to maintain the essence of what makes Elden Ring special while expanding its world in a way that feels natural. Despite all the new content, both Elden Ring and Erdtree are, in my opinion, the most accessible and, to some extent, the easiest experiences FromSoftware has developed. That’s not to say they lack challenge, but the open-world design, with its emphasis on exploration and freedom, somewhat softens the experience.

In conclusion, I can confidently say that Elden Ring is the best game they’ve created in terms of ambition, design, and execution. However, interestingly, it’s not my favorite. Despite everything I’ve mentioned, I don’t feel the desire to replay it, cause it feels like a one-time experience. This contrasts with Bloodborne, my favorite game from the studio, which I could play over and over again. Despite being technically inferior in several ways, Bloodborne has an atmosphere and design that I find more appealing and invites me to a better "dream".

Positive aspects:

Stunning world and graphics: The visual design and the world are impressive.
Deep and complex story: The lore and the story are very well thought out and offer a lot of depth.
Immersive atmosphere: The game draws you completely into the world with its dense atmosphere.
Extensive customization options: There are many ways to customize the character.

Negative aspects:

Extremely high difficulty level: The game is mercilessly difficult, which can lead to many frustrating moments.
Frequently frustrating moments: The game can be extremely exhausting, especially for players who are not used to this genre.
Difficult controls: The controls require a lot of practice and can be overwhelming at first.
Low error tolerance: Even small mistakes are often punished harshly, which further increases the frustration.

Conclusion:

Elden Ring is a masterpiece for hardcore gamers who love challenges and are willing to invest a lot of time. However, for players who are looking for a more relaxed or accessible experience, the game can quickly become frustrating. But those who overcome the hurdles will be rewarded with one of the most impressive gaming experiences of recent years.

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