“Elden Ring” holds the title of Game of the Year for 2022, and many argue that it holds the unofficial title of being the best game of all time. Though some may disagree, I think that there is definitely a case to be made for that claim.
For starters, “Elden Ring” has one of the most well-crafted and engaging combat systems in any game. The core gameplay of dodging and attacking feels extremely precise and responsive. Players are given a button prompt to perform a dodge in any direction while also having access to a jump button, which can be used to evade certain attacks more effectively. Dodging attacks by jumping is a bit harder to time than the regular dodge, but with the game’s inclusion of jump attacks, the player is rewarded by being able to do extra damage while dodging.
The interesting thing about this core gameplay is that it will play out slightly differently depending on the weapon type that the player is using. For example, if a player is using a slower greatsword, then they may have to wait until an enemy or boss is completely done with their combo, which is a string of different attacks that happen in succession, to perform their attack.
However, if the player utilizes a faster weapon like a katana or straight sword, then they may be able to find openings during a combo to deal damage. While lighter weapons are faster they yield less damage than slower and heavier ones, so both are viable options.
That is not to mention that there are 32 weapon classes, all of which are viable. If a player understands the game’s systems and how certain gear and enhancements affect certain weapons, then any weapon in the game could be a viable option. That’s one thing that makes the combat system so engaging, there are endless possibilities for what weapons a player uses and how they attack.
“Elden Ring” also heavily rewards players who are willing to put the work into learning the game. “Elden Ring” is a notoriously challenging game, but for those who learn how to correctly time dodges, utilize exploration of the open world, and understand attack patterns of enemies and bosses, it becomes a fair and extremely engaging challenge.
One thing “Elden Ring” excels at that I think sets it apart from other games is its boss fights. At the end of most areas there is a boss fight. These fights can differ based on the area or level that they are found in, for example a boss at the end of a smaller or less significant area may not be as challenging or memorable as a boss that is located at the end of a level that pertains to the main questline.
The main bosses, regarded as remembrance bosses due to the item that they drop once defeated, are probably my favorite part of the game. These bosses boast extremely cool character designs and undeniably engaging fights.
These bosses have unique movesets and attacks that need to be observed and learned by the player to claim victory. At first a certain moveset or even attack may seem undodgeable, but after actually fighting and engaging with the boss their patterns and tendencies start to show, which gives the player a better read on the boss. Going from barely being able to fight a boss to mastering their moveset feels extremely rewarding, while also providing a much better fight experience, since learning a boss deepens a player’s understanding and appreciation for it.
The open world and various levels are also very visually pleasing and offer both unique aesthetic and level design. Areas will loop back on themselves, exploration leads to shortcuts and in some cases even connect two larger areas, and players are met with visually striking landscapes and structures.
Due to many different factors, “Elden Ring” excels in its exploration, combat and playstyle variety. To me, this makes the game one of the most entertaining and enjoyable of all time.
