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Elden Ring

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Elden Ring
Item: Elden Ring
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableFeb 25, 2022

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One

DeveloperFrom Software

Overview

Elden Ring is a fantasy, action and open world game with RPG elements such as stats, weapons and spells. Rise, Tarnished, and be guided by grace to brandish the power of the Elden Ring and become an Elden Lord in the Lands Between.

Elsewhere

9.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Elden Ring for its rich and engaging narrative. Critics like COGconnected highlighted the game's rich storytelling told indirectly, with emotional depth in character interactions. Cubed3 appreciated the fantasy exploration open world with a backstory crafted by George R.R. Martin, setting high expectations for players. Game Revolution described the lore as complex and veiled, with a sorrowful yet hopeful narrative, creating a world full of fallen heroes and victims of perpetual war. This sentiment was echoed by many reviewers who found the storytelling to be intricate and immersive, drawing players into a world filled with mystery and intrigue. On the flip side, some critics pointed out shortcomings in Elden Ring's storytelling approach. PC Gamer mentioned similarities to Dark Souls, suggesting a lack of originality in the narrative. Post Arcade noted a nebulous style of storytelling that lacked distinctive fingerprints of George R.R. Martin, potentially leaving some players wanting more from the acclaimed author's influence. Additionally, GameGrin highlighted the challenge of comprehending the lore, with fans needing to band together to decipher story clues, making understanding the narrative almost as challenging as completing the game. These critiques indicate that while the majority of critics found the story compelling, there were areas where Elden Ring could have improved in terms of clarity and originality in its storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Elden Ring. The game's narrative depth, rich lore, and engaging world-building elements were widely praised, with many reviewers commending the indirect storytelling methods that enhanced the sense of exploration and discovery. Critics appreciated the game's unique approach to storytelling, with influences from George R.R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki shining through in the epic and captivating tale. Despite some minor criticisms about originality and clarity, the general sentiment is that Elden Ring delivers a compelling and immersive story that captivates players and adds significant depth to the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Elden Ring's story receives high praise for its rich and engaging narrative, intricate lore, and immersive world-building. Critics laud the indirect storytelling approach that draws players into a mysterious and intriguing world. While some note similarities to Dark Souls and challenges in comprehending the lore, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the game's compelling tale crafted by George R.R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Elden Ring, highlighting various positive aspects. Ragequit.gr commended the open-world element, emphasizing exploration, mini-bosses, and Legacy Dungeons, while maintaining the challenging nature of FromSoftware titles. GamingBolt appreciated the familiar Souls-like combat with smart enhancements for the open world, such as stealth elements, dedicated jump button, crafting system, and horseback combat, providing a satisfying and strategic experience. The addition of cooperative play and a player-controlled horse was also highlighted by Washington Post as a positive aspect, adding to the comforting gameplay experience. However, some critics did mention a few negatives regarding the gameplay of Elden Ring. IGN Portugal pointed out issues with hitboxes and enemy attacks going through walls, as well as camera problems in tight spaces. Game Rant mentioned that while the combat is nearly as unforgiving as previous FromSoftware titles, some minor gameplay adjustments made the game easier, potentially diminishing the constant feeling of unease that many players appreciate. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive towards the gameplay of Elden Ring. Critics like GamesRadar++ praised the combat improvements, quality of life enhancements, and the ability to summon NPCs for help, while Guardian highlighted the refined and familiar combat that rewards patience and learning. The game's challenging yet rewarding nature, diverse combat styles, exploration opportunities, and customizable character options were widely appreciated, making Elden Ring a highly recommended experience for fans of the genre. The game successfully combines familiar mechanics from Soulsborne titles with new features, creating a satisfying and fulfilling gameplay experience that resonated positively with the majority of critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics universally praise Elden Ring's gameplay for its challenging yet rewarding combat, open-world exploration, and satisfying enhancements like stealth elements and horseback combat. While some noted minor issues like hitboxes and easier gameplay, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Fans of the genre will appreciate the game's diverse combat styles, customizable character options, and familiar mechanics from Soulsborne titles, making Elden Ring a highly recommended experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics were highly impressed with the graphics and visual design of Elden Ring, praising its stunning art direction, diverse environments, and intricate level designs. Critics like RPGamer highlighted the top-notch visual design, creating visually distinct and atmospheric regions that enhance the game's overall experience. TheSixthAxis commended the game for its stunning vistas, horrifying environments, and astounding scale and density, showcasing a beautiful and verdant world that breaks away from the somber tones of previous titles. Additionally, GamesHub and GameSpew lauded the hauntingly stunning landscapes and imaginative enemy designs, contributing to a visually striking and immersive experience. However, some critics did mention certain drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of Elden Ring. T3 expressed disappointment in the graphical fidelity, noting stilted visuals that fell short of expectations, especially in comparison to other titles. The Mako Reactor pointed out noticeable visual pop-ins and performance issues, detracting slightly from the otherwise fantastic art direction and visuals. Washington Post also highlighted occasional jankiness in texture clipping and frame-rate fluctuations, affecting the overall visual experience for players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Elden Ring. The game is widely praised for its breathtaking world design, superb boss designs, and visually distinct regions that create a sense of immersion and wonder for players. Critics like Forbes and PlayStation Universe commended the game for its stunning visuals and diverse environments, while Easy Allies and Cultured Vultures appreciated the mix of calm and disgusting environments, as well as the jaw-dropping moments throughout the adventure. Despite some minor technical issues and graphical shortcomings mentioned by a few critics, the general sentiment is that Elden Ring delivers an exceptional visual experience that exceeds expectations and sets a new standard for visual design in the gaming industry.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Elden Ring's stunning graphics, diverse environments, and immersive world design, praising its art direction and intricate level designs, with some calling it a visual masterpiece. While a few critics noted minor graphical issues, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, hailing the game for its breathtaking visuals, superb boss designs, and jaw-dropping moments that set a new standard in the gaming industry.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Elden Ring, with many highlighting the exceptional quality of the orchestral score and ambient music that greatly enhanced the overall gaming experience. Critics like COGconnected, T3, and GameSkinny specifically commended composer Yuka Kitamura's work, noting how the music ranged from powerful action cues to subtle piano accompaniments, creating a diverse and immersive auditory landscape. The use of music to set the tone for boss fights was particularly well-received, with GamesRadar++ mentioning the orchestral score adding to the cinematic and awe-inspiring moments during these encounters. The Mako Reactor also praised the standout soundtrack featuring memorable boss themes by various composers, further emphasizing the depth and quality of the music in Elden Ring. While the general consensus leaned heavily towards positive feedback, some critics did point out minor issues with the sound design and music of Elden Ring. Daily Star mentioned that while the sound design complemented the game's grim vistas well, there were instances of ropey voice acting that detracted from the overall immersion. KeenGamer highlighted mixing issues with sound effects being too loud, which could potentially disrupt the player's experience during gameplay. Despite these criticisms, they were overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive reception towards the game's audio elements, indicating that any shortcomings were minor in comparison to the overall excellence of the sound design and music. Overall, the opinions of the critics collectively paint a picture of Elden Ring as a game with exceptional sound design and music that significantly contributed to the immersive and atmospheric experience. The praise for the orchestral score, ambient music, and boss themes was consistent across multiple reviews, with critics like Cultured Vultures, Noisy Pixel, and RPGamer highlighting the fitting and beautiful soundtrack that enhanced the game's atmospheric qualities. The minor criticisms raised by a few reviewers did not diminish the overall positive sentiment towards the audio aspects of Elden Ring, solidifying its reputation as a title with outstanding sound design and music that resonated strongly with players and critics alike.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised Elden Ring for its exceptional sound design and music, particularly highlighting the orchestral score and ambient music that enhanced the gaming experience. Composer Yuka Kitamura's work received special acclaim for its diverse range from powerful action cues to subtle piano accompaniments. While some critics noted minor issues like ropey voice acting and loud sound effects, the overall positive reception emphasized the game's outstanding audio elements. Elden Ring was lauded for its immersive auditory landscape, memorable boss themes, and cinematic moments, solidifying its reputation as a title with exceptional sound design and music that resonated with both players and critics.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Elden Ring has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. COGconnected and TheXboxHub both praise the voice acting, with COGconnected mentioning that it is effective and contributes to the immersive experience of the game, while TheXboxHub describes it as very good. RPG Fan also appreciates the voice acting, noting that it is exquisitely creepy and adds flavor and substance to the game. These positive opinions highlight the overall quality of the voice performances in Elden Ring, enhancing the atmosphere and storytelling of the game. On the other hand, Daily Star criticizes some aspects of the voice acting, mentioning that it is "a little ropey and shrouded in riddles." This suggests that there may be inconsistencies in the delivery or clarity of certain voice performances within the game. T3 raises a specific concern about the limited voice options for the player character, with only grunts and death cries available. While the narrator in the opening cinematic is praised for committing to the dialogue, the lack of variety in player character voice lines could potentially detract from the overall immersion and engagement for some players. Overall, the critics' opinions on the voice acting in Elden Ring are somewhat varied. While there are positive remarks from COGconnected, TheXboxHub, and RPG Fan regarding the effectiveness, quality, and atmosphere-enhancing nature of the voice performances, there are also criticisms from Daily Star and T3 regarding inconsistencies, limited options for player characters, and clarity issues. Despite these mixed opinions, it seems that the majority of critics appreciate the effort put into the voice acting in Elden Ring, with RPG Fan's description of the voice acting as "exquisitely creepy" standing out as a particularly strong endorsement. Ultimately, the voice acting in Elden Ring appears to be a significant aspect of the game that contributes to its overall experience, even if there are some areas that could be improved upon according to certain critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Elden Ring. Positive feedback praises it for enhancing the game's atmosphere and storytelling, with some describing it as effective and exquisitely creepy. However, criticisms point out inconsistencies, limited options for player characters, and clarity issues. Despite differing views, most critics appreciate the effort put into the voice acting, highlighting its significance in the game's experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positive feedback for the gaming platforms, Elden Ring received praise for its technical performance on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Critics such as Movies Games and Tech and Pure Xbox highlighted the buttery smooth movement, excellent frame rates, and quick loading times on the Xbox Series X. Similarly, Gaming Age and Game Revolution noted that the game on the PS5 was mostly bug-free, with occasional frame rate hiccups that did not significantly impact the gameplay experience. On the flip side, negative aspects of the technical performance were also pointed out by reviewers across different platforms. PC versions of Elden Ring faced various issues, including stuttering, crashes, freezes, and inconsistent framerates. Critics like GameSkinny and KeenGamer highlighted major performance issues on PC, impacting gameplay significantly. Furthermore, ZTGD criticized the barebones PC port lacking advanced options and suffering from frequent stutters and hard crashes, which detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Elden Ring is mixed. While some platforms like the Xbox Series X and PS5 were praised for their smooth performance with minor hiccups, the PC version faced more significant challenges with various technical issues affecting the gameplay experience. Critics like GameWatcher noted that while the game was generally stable across platforms, there were reports of PC performance issues in the community, indicating room for improvement. Despite the technical shortcomings, the engaging world and gameplay of Elden Ring were acknowledged by critics like RPG Fan and Cubed3, showing that the game's technical performance did not overshadow its overall experience for all players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Elden Ring received praise for smooth performance on consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X, with minor hiccups. However, the PC version faced major issues like stuttering and crashes, impacting gameplay significantly. Critics had mixed opinions, but overall agreed that technical problems didn't overshadow the game's engaging world and gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics praised the replay value of Elden Ring, highlighting its vast open world, diverse exploration opportunities, and multiple character builds as key factors contributing to its high replayability. Critics like Cultured Vultures and GameWatcher emphasized the impact of starting classes on gameplay, optional encounters, and the ability to explore at one's own pace, enhancing the game's longevity. The inclusion of various combat options, hidden dungeons, and the freedom to tackle challenges in different ways, as mentioned by Digital Chumps and GameSpace, further add to the game's replay value. Additionally, the potential for multiple playthroughs with different endings, character customization options, and the discovery of new content in subsequent playthroughs, as noted by RPGamer and TheSixthAxis, were also highlighted as strong points. On the flip side, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks regarding the replay value of Elden Ring. Attack of the Fanboy highlighted the lack of difficulty customization as a limiting factor for accessibility, potentially impacting players seeking a more tailored experience. Additionally, Dexerto mentioned that while the game offers multiple ways to interpret quests, the challenge in determining the power level for areas and facing challenging boss encounters could be seen as a negative aspect for some players. These criticisms suggest that while Elden Ring offers significant replay value, there may be certain aspects that could deter some players from fully engaging with the game on subsequent playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Elden Ring. The game's extensive content, diverse exploration opportunities, character customization options, and potential for multiple playthroughs with varying experiences were widely praised. Critics like Game Informer and GameSkinny expressed a strong desire to continue exploring the game even after spending a considerable amount of time playing, indicating the game's ability to keep players engaged in the long run. With its mix of challenging encounters, rich world-building, and rewarding exploration, Elden Ring seems to have successfully captured the attention of critics, making it a highly recommended title for players looking for a deeply immersive and replayable experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Elden Ring's replay value, highlighting its vast open world, diverse exploration opportunities, and multiple character builds as key factors. Various combat options, hidden dungeons, and freedom to tackle challenges in different ways add to its replayability. Some critics note drawbacks like lack of difficulty customization and challenging boss encounters. Despite this, Elden Ring's extensive content, character customization, and potential for multiple playthroughs with varying experiences receive overwhelming positive feedback, making it a highly recommended title for deeply immersive and replayable experiences.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics were overwhelmingly positive about Elden Ring, praising it for various aspects that contributed to its high acclaim. Power Unlimited highlighted the game's strong and addictive gameplay, setting a positive tone for the overall sentiment. Critics such as TheSixthAxis and Game Revolution lauded Elden Ring for its satisfying combat, overwhelming freedom, and innovative gameplay, with TheSixthAxis even considering it a potential turning point in the games industry. The game was commended for its deep lore, challenging yet rewarding gameplay, stunning visuals, and rich exploration, as noted by T3 and GameSpace. Additionally, Elden Ring was celebrated for its masterful refinement of the familiar Souls formula, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience in an open-world setting without compromising on difficulty or narrative, as highlighted by RPG Site. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics did mention certain drawbacks of Elden Ring. IGN Portugal pointed out issues with enemy attacks and camera angles, while KeenGamer highlighted major technical performance issues and late-game problems that detracted from an otherwise exceptional experience. GameStar deducted points due to technical issues, and Digital Trends mentioned technical frustrations that held back the game's full potential. Softpedia also noted some technical issues and the need for an upgrade to the user experience. These criticisms, although present, did not diminish the overall positive reception of Elden Ring. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Elden Ring is a standout title that excels in various aspects, making it a must-play for fans of the genre. The game is praised for its innovative gameplay, captivating world design, challenging combat, and rewarding exploration. Critics such as Guardian and GamesHub described Elden Ring as exceptional, accomplished, and offering a fantasy world filled with beauty and uncertainty. Despite some technical issues and minor criticisms, the overall verdict for Elden Ring is overwhelmingly positive, with critics hailing it as a masterpiece, a landmark title, and one of the best games ever made. The game's ability to push the boundaries of the genre while retaining the essence of FromSoftware's previous successes solidifies its position as a top-tier gaming experience that resonates with both existing fans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

Critics unanimously praise Elden Ring for its addictive gameplay, satisfying combat, deep lore, and stunning visuals. Despite some technical issues noted by a few critics, the overall reception is overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing it as a masterpiece and one of the best games ever made. Elden Ring is celebrated for pushing boundaries in the gaming industry and is a must-play for fans of the genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

270 reviews found

100

Guardian

PlayStation 5

Feb 23, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elden Ring is described as the finest video game yet made, offering a compelling fictional reality filled with mysteries, secrets, and opportunities for competition and collaboration. It is praised for its refined gameplay, expansive world, and the sense of wonder it evokes.

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100

GameWatcher

Mar 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elden Ring is praised as a standout title, described as a 10 out of 10 game that isn't perfect but offers a compelling and enthralling experience. The reviewer highlights the game's strengths in storytelling, gameplay, design, and exploration, positioning it as one of the best games they've ever played with significant industry impact.

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100

Telegraph

PlayStation 5

Mar 4, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Elden Ring as one of the best games produced, with critical hype and strong sales.

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100

Game Informer

Feb 23, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Elden Ring is not just the best game this year, but one of the best games ever made.

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100

We Got This Covered

Feb 23, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly praises Elden Ring, calling it the best game the reviewer has ever played and dethroning Bloodborne as their favorite game of all time.

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100

TheGamer

PlayStation 5

Feb 23, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elden Ring is hailed as a masterpiece that surpasses expectations, offering an engrossing and innovative gaming experience that stands out as one of the best games in recent memory.

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100

Pure Xbox

Xbox Series X

Mar 4, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly recommends Elden Ring as a crowning achievement for FromSoftware and one of the best video games ever made.

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100

GameCritics

PlayStation 5

Mar 22, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elden Ring is praised as a masterpiece and the ultimate expression of the blueprint laid out in Dark Souls, making it a highly recommended game.

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100

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Mar 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite technical issues on PC, Elden Ring is praised as a 10/10 game for its approachable gameplay, vibrant world design, and overall improvement on the Souls formula. The reviewer acknowledges the game's flaws but considers it a standout title in the open-world genre.

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100

NME

Feb 23, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

FromSoftware's most ambitious title yet, Elden Ring is a glowing spectacle of achievement, bringing many improvements to the Souls formula and delivering a monumental experience.

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