Elden Ring

The majority of critics praised Elden Ring’s story as a rich, immersive experience that leverages environmental storytelling, cryptic lore, and the influence of George R.R. Martin to create a deeply engaging narrative. Many highlighted the game’s ability to weave a complex, layered world where players uncover fragments of the plot through exploration, item descriptions, and NPC interactions. IGN noted the “intriguing but complex” story that rewards players who piece together lore without in-game aids, while Cubed3 emphasized the “high fantasy narrative” and the “sense of intrigue” provided by Martin’s contributions. Critics like GameSkinny and Gameblog.fr praised the game’s focus on the Tarnished’s quest to restore the Elden Ring, calling it “deeply symbolic” and “compelling.” The narrative’s non-linear approach, reminiscent of FromSoftware’s previous titles, was seen as a strength, with IGN Brasil noting the fragmented storytelling encourages exploration, and PCMag highlighting the “grandiose story” set in a “sprawling and highly detailed world.” Overall, the story’s richness and the way it invites player interpretation were frequently cited as standout elements. However, several critics pointed out that the story’s minimalism and cryptic delivery could be challenging for some players. Game Over Online and CD-Action criticized the lack of clear exposition, with the former calling the dialogue “confusing” and the latter noting that “deeper motivations may be missed by some players.” TierraGamer and Xbox Achievements also mentioned that the narrative’s complexity might feel secondary to gameplay, with the latter describing the critical path as “lacking clarity.” Additionally, some felt the story’s reliance on environmental storytelling and item descriptions required significant effort to decipher, as noted by JeuxActu and Gameblog.fr. While this approach was praised by many, others, like IGN, acknowledged that the “organic side stories” were more engaging than the main plot, which some found “familiar” or “uninspiring” compared to FromSoftware’s earlier works. The balance between depth and accessibility remained a point of contention among reviewers. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the story being celebrated as one of Elden Ring’s greatest strengths. Critics like MMORPG.com and Generación Xbox highlighted improvements in narrative accessibility compared to previous Souls games, while Eurogamer Italy and IGN Spain praised the “rich and layered” lore and the collaboration between George R.R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki. Even those who found the story challenging, such as Cubed3 and Vandal, acknowledged its depth and the rewards of engaging with its mysteries. The game’s ability to blend mythic themes, complex character relationships, and a sprawling world was seen as a triumph, with many reviewers emphasizing that the story’s strength lies in its ability to inspire curiosity and player-driven discovery. As IGN noted, while the narrative may not appeal to everyone, its “grandiose and intriguing” nature solidified Elden Ring as a landmark in interactive storytelling.

The gameplay of Elden Ring has been widely praised for its evolution of FromSoftware’s signature "Soulsborne" mechanics, combined with a vast open world that offers unprecedented freedom and exploration. Critics like GamingBolt and IGN Spain highlighted the integration of new features such as stealth elements, a dedicated jump button, and horseback combat, which add strategic depth and flexibility to the experience. Screen Rant and MGG Spain noted its accessibility compared to previous titles, with a gentler learning curve and diverse playstyles that cater to both newcomers and veterans. The open-world design, emphasized by GameSkinny and GameWatcher, allows players to tackle challenges in non-linear ways, while Atomix and COGconnected praised the refined combat systems and tactical options, including spirit summons and dynamic difficulty adjustments. Many reviewers, including Gamer.nl and Movies Games and Tech, celebrated the game’s ability to balance traditional FromSoftware difficulty with a more forgiving approach to resource management and progression, making it feel both challenging and rewarding. However, some critics pointed out specific drawbacks. Siliconera and Press Start Australia noted that the game’s lack of clear direction and reliance on stat progression could frustrate players, particularly in the early stages. Press Start Australia also criticized the clunky horseback combat, while KeenGamer mentioned repetitive dungeon content despite the exceptional main dungeons. Multiplayer.it observed that the difficulty spikes significantly in later stages, demanding adaptation and mastery. Additionally, Siliconera and GamingBolt acknowledged that the combat’s emphasis on endurance and stamina management might feel less about skill for some, though this was often framed as a deliberate design choice rather than a flaw. These critiques, while valid, were generally overshadowed by the game’s strengths, as most reviewers agreed that the challenges were meaningful and aligned with the series’ ethos. Despite these minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers consistently highlighted Elden Ring’s gameplay as a standout achievement. Washington Post, GamingBolt, and COGconnected emphasized its comfort for Souls fans while introducing fresh mechanics that enhance exploration and engagement. GameSkinny and NME praised its innovative difficulty adjustments and robust design, while Gamer.nl and MGG Spain underscored the balance between accessibility and challenge. Even Siliconera, which noted some struggles, acknowledged the game’s "brilliant open world design" and "dynamic gameplay." The consensus was that Elden Ring successfully modernizes the Souls formula, offering a rich, immersive experience that rewards curiosity and adaptability. With its blend of familiar systems and bold new features, the game was seen as a landmark title that expands the series’ potential while maintaining its core identity.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Elden Ring, highlighting its artistic direction, environmental diversity, and atmospheric depth. Many lauded the game’s stunning world design, with TheXboxHub noting its "gorgeous" green and verdant landscapes and PCMag commending its "superb lighting, detailed environments, and impressive architectural designs" that enhance the dark fantasy aesthetic. Cultured Vultures emphasized the unique design motifs in each region, while Shacknews described the environments as "breathtaking and surreal", surpassing previous Souls titles. The map reveal mechanic was a standout feature, with AusGamers crediting it for enhancing exploration, and GameByte called it "FromSoftware's best-looking game to date", citing "picturesque moments" and "beautiful art direction". Critics like Gaming Age and PLAY! Zine praised the jaw-dropping visuals and captivating fantasy atmosphere, with We Got This Covered comparing the graphics to "The Lord of the Rings" in scale and grandeur. These reviews collectively underscore the game’s ability to create a visually immersive and cohesive dark fantasy universe. However, several reviewers pointed out technical and performance-related shortcomings that detracted from the visual experience. VGC and Push Square noted that the graphics "can appear dated" with "muddy textures" and "texture pop-in", while Siliconera and AusGamers highlighted performance issues on PC, including "frame rate problems" and "performance drops" in certain areas. PlayStation LifeStyle mentioned "minor pop-in issues", and Game Revolution warned of "potential performance issues on mid-range PCs" with "microstutter". Xbox Tavern acknowledged that the visuals "may seem dated compared to newer titles", and Ragequit.gr observed that "technical issues" occasionally disrupted the "awe-inspiring" visuals. Additionally, TrueAchievements and Games.cz pointed to "asset recycling" and "repetition in enemy design", suggesting that while the art direction was strong, some technical polish was lacking, particularly on PC and older hardware. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was that Elden Ring’s Graphics and Visual Design were exceptional and innovative for FromSoftware. While some platforms faced performance hiccups, the artistic vision and environmental storytelling were frequently cited as compensating for technical flaws. GamePro Germany and Carole Quintaine argued that the "unique Dark Fantasy art design" and "elegant, grand world" elevated the experience beyond raw graphical fidelity. MGG and Cubed3 praised the "melancholic yet vibrant atmosphere" and "meticulous design" in legacy dungeons, respectively, while RPG Fan described the visuals as "engagingly dreadful" with "variety of detailed landscapes". Even critics like XGN and Video Chums acknowledged the "stunning environments" and "captivating atmosphere" despite bugs. The game’s ability to blend diverse, richly detailed worlds with a cohesive artistic identity solidified its reputation as a visual triumph, with many agreeing that its "beauty and variety" outweighed its technical imperfections.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the sound design and music of Elden Ring, highlighting their role in amplifying the game’s atmosphere and immersion. Many emphasized the orchestral and hauntingly beautiful score, with GameSkinny and Cultured Vultures specifically commending composer Yuka Kitamura for crafting ambient music that perfectly matches each area and boss themes that are among the best in the medium. Vgames noted the intentional absence of music during exploration and combat, which heightens tension, while RPGamer and IGN Japan praised the percussion-heavy, bombastic choirs in boss fights that elevate the epic scale. PC Invasion and GamingBolt lauded the variety of atmospheric sounds, from serene raindrops to tense, dark-level sequences, and COGconnected and Generación Xbox called the soundtrack a new high for the franchise, blending powerful action cues with dynamic shifts in tone. The music was frequently described as a "glorious counterpoint" (Washington Post) and a "touching, dramatic" experience (Movies Games and Tech), with T3 noting the euphoric orchestral score that complements moments of danger and solitude. These reviews collectively underscore the soundtrack’s ability to evoke dread, mystery, and awe, aligning with FromSoftware’s signature style while delivering memorable, emotionally resonant moments. While the general reception was positive, a few critics pointed to minor shortcomings. Game Rant observed that the soundtrack was "not as attention-grabbing" as other game elements, though they acknowledged its effectiveness in creating apprehension. Siliconera and Gamer.no critiqued the lack of distinctiveness in some encounter music, with the former comparing it to Dark Souls III and the latter noting that the music initially felt overwhelming but improved over time. KeenGamer mentioned occasional mixing issues where sound effects drowned out the score, and Gameblog.fr pointed out that the music is "less frequent" than in other games, though it remains impactful. These critiques, while valid, were relatively rare and often framed as minor quibbles rather than major flaws, with most reviewers agreeing that the audio design still significantly enhanced the experience despite these issues. Overall, the consensus among critics was that Elden Ring’s sound design and music are exceptional, with only a small number of reservations. The majority celebrated the score’s ability to deepen immersion, evoke emotional weight, and complement the game’s expansive, mysterious world. TrueGaming, MondoXbox, and The Mako Reactor highlighted its consistency with the series’ tradition, while RPG Fan and New Game Network praised its haunting, dread-inducing qualities. Even the critiques about repetition or initial overwhelm were overshadowed by the widespread admiration for the soundtrack’s craftsmanship and its role in shaping the game’s identity. As Game Informer and IGN Brasil noted, the music and sound design are integral to the game’s tone, with many calling it a standout element that elevates Elden Ring as a landmark in the genre. The few negatives were largely seen as exceptions, reinforcing the overall view that the audio work is a major strength of the title.

The majority of reviewers praised the voice acting in Elden Ring as a standout element that significantly enhances immersion and storytelling. BaziCenter and COGconnected highlighted its "excellent" and "effective" delivery, noting that certain characters’ lines are particularly impactful, which deepens the game’s atmosphere. PSX Extreme emphasized the "incredible" voice acting during cutscenes, while Gamer.no and Generación Xbox appreciated how human dialogue breaks the game’s solitude, adding emotional weight to interactions. RPG Fan described the voice acting as "exquisitely creepy," enhancing the game’s eerie tone, and Wccftech praised its "elevated" quality, with NPCs offering cryptic yet informative dialogue. These critiques collectively underscore the voice acting’s role in enriching the narrative and world-building, making it a key component of the game’s appeal. However, some critics pointed out limitations. Gameblog.fr noted that voice acting is restricted to English, which could disappoint players seeking localized options, while T3 criticized the "limited voice options" for the player character, restricted to grunts and death cries. Video Chums mentioned "occasional long pauses in delivery," suggesting minor inconsistencies in pacing. These critiques, though less frequent, highlight concerns about accessibility and the depth of player-character expression. While the negatives are relatively minor, they reflect areas where the voice acting could have been more inclusive or polished, particularly for players prioritizing language preferences or more interactive dialogue. Overall, the consensus leans heavily positive, with most reviewers celebrating the voice acting’s quality and contribution to the game’s immersive experience. Critics like TheXboxHub and Xbox Achievements called it "very good" and "high quality," respectively, while Vandal commended both English and Spanish adaptations for their narrative enhancement. The few criticisms about localization and pacing are overshadowed by the widespread acclaim for its ability to elevate storytelling and character depth. Despite some reservations, the voice acting in Elden Ring is widely regarded as a strong, cohesive element that aligns with the game’s ambitious, lore-rich design, reinforcing its status as a memorable and atmospheric experience.

The technical performance of Elden Ring varies across platforms, with some positive notes. On the PlayStation 5, several critics, including PlayStation LifeStyle and Destructoid, praised its smooth gameplay and quick load times, while Eurogamer Italy highlighted consistent 60fps performance. Xbox Series X reviewers like MGG and Vandal noted stability and improvements post-launch, with Vandal specifically crediting VRR technology for enhanced performance. The PC version, though, had mixed feedback: VG247 and GamesRadar+ acknowledged that high-end systems ran well, and GameWatcher observed general stability, though with community-reported issues. MondoXbox also pointed out that next-gen consoles offered resolution and frame rate customization, which was less available on PC. However, technical challenges were more pronounced on PC. MMORPG.com and Gameblog.fr criticized save file deletions and frame rate dips, while AusGamers and Game Over Online highlighted performance drops and keyboard control problems, calling for optimization. RPG Site and Wccftech mentioned stuttering and lack of support for higher framerates or ultrawide resolutions, which frustrated some players. On consoles, PS5 faced issues like texture pop-in (Gameblog.fr, Gamepressure) and occasional frame rate fluctuations (T3, VG247), though PS5 was generally deemed more stable than PC. Xbox Achievements noted long loading times and visual effects glitches, while TierraGamer and The Mako Reactor pointed to camera problems and stuttering that impacted combat. Despite these, many console reviews, such as XGN and COGconnected, emphasized that issues were minor and did not detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus leans toward consoles offering a more polished technical experience, with PC performance requiring further optimization. While Gameblog.fr and Game Over Online criticized PC-specific problems, PlayStation Universe and GamingTrend acknowledged that the PS5 version ran better, and MGG highlighted post-launch improvements on Xbox. Critics like VGC and Video Chums noted minor issues on PS5 that didn’t severely affect gameplay, while Riot Pixels and Press Start Australia mentioned multiplayer server problems on PC but praised single-player. The general sentiment suggests that while Elden Ring’s technical performance was subpar at launch, especially on PC, developers addressed many issues through patches, and the core experience remained enjoyable. Console versions, particularly PS5 and Xbox Series X, were seen as more reliable, though not without flaws, whereas PC players faced more persistent optimization hurdles.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praise Elden Ring’s replay value, emphasizing its vast open world, diverse gameplay mechanics, and opportunities for exploration and experimentation. Reviewers like GamingBolt and Impulsegamer highlight the game’s expansive environment, varied character builds, and the incentive to try different playstyles, which keep players engaged long after the main story is completed. IGN France and GameGrin note the game’s emphasis on discovery, with hidden quests, secrets, and non-linear progression encouraging multiple playthroughs. The ability to revisit areas with new strategies, as mentioned by Jeuxvideo.com and GameMAG, further enhances its longevity. Additionally, features like New Game+ and multiple endings, cited by IGN and TheSixthAxis, provide structured reasons for returning, while GameSkinny estimates that players may only uncover 65–70% of the game’s content in a single playthrough, underscoring its depth. These elements collectively create a sense of endless possibility, making Elden Ring a standout title for fans of the genre. While the majority of critics celebrate Elden Ring’s replay value, a few note potential drawbacks. Game Over Online expresses concern that the game’s grinding mechanics and repetitive encounters might diminish the satisfaction of defeating enemies, which could slightly impact long-term engagement. This perspective is relatively rare, as most reviewers frame such elements as optional rather than mandatory. Additionally, TrueAchievements mentions that some achievements may be missable, which could frustrate completionists. However, these criticisms are overshadowed by the broader consensus that the game’s strengths—such as its freedom of exploration, character customization, and dynamic combat—far outweigh any minor issues. The balance between challenge and reward, as highlighted by Gamer.nl and Hardcore Gamer, ensures that even repetitive elements feel purposeful rather than tedious. Overall, the critical reception of Elden Ring’s replay value is overwhelmingly positive, with critics consistently praising its ability to sustain engagement through its open-world design, multiple playstyles, and rich content. Jeuxvideo.com, IGN Japan, and Wccftech all emphasize the game’s capacity for repeated exploration and experimentation, while GamePro Germany and GameRevolution cite its 100+ hours of content as a testament to its longevity. Even critics like TheEnemy and MalditosNerds, who highlight optional content and exploration, align with the broader sentiment that Elden Ring offers a deeply rewarding experience that invites players to return again and again. While minor critiques exist, they do not detract from the consensus that Elden Ring is a masterclass in replayability, setting a high bar for future open-world action games.