77
MONSTER
Nightreign is a standalone adventure within the ELDEN RING universe, crafted to bring a new gaming experience.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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72
Elden Ring: Nightreign presents a character-driven narrative featuring eight engaging heroes, but critics are divided. While the new setting of Limveld and the Remembrance system add depth, many feel the overall story lacks the intricate lore fans expect from FromSoftware. The game shifts focus toward personal arcs and multiplayer elements, which some appreciate, but others miss the rich, complex storytelling of its predecessor. In summary, it’s a bold departure that may resonate with some players while leaving others wanting more depth.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
72
Positive Reviews (80-100)
28%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
67%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Elden Ring: Nightreign presents a character-driven narrative featuring eight engaging heroes, but critics are divided. While the new setting of Limveld and the Remembrance system add depth, many feel the overall story lacks the intricate lore fans expect from FromSoftware. The game shifts focus toward personal arcs and multiplayer elements, which some appreciate, but others miss the rich, complex storytelling of its predecessor. In summary, it’s a bold departure that may resonate with some players while leaving others wanting more depth.
Gameplay Mechanics
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87
Elden Ring Nightreign impresses with its innovative mix of roguelike mechanics and cooperative multiplayer, earning praise for its fast-paced, chaotic gameplay that encourages teamwork. Critics applaud the rewarding boss battles and strategic character classes, enhancing player engagement. However, concerns about repetitive gameplay and solo mode balance persist, with some players finding the intensity overwhelming. Despite these drawbacks, the consensus is that the game offers a dynamic and compelling experience, solidifying its place as a standout in the franchise for fans of cooperative action.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
87
Positive Reviews (80-100)
80%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
20%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Elden Ring Nightreign impresses with its innovative mix of roguelike mechanics and cooperative multiplayer, earning praise for its fast-paced, chaotic gameplay that encourages teamwork. Critics applaud the rewarding boss battles and strategic character classes, enhancing player engagement. However, concerns about repetitive gameplay and solo mode balance persist, with some players finding the intensity overwhelming. Despite these drawbacks, the consensus is that the game offers a dynamic and compelling experience, solidifying its place as a standout in the franchise for fans of cooperative action.
Graphics and Visual Design
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79
Elden Ring Nightreign dazzles with its atmospheric visuals and stunning boss arenas, winning praise for its immersive design and rich environmental storytelling. However, critics lament the heavy reuse of assets from its predecessor, resulting in a lack of originality and noticeable performance issues. While the game hits high notes in visual quality, it ultimately leaves some feeling that it missed the opportunity for greater creative evolution.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
79
Positive Reviews (80-100)
50%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
50%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Elden Ring Nightreign dazzles with its atmospheric visuals and stunning boss arenas, winning praise for its immersive design and rich environmental storytelling. However, critics lament the heavy reuse of assets from its predecessor, resulting in a lack of originality and noticeable performance issues. While the game hits high notes in visual quality, it ultimately leaves some feeling that it missed the opportunity for greater creative evolution.
Music and Sound Design
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86
"Elden Ring Nightreign" impresses with its high-quality sound design and orchestral score by Kota Hoshino, enhancing gameplay and atmosphere, especially during boss encounters. Critics praise its epic soundtrack and strong voice acting, although some note a lack of memorable tracks and occasional repetitiveness. Overall, the audio elements are a significant strength, solidifying the immersive experience, despite minor critiques.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
86
Positive Reviews (80-100)
74%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
26%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
"Elden Ring Nightreign" impresses with its high-quality sound design and orchestral score by Kota Hoshino, enhancing gameplay and atmosphere, especially during boss encounters. Critics praise its epic soundtrack and strong voice acting, although some note a lack of memorable tracks and occasional repetitiveness. Overall, the audio elements are a significant strength, solidifying the immersive experience, despite minor critiques.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
71
Elden Ring Nightreign's voice acting is praised for enhancing the game's narrative and atmosphere, with critics noting its charm and effective character portrayal. However, concerns about minimal dialogue and a lack of depth dilute its impact, leaving some players wanting more, especially in multiplayer contexts. Overall, while it enriches the experience, it may not satisfy those seeking deeper interactions.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
71
Positive Reviews (80-100)
25%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
75%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Elden Ring Nightreign's voice acting is praised for enhancing the game's narrative and atmosphere, with critics noting its charm and effective character portrayal. However, concerns about minimal dialogue and a lack of depth dilute its impact, leaving some players wanting more, especially in multiplayer contexts. Overall, while it enriches the experience, it may not satisfy those seeking deeper interactions.
Technical Performance
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64
"Elden Ring Nightreign" shines on Xbox Series X with smooth 60 FPS and solid optimization, but the PlayStation 5 version suffers from significant frame rate drops and matchmaking issues, impacting gameplay. Critics call for urgent improvements on PS5 to match Xbox’s performance.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
64
Positive Reviews (80-100)
9%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
76%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
15%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
"Elden Ring Nightreign" shines on Xbox Series X with smooth 60 FPS and solid optimization, but the PlayStation 5 version suffers from significant frame rate drops and matchmaking issues, impacting gameplay. Critics call for urgent improvements on PS5 to match Xbox’s performance.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
79
TLDR: "Elden Ring: Nightreign" is praised for its high replay value thanks to its roguelike structure, varied character builds, and cooperative gameplay, which keeps sessions fresh. However, critics warn about potential repetitiveness, limited end-game content, and a static map that could dull long-term engagement. While some players may enjoy hundreds of hours of strategic gameplay, solo players might find the experience lacking. The game's replayability is a mixed bag, appealing to some while alienating others.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
79
Positive Reviews (80-100)
54%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
43%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
TLDR: "Elden Ring: Nightreign" is praised for its high replay value thanks to its roguelike structure, varied character builds, and cooperative gameplay, which keeps sessions fresh. However, critics warn about potential repetitiveness, limited end-game content, and a static map that could dull long-term engagement. While some players may enjoy hundreds of hours of strategic gameplay, solo players might find the experience lacking. The game's replayability is a mixed bag, appealing to some while alienating others.
Overall Verdict
77
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
77
Positive Reviews (80-100)
71%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
29%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Elden Ring: Nightreign impresses critics with its innovative multiplayer and fresh gameplay, reviving the Soulslike genre while celebrating its legacy. Strong cooperative elements enhance the experience, but flaws like a problematic roguelike structure and technical issues—such as matchmaking woes—can frustrate solo players. Overall, it's a bold entry that appeals to hardcore gamers willing to tackle its challenges, but may alienate those seeking a traditional single-player experience.
77
MONSTER
Reviews
186 reviews found95
SomosXbox
May 28, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Elden Ring: Nightreign is positioned as one of the best games of the year, particularly appealing for multiplayer fans, despite some minor bugs and challenges for solo players.
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92
IGN Benelux
May 28, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Elden Ring Nightreign is a successful evolution of the franchise, offering a fresh co-op experience while maintaining the challenge and atmosphere of the original.
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90
Generación Xbox
May 28, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Elden Ring: Nightreign is a bold reinterpretation of the Soulslike genre, offering a structured experience that enhances gameplay while maintaining the essence of the original.
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90
Daily Star
May 28, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Elden Ring Nightreign successfully combines elements of the franchise with new multiplayer features, earning a strong recommendation.
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90
Gamers Heroes
May 28, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Elden Ring Nightreign is a worthy spin-off that captures the essence of its predecessor while introducing new gameplay mechanics and cooperative elements.
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90
CGMagazine
May 28, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Elden Ring: Nightreign is a chaotic, beautiful, and rewarding love letter to the Soulsborne legacy, though it has flaws like solo-unfriendly design and uneven matchmaking. It's an ambitious and incredible experience for those who embrace its challenges.
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90
Digital Chumps
May 28, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Elden Ring Nightreign is a thrilling and exhilarating experience that successfully combines challenging gameplay with cooperative elements, despite some simplifications in narrative and exploration.
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90
TrueGaming
May 28, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Elden Ring Nightreign is a fun and engaging rogue-lite experience that successfully incorporates elements from the Souls genre, providing a fresh take on the Elden Ring universe.
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90
Loot Level Chill
May 28, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Elden Ring Nightreign is a fascinating and engrossing game with intense gameplay and a rewarding experience, despite some technical issues.
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90
Gamer.no
May 28, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Elden Ring Nightreign is a unique and challenging cooperative experience that combines familiar elements from previous FromSoftware titles with new gameplay mechanics. It may not appeal to everyone due to its difficulty, but it offers engaging action for those who enjoy the genre.
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