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Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

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

2024

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

AvailableJun 21, 2024

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperFrom Software

Overview

In Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree players step into the Land of Shadow to explore a new adventure full of mysteries and danger, to confront threatening bosses with new weapons and armor. Follow in the footsteps of Miquella and unravel the dark side of the Elden Ring story. The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion features an all-new story set in the Land of Shadow imbued with mystery, perilous dungeons, and new enemies, weapons and equipment. Discover uncharted territories, face formidable adversaries, and revel in the satisfying triumph of victory. Dive into the riveting interplay of characters, where drama and intrigue intertwine, that create an immersive experience to savor and enjoy.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

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: Shadow of the Erdtree for its depth, mystery, and expansion of the game's lore. Critics like Atomix and But Why Tho?? appreciated the cryptic and enigmatic storytelling that focused on player interpretation and hidden details, adding new insights into the world and characters. Checkpoint Gaming also highlighted the rich lore, intricate world design, and atmospheric storytelling in the Shadow Realm, creating a compelling narrative experience. GameMAG and Impulsegamer found the narrative to be engaging, with GameMAG specifically mentioning the intertwining of new character Mikella with existing stories, emphasizing the importance of overcoming difficulties and narrative depth. Meristation and PlayStation Country noted how the expansion provided answers to previous mysteries, expanding on character relationships and offering a narrative focus on familiar faces from the main game. On the other hand, some critics, such as Dot Esports and TheSixthAxis, found issues with the story, citing confusion, unanswered questions, and a lackluster final boss as drawbacks. Dot Esports mentioned the need for lore videos to fully grasp the context, while TheSixthAxis described the ending as unsatisfying and underwhelming. PCGamesN criticized the storytelling for being obtuse and having jarring moments that impacted the narrative's potential fulfillment. Noisy Pixel noted that the story took a backseat to combat and exploration, potentially leaving some players disengaged. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the story of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree remained positive among the majority of critics. In conclusion, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree received high praise for its narrative depth, expansion of lore, and enigmatic storytelling style. Critics appreciated the way the DLC added new layers to the world and characters, with many highlighting the compelling nature of the narrative and the mysteries it introduced. While some critics raised concerns about the story's clarity, pacing, and final moments, the overall consensus leaned towards a positive reception of the storytelling in the expansion. The majority of critics found the story of Shadow of the Erdtree to be a valuable addition to the Elden Ring universe, offering players a captivating and immersive experience that further enriched the game's narrative tapestry.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics mostly loved the deep and mysterious story of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, praising its lore expansion and enigmatic storytelling. Some found issues like confusion and a lackluster final boss, but overall, the sentiment towards the narrative was positive. The DLC added layers to the world and characters, with many appreciating the compelling narrative and new mysteries. Despite some criticisms, the majority felt that the story enriched the Elden Ring universe, offering players an immersive and captivating experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

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: Shadow of the Erdtree, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like But Why Tho?? and Game Revolution appreciated the introduction of new blessings, equipment, and challenging boss battles, providing a mix of familiar and fresh experiences for players. GameMAG and Meristation noted the introduction of new gameplay mechanics tied to character enhancements and combat styles, diversifying the gameplay experience. Additionally, critics such as MMORPG.com and The New York Times commended the rewarding combat system with difficult boss fights and new means of progression, adding depth to the overall gameplay experience. On the flip side, some critics did mention a few negatives regarding the gameplay of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. The SixthAxis pointed out that some new mechanics like Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ash were not well-implemented and felt disconnected from the rest of the game's design, potentially disrupting the player's experience. Gamepressure highlighted that the difficulty level may be too high for some players, which could lead to frustration and a barrier to entry for certain gamers. However, these criticisms were in the minority compared to the overall positive reception of the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. The expansion was praised for introducing new elements like challenging enemies, bosses, dungeons, weapons, armor, and character progression systems, enhancing the overall experience for players. The diverse and engaging combat mechanics, coupled with the intricate level design and exploration opportunities, were lauded by reviewers such as Vandal and TechRadar Gaming. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of critics found the gameplay to be very good, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience that builds upon the foundation set by the base game.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree's gameplay, praising new blessings, equipment, and tough boss battles for a mix of familiar and fresh experiences. Some critics note minor flaws like disconnected mechanics and high difficulty, but the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game excels with challenging enemies, diverse combat mechanics, and intricate level design, providing a rewarding experience that builds upon its predecessor.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like Atomix, Checkpoint Gaming, and GameMAG appreciated the hauntingly beautiful and diverse environments, detailed character and enemy models, and creative architectural design. They also commended the intricate world design, rewarding exploration, and the mix of eerie and beautiful environments in the Shadow Realm. Additionally, reviewers such as Meristation and PlayStation Country lauded the impressive audiovisual presentation, particularly in boss encounters, and the outstanding art direction that created breathtaking vistas in the Realm of Shadow. The visuals were described as stunning, visually interesting, and immersive, with beautiful locations, diverse biomes, and impressive graphics, as noted by critics like Gamepressure and LevelUp. On the other hand, some critics did point out certain negatives regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Vandal highlighted technical performance issues like rendering problems, while TechRadar Gaming mentioned performance issues on both console and PC, especially in dense locations. XboxEra noted that texture work could appear rough up close, indicating a potential lack of polish in certain areas. These criticisms suggest that while the majority of reviewers found the visuals to be exceptional, there were still some technical shortcomings that impacted the overall experience for a few critics. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. The majority of reviewers appreciated the stunning visuals, diverse environments, intricate level design, and captivating atmosphere that the game offered. Critics like Game Revolution, Hooked Gamers, and Noisy Pixel praised the beauty, scale, and breathtaking moments in the Land of Shadow, while others highlighted the exceptional environmental design, consistent art direction, and visually stunning world that enhanced the player's experience. Despite some minor technical issues mentioned by a few critics, the overall sentiment is that Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree excels in delivering a visually impressive and immersive gaming experience that captivates players with its artistic brilliance and attention to detail.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree wowed critics with its stunning graphics and visual design, earning praise for its hauntingly beautiful environments, detailed models, and creative architecture. While some critics noted technical issues like rendering problems and texture roughness, the majority were impressed by the game's immersive visuals and captivating atmosphere. Overall, Elden Ring excels in delivering a visually impressive and immersive gaming experience that captivates players with its artistic brilliance and attention to detail.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

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: Shadow of the Erdtree, highlighting various positive aspects. Atomix commended the atmospheric sound design, incorporating classic choirs during battles, and a mix of ambient sounds and melodic moments, enhancing the immersive audio experience. Checkpoint Gaming appreciated the distinct scores for each area, filled with haunting melodies that build tension and anticipation. Dot Esports and Vandal both lauded the epic orchestral soundtrack that elevates boss encounters, with Vandal specifically mentioning the music fitting the dark fantasy theme perfectly. GamersRD and PC Gamer noted the impressive sound design that adds to the immersive experience, with GamersRD specifically mentioning the religious themes enhancing boss battles. On the flip side, there were no significant negative comments from the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. The absence of any notable criticisms indicates a high level of consistency and quality in this aspect of the game, as highlighted by Meristation's comment on the impressive sound design overall. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards the Sound Design and Music of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Critics like Impulsegamer, Noisy Pixel, and Gamepressure praised the music for enhancing the atmosphere of the Shadow Realm, while GamingBolt and XboxEra appreciated how the music selection evoked feelings reminiscent of other popular titles like Bloodborne. TheXboxHub also noted the top-notch sound design without any reported performance issues. The general sentiment is that the sound design and music significantly contribute to the immersive experience, enhancing boss battles, setting the mood for different encounters, and complementing the epic and dark fantasy themes of the game. The consistent praise from multiple critics underscores the exceptional quality and effectiveness of the Sound Design and Music in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise Elden Ring's Sound Design and Music for its immersive experience, epic orchestral soundtrack, and atmospheric elements that enhance boss battles and dark fantasy themes. Consistent high praise with no significant negative comments highlights the exceptional quality and effectiveness of this aspect, setting it apart as a standout feature of the game.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance of Elden Ring on different gaming platforms, there were some positive aspects highlighted by the critics. For instance, Gamepressure mentioned that the game runs stably on PC with high graphics settings and without any reported crashes. The Xbox Series X also received praise from TheXboxHub for not experiencing any slowdown or stuttering, even with high particle effects. Additionally, Impulsegamer noted that on the PS5, while there were minor issues like premature story progression and falling through the map, the overall performance was stable with potential fixes in future patches. On the other hand, several negative aspects regarding the technical performance of Elden Ring were pointed out by the critics. GINX TV highlighted performance issues on PC, particularly during boss fights, impacting frame rates and leading to lackluster experiences reminiscent of Dark Souls 2. Wccftech and Vandal both mentioned performance issues on PC, including frame rate drops, occasional freezes, and popping, indicating technical shortcomings and room for improvement. TechRadar Gaming noted occasional visual oddities and performance dips on the Xbox Series X, with frame rates dropping to 30-40fps in dense areas, although the overall experience was not deemed unplayable. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Elden Ring across different gaming platforms is mixed. While some platforms like the Xbox Series X and PS5 were praised for their stable performance with minor issues that could potentially be fixed in future updates, others like the PC version faced more significant challenges with performance issues impacting gameplay. The varying experiences reported by critics such as GINX TV, Gamepressure, and TheXboxHub highlight the importance of optimization and potential updates to enhance the overall technical performance of Elden Ring for all players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Elden Ring receives mixed reviews on technical performance across platforms. PC faces issues like frame rate drops during boss fights, while Xbox Series X and PS5 run stably with minor glitches. Critics emphasize the need for optimization and updates to improve gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of multiple critics on the Replay Value of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree overwhelmingly highlight the game's positive aspects. Critics like Atomix, Checkpoint Gaming, and Impulsegamer praise the expansion for offering new challenges, customization options, and high-quality side content that encourage multiple playthroughs. The vertical exploration, complex map design, and diverse weapon options contribute to enhancing the replay value, as noted by Meristation and Gamepressure. Additionally, the inclusion of new upgrades, spells, weapons, and armor sets, as mentioned by MMORPG.com and PlayStation Country, further enrich the gameplay experience and incentivize players to revisit the game. On the downside, some critics express concerns about certain aspects impacting the overall replay value of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. GINX TV mentions that exploration and endgame content may feel less rewarding after defeating mainline bosses, with some areas appearing empty, potentially leading to a sense of hitting a ceiling prematurely. PC Invasion notes that while the DLC offers challenging gameplay and unique progression systems, rewards may feel underwhelming for players with maxed-out weapons and builds. MeuPlayStation highlights the lack of new trophies as a downside, affecting the exploration experience by not providing guidance on missed content, although this does not significantly diminish the overall experience. Overall, the majority of critics commend Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for its exceptional replay value. The expansion's vast amount of content, new challenges, weapons, enemies, and intricate level design contribute to a highly replayable experience, as emphasized by critics like GAMINGbible, TechRadar Gaming, and XboxEra. Despite some minor drawbacks mentioned by a few critics, the consensus among reviewers underscores the game's ability to offer a compelling and engaging gameplay experience that encourages players to explore different playstyles, uncover secrets, and embark on multiple playthroughs. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree stands out as a title that successfully delivers on its promise of providing substantial replay value, making it a worthwhile investment for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics unanimously praise Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for its exceptional replay value, citing new challenges, customization options, and high-quality content that encourage multiple playthroughs. The game's vertical exploration, diverse weapons, and upgrades are highlighted as enhancing replayability. While some critics mention concerns about post-boss content and underwhelming rewards, the overall consensus is that Elden Ring delivers a compelling and engaging experience that entices players to explore different playstyles and secrets through multiple playthroughs.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Overall Verdict of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, it is evident that the majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive feedback about the expansion. The expansion was praised for its captivating story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and high replay value. Critics such as Atomix and But Why Tho?? highlighted the expansion's success in expanding on the elements that made Elden Ring great, with But Why Tho?? even awarding it a perfect score of 10/10. The vertical exploration in the Shadow Realm was particularly noted as a unique and rewarding experience, making it a must-play for fans of the series. Additionally, GameMAG and Impulsegamer commended the DLC for its rich and immersive experience, unique pace, and overall coherence in gameplay elements, making it appealing even to those who may not have enjoyed the main game. However, despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there were some minor criticisms raised by a few critics. For instance, PlayStation Country mentioned a preference for more focused content and tighter design, highlighting issues with dungeon count and pacing. TheSixthAxis found significant issues in gameplay mechanics and story, despite acknowledging the stunning world design. Some critics, like GAMINGbible, also noted technical issues on PC that impacted the overall experience. These criticisms, while present, were in the minority compared to the overall positive reception of the expansion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a highly successful expansion that enriches the Elden Ring experience with new content while maintaining the core elements that fans love. Critics praised the expansion for its quality content, engaging gameplay, challenging bosses, and stunning visuals, making it a must-play for fans of the base game. The expansion was described as a challenging and content-rich experience that offers a satisfying gameplay experience, with some critics even considering it one of the best expansions ever made. Despite some minor criticisms, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics lauding Shadow of the Erdtree as a fantastic addition to the Elden Ring universe that enhances the overall experience for both new and veteran players.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree expansion for captivating story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and high replay value. Some minor criticisms include issues with pacing and technical glitches, but they are overshadowed by the expansion's overall success. Critics hail it as a must-play for fans, enriching the Elden Ring experience with quality content and challenging gameplay.

MONSTER

Reviews

192 reviews found

100

Checkpoint Gaming

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2024

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

Shadow of the Erdtree enriches the Elden Ring experience with its atmospheric storytelling, challenging combat, superb visuals, and creative design, making it one of the best FromSoftware experiences to date.

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100

But Why Tho?

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2024

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

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is praised for its familiar yet unique experience, earning a perfect score of 10/10 as a thrilling final adventure with its own identity.

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100

Wccftech

Jun 18, 2024

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

Shadow of the Erdtree is praised for its quality content, engaging open-world design, and ability to evoke wonder despite lack of innovation and technical hiccups.

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100

GamingBolt

Jun 18, 2024

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

Exceptional expansion surpassing typical standards, offering an abundance of content comparable to a full-fledged game. Stable PC performance would have enhanced the experience.

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100

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2024

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

Shadow of the Erdtree is a must-play DLC expansion that delivers high-quality content additions, worth the two-year wait and highly recommended for both hardcore fans and new players.

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100

Vandal

Jun 18, 2024

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

The expansion is highly praised for its quality content, level design, challenging bosses, and gameplay enhancements, making it a must-play for fans of the base game.

100

Meristation

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2024

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

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is praised as one of the best expansions in recent years, showcasing experimentation and excellent level design, with challenging difficulty spikes and a sense of mystery and discovery.

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100

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Jun 21, 2024

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

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is an awesome expansion that enhances the Elden Ring experience, providing a challenging and satisfying gameplay experience.

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100

MeuPlayStation

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2024

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

Shadow of the Erdtree is praised as one of the best expansions in the industry, offering a robust and complete experience that could stand as a standalone game. Despite some drawbacks like the incomplete story and absence of new trophies, the DLC enhances the journey with new content and epic moments.

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100

Game Revolution

Jun 20, 2024

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

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a fantastic expansion that seamlessly integrates into the main game, providing both quantity and quality content that enhances the overall experience.

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