FromSoftware has outdone themselves with Shadow of the Erdtree, turning an already phenomenal game into an absolute masterpiece. This DLC expands on the world, lore, and combat of Elden Ring in ways I never expected, adding depth and challenge that perfectly complement the base game. Thanks to this incredible expansion, Elden Ring has vaulted from my personal top 20 games all the way into my top 10. I can’t thank FromSoft enough for creating such an unforgettable experience.

Never forget !!! 25/02/2022 !!!

Elden Ring is a groundbreaking masterpiece and simply brilliant in more ways than I could have ever expected.

10/10 - Combat & Gameplay
Elden Ring nails the hallmark of FromSoftware’s combat, delivering tight, responsive, and brutally satisfying mechanics. Whether you're facing off against hulking bosses or smaller foes, the fluidity of the gameplay keeps you constantly engaged.

10/10 - Diversity of Builds and Playstyles
This is where Elden Ring truly shines. Unlike Sekiro, which I enjoyed but felt constrained by its lack of build variety, Elden Ring offers an incredible range of customization options. The sheer diversity in how you can play, from magic builds to melee-focused characters, adds immense replayability. It’s this flexibility that elevates Elden Ring far beyond Sekiro in terms of personal preference.

8/10 - Music
The soundtrack is nothing short of epic, on par with legendary franchises like Final Fantasy. Every piece of the soundtrack is meticulously crafted to seamlessly complement the different atmospheres and battles. My only gripe is with how the music transitions in certain situations. Sometimes a minor enemy triggers dramatic combat music, creating an unnecessary sense of tension for what is ultimately a trivial encounter. Still, the musical quality itself is stellar.

9/10 - Story
FromSoftware’s storytelling has always been subtle, but this time, it’s on a whole new level. While lore was never the primary hook in past titles, Elden Ring pushes its narrative and side quests to new heights. The world-building is rich, and the characters and events are compelling, making it far more engaging than previous FromSoft games.

10/10 - Open World
I was initially worried that Elden Ring would follow the typical open-world formula, but my concerns vanished quickly. This is FromSoftware’s first attempt at an open world, and it’s flawless. The exploration feels like a true adventure, where discovery isn’t handed to you via a cluttered UI or constant markers. The thrill of not knowing what’s around the corner makes every moment feel magical. I usually chase achievements, but during my first playthrough, I was too captivated by the journey itself to care. This world drew me in completely, and it never let go.

6/10 - Performance
Unfortunately, Elden Ring had a rocky start on PC. Stuttering and frame drops plagued certain areas, most notably Stormhill in Limgrave. Even high-end GPUs like the RTX 3080 Ti and 3090 struggled, which frustrated me early on. Despite these issues, the overall experience smoothed out as I progressed, and the technical hiccups became less frequent. Still, it's a shame that performance marred an otherwise perfect game for some players.

Conclusion
Who would've thought that Hidetaka Miyazaki and FromSoftware could create an open-world Dark Souls without it feeling bloated or repetitive? I’m so relieved they avoided the formulaic trap of Ubisoft-style open worlds. Elden Ring is a masterpiece that stands apart from the annual rehashes of other franchises, offering an experience that feels fresh and expansive.

Finally, I’m still in awe of the sheer scope of the game. FromSoftware released Dark Souls III in March 2016, followed by Sekiro in March 2019, and then Elden Ring in 2022. It’s mind-boggling how much content they packed into just three years of development. This game feels like it contains the content of multiple Dark Souls sequels rolled into one. Truly an achievement.

Thank you, FromSoftware, for creating this unforgettable experience. I still can't believe how extraordinary Elden Ring is.

THX <3