Oh Elden Ring, a game many and I mean many people were hyped to the moon and back for. A lovechild between Miyazaki himself and Martin of Game of Thrones fame. As a long time Souls fan I will try to review this game to the best of my ability, I'm no writer but this game deserves a fair shot. But enough with the introduction that is hardly needed let's get into the game itself.

Visuals/Sound Design :
in my opinion aside from the demon souls remake and a few specific areas in their other games, this is by far their most visually pleasing and visually entertaining game to date. Without spoiling some of the better zones, there are some literally breathtaking areas and I find myself coming back to them without really having a reason to, other then to just take it all in again. Sound design wise they bring their best again with some great accompaniments to some great bosses and areas. Whether it be pounding orchestra during a fight or just ambient noise as you explore, it's here, it's great, it's typical Fromsoft.

Gameplay:

In typical souls fashion this is a game that tests your patience and willingness to learn and adapt to the enemies your facing, I will preface this by saying there is a much heavier emphasis on timing in this game than previous entries. not only will it test if your paying attention to enemy wind-ups and swings, but it will make you adapt to mix-ups and off timed hits as well.
The combat is meticulously designed to do so and I have, to say it feels good when you get it down. While offering slightly steeper learning curve than say Dark souls 3 where you roll without a care. All in all it's a polished system that works very well in the confines of what they were trying to do for this game.

Extras/Side notes:

That is really about all I can say that comes to mind right now, having just finished my 3rd run through and 100% run. Without a doubt a very solid entry in their library of already great games, It might take the place of some previous favorites, and I would say for their first foray into the open world genre, this is a well crafted and very lived in world. I expected them to go big, but I never imagined that would go this BIG. You think your getting to the end? bam another area, end of the road? how about an underground city?

never ceases to amaze me how hard fromsoft goes with their concepts and how much effort they put to give the player what they want. Yes this game has some of our favorite Fromsoft tropes that we have come to expect as fans, and as for newcomers please bear with them they really do try. This isn't a true co-op open world game, but they do try to make it fun to hop in and beat a boss. It's usual jank is overshadowed by a genuinely fun game that has loads to unpack if you want to, or just boss rush and play your own way.

I will end off with this, I humbly think this is a must buy for longtime fans, and solid "get it when you have the time and money" for newcomers. I hope whoever reads this enjoyed the game or found something they liked have a great one Gents!