The director of Dark Souls and Bloodborne's next game, a story like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, fewer games have managed to capture the polish and atmosphere that From Software's games have managed to accomplish.
When Demon's Souls was released on the PlayStation 3, it thrilled players looking for a dark action RPG that would test their wits and patience. It also frustrated and turned many potential fans away for its unforgiving combat and difficult learning curve. While future releases from the developer continued to evolve the Souls formula with more gameplay options and different playstyles, many gamers have continued to avoid From Software's catalog and other Soulslike games because of a fear of frustration and lack of progression. However, Miyazaki has taken those concerns, and with help from his team at From Software, used that in hopes of making Elden Ring a welcoming open-world experience for those who have been too anxious to try a Souls game.
Miyazaki's recent interview on the PlayStation Blog has shed some light on Elden Ring's open world, player progression, and how the game's level of freedom should help fans feel less pressure while playing. While the director does say his games are designed to make players feel fulfilled after completing a challenge, much work went into removing moments from Elden Ring that made players feel stuck. If a player finds an area that proves to be too overwhelming, the sense of freedom Miyazaki mentions in the interview allows them to explore another area and eventually come back to the challenge at their own pace. The developer hopes this will help more fans complete the game. Players can also utilize Elden Ring's overhauled and easier-to-use multiplayer for help.
Thanks to the Elden Ring network tests back in November, Miyazaki and his team were able to get some valuable to improve the game's multiplayer. Elden Ring allows fans to place a summon sign to be brought into another player's world for some cooperation. However, most players failed to realize that signs can now be collected into a group, allowing players to use a summon pool. This allows Elden Ring fans to create a team of up to four to explore everything Elden Ring has to offer or gang up on a difficult boss.
While the full Miyazaki interview contains additional interesting Elden Ring details and insights, the news that steps have been taken to help more players complete the game is good news. Previous From Software games like Sekiro and Bloodborne have a lot of breathtaking moments that many players never experience due to frustration with challenging areas or bosses. With many different pathways and an easier co-op system, Elden Ring looks to be a fantastic entry place for anyone who has wanted to see why Dark Souls and its relatives are so special.
Elden Ring releases February 25th on PlayStation 4|5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Source: PlayStation Blog
