Exploring the Excitement of Elden Ring Nightreign: A Closed Network Test Review
As a passionate enthusiast of the Monster Hunter franchise, I felt a surge of anticipation when speculation arose regarding FromSoftware’s involvement in a new title inspired by Elden Ring. However, my enthusiasm was tempered when the Elden Ring Nightreign announcement surfaced. The initial presentation left me uncertain, as I feared that the hallmark gameplay elements—such as intricate exploration and intense combat—would not mesh well with a game seemingly centered on rapid map exploration and survival tactics against formidable bosses. Initially, I perceived Nightreign as a potential fleeting experience, one I might play occasionally before gravitating toward more substantial gaming adventures.
However, after participating in the Closed Network Test, I was pleasantly surprised. FromSoftware is not merely integrating its signature gameplay with cooperative and roguelike mechanics; it is doing so with remarkable finesse, resulting in a game brimming with potential. With some adjustments based on player feedback, Nightreign is poised to become an exceptional addition to the franchise.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
Elden Ring Nightreign establishes clear and straightforward mechanics. Players begin their adventures in the iconic Roundtable Hold, allowing them to assemble a team of up to three additional players. Each participant selects from one of four distinct Nightfarers—expandable to eight in the final release—each endowed with unique abilities. The objective is to endure for three days in a treacherous environment, culminating in a climactic battle against a primary boss on day three. Successful completion grants players relics, integral to the game’s permanent upgrade system, which enhances characters with diverse perks. Notably, relics can also be earned even if the players fall short in defeating the boss, ensuring that participation remains rewarding.
On the surface, the approach might seem straightforward; however, the reality of Nightreign is distinctly challenging. Players begin with minimal equipment, compelling them to gather superior weapons and gear by overcoming obstacles and minor bosses. Strategic exploration is further facilitated by the discovery of Sites of Graces, which restore health and focus points (FP) necessary for utilizing weapon skills. While teamwork can simplify encounters, the game introduces an innovative time constraint through a diminishing blue circle. As this circle shrinks, players must swiftly navigate to a designated location marked by a tree icon to confront that night’s boss and progress to the following day, making each minute count.
Roguelike Elements and Strategic Choices
Nightreign incorporates roguelike elements that significantly impact gameplay. Upon starting, players are met with randomly generated weapons and perks, requiring them to adapt their strategies dynamically. The Closed Network Test showcased a commendable variety of weapons, though many exhibited a lack of distinctive features beyond their unique weapon skills. This redundancy can create confusion; thus, streamlining the weapons to enhance differentiation would be beneficial, particularly given the game’s emphasis on swift movement and decision-making.
Throughout gameplay, players will encounter robust challenges such as invading bosses, including the notorious Margit the Fell Omen, who remains a formidable adversary and reminiscent of hurdles faced in Elden Ring. The stakes are high, though, true to FromSoftware’s design philosophy, death does not spell the end. Instead, players can be revived temporarily by teammates, adding layers of strategy to combat scenarios. Should revival fail, players are transported back to the last Site of Grace with a significant cost—losing all collected runes and one level, recoverable if players manage to return to their point of demise.
Identifying Areas for Improvement
The Closed Network Test offered a thrilling experience, particularly when playing in cohesive teams. However, several pivotal issues must be rectified for the game to realize its true potential by launch. Notably, the absence of duo matchmaking could pose a significant drawback. Given its popularity in other cooperative titles, such functionality should be considered to enhance gameplay variety and elevate the challenge, especially since many bosses remain relatively manageable even at lower levels.
Another pressing concern regards the game’s map variations. During the Network Test, the strategy largely revolved around acquiring as many Flask upgrades as possible to boost survivability, leading to predictable gameplay dynamics. Players often gravitated toward the same churches housing upgrade opportunities, resulting in repetitive experiences. If the final version fails to present diverse map designs, the thrill may rapidly diminish, reducing the adventure to merely a hurried scramble for Flask upgrades.
Anticipation for the Future
While the experience during the test phase wasn’t without its shortcomings, it undeniably reignited my enthusiasm regarding the innovative approach to the Souls gameplay framework presented in Elden Ring Nightreign. I eagerly await the game’s launch in late May, hopeful that FromSoftware will address the concerns raised during the Closed Network Test and fully harness the game’s immense potential.
Tested on PlayStation 5. Closed Network Test access provided by the publisher.
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