FromSoftware has a reputation for making games harder than Flappy Bird. Although, unlike Flappy Bird, almost all FromSoftware games that came before Elden Ring have had more juice to the meat than just an unrewarding high score figure. All the while managing to give masochist gamers a thorough walloping in the name of progress and learning curve.
So why is this formula working? Do gamers want a challenge that other games simply tend to hide behind the difficulty toggle? Or are gamers tired of being spoon-fed objectives and lore? Elden Ring is the culminated answer to all of those questions. It’s tough as nails, and you’re allowed to piece together the lore at your whim and pace.
It’s as difficult as the souls-like games that came before it, but this time even if your path is blocked by a seemingly undefeatable boss, you’re allowed a detour of many hours before actually making progress with the main bosses. This choice to pick your fights in the open-world setting is what Elden Ring offers. Not to mention that the backbone of the lore is written by George R.R. Martin.