Anyone who follows me on Twitter probably knows I struggle more with FromSoft games than most. I’m fairly new to their RPG subgenre, having only played four of their games. I was introduced to Sekiro when it won Game of the Year. I hadn’t heard much about it and decided to check it out. It’s a game I want to enjoy but am so terrible at the result was a nasty rage quit–the only one I’ve ever had. So to finish any From Software game, for me, is a feat. But to receive the platinum trophy seems like an impossibility.
I should note I had a tremendous amount of help achieving the platinum trophy for Elden Ring. There’s no way I would have received that alone. The boss fights are difficult despite the narrative I keep seeing that the game is easy. It seems a bit easier than Sekiro. But I found Elden Ring just as difficult overall as Dark Souls 3. I am by no means an authority on the subject. I struggled through nearly every boss encounter (and many randoms throughout the open world), killing a few through sheer luck or after grinding for hours just to get a slight edge that probably didn’t really matter. I suck at these games. If it weren’t for a guy I work with doing most of the heavy lifting I wouldn’t have finished it let alone picked up the platinum trophy.
I considered starting over on a NG+ (or whatever it’s called). I still may. The news about George RR Martin consulting with From Software for the world-building of Elden Ring is, honestly, the only reason I decided to play. I have read some of his novels and his mind intrigues me. Discussions of game of Thrones often devolve into HBO’s final few seasons or the show’s series finale. It’s a sad statement considering the masterful work he put into that world. The idea he would be contributing to a video game for my attention. I could see his influences throughout and I find myself wanting more. But for now I’m stepping back.
I am interested in seeing what the PC modding community comes up with. I suspect Elden Ring will be a game supported by dedicated players long into the future. Maybe someone will even come up with some kind of blasphemous casual/easy mode. That’s something that could convince me to buy it again for PC. I don’t think I would survive a more difficult NG+.
Kropolis Gaming 