ELDEN RING

This game doesn't really need a review, so I'll keep it brief - it lives up to the hype. Outstanding graphics (if you turn on ray tracing or use a ReShade preset that does post-processed ray tracing - I suggest Eden VOLITION), a lot of content, multiple endings, and good combat (but IMO only or especially if you mod it). However, I suggest that if the game isn't exactly the way you want it that you check out the mods available for it at Nexus Mods and also to be sure to put points into Vigor. I originally quit my 1st playthrough attempt but after doing the things I mentioned (putting points into Vigor and also downloading a "Sekiro deflect" and Posture Bar mods from Nexus Mods), I made it through my 2nd attempt and had a blast.

Absolutely amazing game. Most people know it now but it's ridiculously tough, brutal, and beautiful. Plays perfect on Steam Deck if you have one. 9.5/10 would recommend.

It's a masterpiece. It's a huge world. Many secrets. Very pretty. Very open. There's no nonsense "level scaling". You can beat the whole thing at level 1, if you're talented enough. There's no gear checks. Getting fancier equipment, upgrading it, and leveling up certainly make the game easier, but it's never a hard block. You don't get the bethesda style nonsense of "you're level 5 so you only find iron armor, and the monsters are just challenging enough". The combat is very good. It's "difficult" in that it's easy to die. The game expects you to learn how to play it, but it is rarely asking for superhuman reflexes. Just calm nerves and attention. But it is not an easy game where you just cruise through without any struggle. Once you accept that in-game dying doesn't really matter, it's a lot less stressful. You might lose some unspent resources, but they're easy to get more of. If you've never played a game like this, expect the first few hours to be intense. It's not a padded theme park where the enemies are paper tigers propped up to make you feel good about yourself. That undead knight is going to impale you until you figure out a way to deal with him, and you'll feel like a god when you do. And then some hours later you'll realize that the monsters that kicked your ass at the start barely register as a threat anymore. Not because your gear and numbers are bigger, but because you're better at the game. You can start a new game (or play one of the other fromsoft games - they're all good) and kick ass from the start. You did it. The multiplayer is alright. It's like the other fromsoft games in that you get summoned or invaded based on some in-game factors. There's not a traditional lobby. You can play with your friends but you'll have to work at it a little. There are many, many, weapons. And magics. And armors. And weapon arts. Many ways to play. There are no exploitive or abusive microtransactions or other nonsense. You get a complete game. It never breaks immersion afterwards. It's a masterpiece.

Such and excellent and additive game.

i went outside and instantly got folded

Fantastic story with great game mechanics. Just the right amount of difficult to be fun/challenging without being overwhelmingly difficult.

I'm about 5 hours in and the game is great. My only complaint is during one 2 hour play time one high level griefer kept coming back to my game at least 4 times to kill me. That sucked. But overall the games been great.

Amazing game. Huge open world with full of surprises. One of the best games i have ever played.