I have a long history with the game development studio, FromSoftware Inc. I first played Dark Souls 1 all the way back in 2011 and haven’t stopped playing their games since. Even today, I find myself returning to their titles. This speaks volumes about how much time and passion I have invested in this studio’s style and gameplay.
Among FromSoftware’s impressive library, Dark Souls 3 stood out as my favorite game of all time for years. Its intricate level design, challenging combat, and deep lore created an unforgettable experience that I cherished. When I heard about Elden Ring, it struck a chord in my heart. The anticipation was immense, as I wondered how they could possibly top Dark Souls 3.
Since Dark Souls, FromSoftware has released a myriad of games, all following a similar pattern and style, and each time, they are a hit. Don’t just take my word for it—people love these games. From Dark Souls to Bloodborne, from Sekiro to the Demon’s Souls remake, the consistent acclaim and fan devotion to these games demonstrate their quality and appeal. The unique blend of challenging combat, intricate world-building, and deep lore keeps us coming back.
Elden Ring holds a special place in my heart. The year was 2019; I was just finishing up high school when the first trailer for Elden Ring was released. We wouldn’t get an official release for the game until February 25, 2022. The wait was excruciating, but it was worth every second. FromSoftware games had been a source of comfort and escape for me during rough patches, and the anticipation for Elden Ring was immense. When the game finally released, it did not disappoint. Millions of players shared my enthusiasm, and it quickly became evident that Elden Ring was destined to be the Game of the Year.
The game features a fantastic map and world design, combined with the most refined combat system and boss design FromSoftware has ever developed. They knocked it out of the park. The world-building and environmental storytelling were impeccable, creating an immersive and engaging experience. Other development studios even delayed their releases to avoid competing with Elden Ring’s overwhelming presence. It was a magnificent release.
Cut to exactly one year after the release of Elden Ring, and we get the first mention of the DLC: Shadow of the Erdtree. The hype was palpable. If the base game was so good, what more could they have in store for us? The anticipation was incredible. The first hint we got was a simple piece of artwork, and that alone had everyone gasping for air.
Another year went by, and we got our first trailer, stoking the flames of excitement even further. The release date was set for June 21st, 2024. When June rolled around, we were all unbelievably ready. Just before the DLC’s release, director Hidetaka Miyazaki mentioned that the new content would be as large as Limgrave, a small section of the base game’s map. This seemed like a tactic to temper expectations, but upon release, it was clear the DLC was much larger, perhaps even as expansive as a full game.
Shadow of the Erdtree delivered more bosses, more lore, new areas, and new items to discover. The world design and world-building were once again top-notch, providing a vast and open map to explore. The challenge of the bosses and the combat in general was a defining feature of this DLC. In most FromSoftware games, bosses are the focal point of design and everything that people love. It’s the bosses that make or break a title in their library, and in this DLC, the bosses truly shine.
However, there are certainly some aspects that didn’t hit as well as others. Some bosses feel a bit overtuned, and a few areas are somewhat empty. That being said, it’s hard to notice these issues when you are having fun exploring or fighting bosses. Honestly, who cares if a boss is a little overtuned? We come back for the challenging bosses anyway, so it’s hard to take off points if a boss is “too hard.”
I do not wish to mention any bosses by name in this review, as I don’t want to spoil the experience for anyone who might be interested in playing. Suffice it to say, the bosses are truly the highlight of this DLC, making it a must-play for any Elden Ring fan.
Overall, Elden Ring remains a masterpiece, deserving of 5/5 oranges. Its DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, is a brilliant addition, earning 4.8/5 oranges. FromSoftware continues to set the bar high, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
