FromSoftware's epic open-world action RPG Elden Ring allows players to immerse themselves in a strange and often tragic fantasy world. The layout of and depth of content found throughout the Lands Between benefit greatly from the 3D approach to open-world exploration games made popular by titles like Breath of the Wild. However, one gorgeous piece of fan art shows that Elden Ring would still be stunning and compelling as a 2D game.
The concept of demakes has been around for a while, leading dedicated fans to transform their favorite modern games into retro or retro-style ones. Several Elden Ring fans have posted pixel art versions of its characters and landscapes. However, the idea of changing a game from one set of mechanics to another is a bit more complicated.
Indie game developer Nauris Amatnieks recently took to Twitter to share a piece of detailed pixel art fan art depicting a climactic optional fight from Elden Ring. The focus is the battle between the player and the dangerous boss Malenia, Blade of Miquella, in her second phase. In the accompanying text, the artist asks the question of what would happen if Elden Ring was a 2D pixel art game. The answer appears to be simple: people would make a lot of comparisons to Blasphemous.
On one side of the image, a greatsword-wielding player is shown wearing heavy plate armor on their upper body and a red skirt on their lower body. On the other side, Malenia stands hunched over and clutching her prosthetic arm, which is locked around her blade. Behind her, her long red hair drifts upward and explodes into clouds of rot. The environment surrounding the two combatants is an eerily beautiful and unsettling recreation of the bottom of Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. Although a few stylistic liberties have been taken, the fan art does an excellent job of capturing the tone of the fight.
Other Elden Ring fans were impressed by Nauris Amatnieks' creation. Several users shared congratulations on the gorgeous pixel art and asked about the techniques used. However, one recurring theme was viewers comparing this piece to the graphics found in Blasphemous, a 2D hack and slash Metroidvania/Soulslike title. Blasphemous is well known for its mix of lush gothic art and the symbolism of religious horror, which surfaces in both player and enemy design. While this fan art lacks that overriding theme, its art style appears to be heavily influenced by the game's dark lighting and intricately detailed pixel art.
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.