Despite there being quite a number of noteworthy releases in early 2022, Elden Ring probably has the most hype. Yesterday, FromSoftware had announced that it would be revealing 15 minutes of gameplay from Elden Ring in the next 24 hours, and now fans finally have a detailed look at the gameplay features and world design of the game.
Elden Ring was supposed launch in January of 2022, but it was recently delayed by approximately a month. The Summer Game Fest trailer gave a glimpse at the combat, but only bits and pieces of new information have been revealed since then. The trailer just released by FromSoftware is a full gameplay demo that goes deep into the mechanics of Elden Ring. The footage is from the PC version, and should not be considered as a representation of the quality of the full game on release.
The trailer begins by showing a site of grace, which likely acts as a Dark Souls-style bonfire. The character then summons a mount and begins exploring the world of Elden Ring. A dragon attacks immediately afterwards and the player is seen using magic attacks while being mounted. It is then revealed that Elden Ring will have Spirit Springs scattered around the world that can be used to launch the player high in the air, bypassing the need to climb or find a path to higher ground.
Various aspects of the combat and new exploration mechanics are discussed throughout the video, and it seems like Elden Ring will be packed with features. In addition, it is confirmed that Elden Ring will have a map, along with item crafting as well as stealth. The world design seems to be a lot more open than any previous games made by FromSoftware.
The art is stellar as always and the video features some truly gorgeous vistas. Using the instantaneous summoning and de-summoning animation of the mount as an example, it also looks like Elden Ring will come with many QOL features that are perhaps not present in other open world games.
Elden Ring is just a few months away and it is strange that fans never got to see a full gameplay demo up until now. Regardless, it does look like the game will be worth the wait. Anyone who wants to play Elden Ring before release may consider taking part in the network test that takes place later this month.
Elden Ring is releasing for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on February 25, 2022.