Elden Ring information continues to roll out, with today potentially being the fullest day yet. A YouTuber has uploaded 30 minutes of raw Elden Ring gameplay before the closed network test later this week, showing off the game's introduction and many different encounters.
Not too long ago Elden Ring was still a game shrouded in mystery. Elden Ring's appearance at Summer Game Fest earlier this year changed everything though, revitalizing fan interest, and with a steady stream of information since then, has revealed a game that looks like it will be well worth the wait. Last month FromSoftware announced a closed network test for Elden Ring to test the game's online servers, with invitations being sent out over the past few days. While this will be an opportunity for many people to try out the game, many content creators and publications have received early access.
YouTuber MKIceAndFire has uploaded 30 minutes of raw Elden Ring gameplay, consisting mostly of never-before-seen footage. The gameplay was recorded on a PS5 at 4K 60FPS, capturing Elden Ring in its greatest possible fidelity. MKIceAndFire starts in the beginning of the closed network test area, treking through caves littered with tutorials and enemies, before finally making it into the open-world, and exploring what is offered. MKIceAndFire in the video's description thanks Bandai Namco for providing them with early access to the game.
In the video, MKIceAndFire gives a first look at the game's HUD, which bears a strong resemblance to that of Dark Souls 3's UI with some exceptions. That game boldly reintroduced the Focus Points system originally seen in Demon's Souls, replacing the consumable Magic system present in Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2 with the blue bar in the upper left hand corner. As the gameplay shows, certain attacks such as Incantations and Sorceries will drain the bar, and when it is depleted, those attacks cannot be used. The other large UI changes shown include an unintrusive compass in the center screen, new displays for item crafting and inventory management, and obviously, Elden Ring's world map.
From the video, Elden Ring appears to be a smooth and ambitious evolution of FromSoftware's patented Souls-formula. Combining Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice's stealth and traversal mechanics, with the aesthetics and roots of Dark Souls really pays off here, no element looking trounced out by any other. Visually, the game may not appear that next-generation looking (which is likely in part to its release on old hardware), but for the game's scale and art design, it still is gorgeous in action. For those who not playing in Elden Ring's closed network test, February cannot come soon enough.
Elden Ring releases February 25, 2022 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.