FromSoftware’s gameplay preview for Elden Ring, which premiered on YouTube and Twitch on November 4 at 7 AM PDT / 10 AM ET. The gameplay preview provided an in-depth look at many of the gameplay features in the Souls-like fantasy game, including the game’s map, terrain, and even boss fights.
Elden Ring is a dark fantasy RPG from the collaborative minds of George R. R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki. The game, which is scheduled to be released on February 22, 2022, will feature combat mechanics and UI similar to Dark Souls, combined with a large open world that players can explore on horseback. The world, which was on display in the recent gameplay preview, is larger than other worlds featured in FromSoftware’s previous games. And though Elden Ring shares many similarities with Souls games of the past, it maintains its own setting, characters, and other worldbuilding elements. The game has garnered attention since its announcement trailer over two years ago, but updates have been far and few between. Now that FromSoftware has started to share more about the new IP, observant fans have begun making connections to RPGs of the past.
During the recent Elden Ring gameplay preview presented by Elden Ring’s open world on horseback when a dragon swooped in from the sky. The protagonist quickly dodged and a lengthy battle ensued. The horned beast breathed fire and executed deadly bite attacks, and often evaded counterattacks by flying into the sky. It wasn’t clear in the video who prevailed, but the gameplay sparked Skyrim comparisons from commenters, who also claimed the dragon looked like something straight out of Game of Thrones.
Watch the Elden Ring gameplay preview on YouTube here.
While Elden Ring doesn’t share many similarities with Skyrim at face value, it can be said that the game’s massive open-world and RPG elements give it some kind of resemblance to Bethesda’s 10-year-old RPG. The dragon fight featured in the gameplay preview did also seem eerily familiar, as the battle felt like something straight out of Tamriel. Skyrim players are often interrupted by dragons during play sessions, as the ancient creatures swoop through the sky to attack players. Executing attacks on the ground, as well as retreating to the sky is a staple dragon strategy in Skyrim, and it seems similar tactics are employed by Elden Ring’s winged beasts.
The Skyrim comparison seems to hold merit, specifically with the dragon fight during Elden Ring’s gameplay preview. Still, there are many aspects of FromSoftware’s game that the developer is keeping under wraps, so any true comparisons will have to be made when the game finally releases in early 2022. Until then, excited fans will have to replay the dragon fight on Twitch or YouTube, or make sure they're signed up for the Elden Ring Closed Network Tests beginning on November 12.
Elden Ring will release on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S platforms on February 22, 2022.
Source: Bandai Namco Europe/YouTube
