Avery
Well-Known Member
Been a hot minute and I gave Elden Ring another playthrough the past four weeks in a quick 60 hours. This time, I went with a mage build instead of melee but honestly felt that I probably cheated myself a bit because I did less exploring (knew exactly what catacombs/caves/etc. to avoid as it didn't have good stuff). I also didn't suffer myself through places that are a total pain like anywhere where's there's snow on the ground and especially the Haligtree. I also just YOLO'd it through Crumbling this time instead of going room by room as it's just death mobs left and right.Totally kidding. Good write up Avery even though my opinion is very different.
I just passed 100 hours and I'm still in my first playthrough and I'm still finding stuff to kill that blows my mind. Up until the very endgame I'm still discovering new weapons and with crazy arts and incantations that look amazing and can blow through a boss's HP meter. I don't think I've ever been more satisfied with a game. This is personal GOAT material. This is just my first go around and I still have about 7-10 big bosses to go from what I can tell.
I probably won't stop here either, I ran a Strength/Faith build and I can take this one to NG+ and also there are at least three other builds I want to try out (I mean I'm a grown man who doesn't have this kind of time but I can dream)
Anyways if you can catch on to the game play loop that a souls game offers I highly recommend it. I'd recommend giving it a try at least if you haven't tried one of them before.
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I think on NG+, it should have randomized placement of some items a bit more to encourage exploration. Magic definitely gives a different playstyle that when done effectively almost felt like cheating. Stuff like Comet Azur is still overpowered and just melts stationary bosses.
Anyway, now I'm officially done with it. I think the game would have been better served ending at the Capitol as the endgame is still painfully unbalanced and a bit empty. IMO, this was a good experiment from the developer, but Dark Souls-like games should be a linear experience IMO as it just translates to a more refined gaming experience.