It's that time again, and I am back with another post about a video game (series) that is near and dear to my heart.

ELDEN RING.

My first foray into the "Soulslike" genre came with Dark Souls. Then Dark Souls 2. Then Bloodborne. Then Dark Souls 3. Unfortunately for me, I have yet to play through Demon's Souls (either the PS3 or PS5 versions).

ELDEN RING took some getting used to. What I particularly enjoyed about Dark Souls 2 and 3 is the semi-linear progression. Bonfire to bonfire, map to map. Dark Souls (1) had an intricate, interconnected map design that I think ELDEN RING wears on its sleeve. I wasn't as crazy about the open world design like many others were. I was burned out on open worlds. Discussing this with a friend, he gave me advice that opened my eyes to ELDEN RING's map design:

"Slow the fuck down, man"

So I did. I get it now. Explore the nooks and crannies, even if all you find there is a mushroom. This world, locked betwixt Life and Death, has so much more than mushrooms and giant bosses. Listen to the ambient sound, gaze into the skybox, marvel at the medieval architecture.

Just get out there and get lost.

Appreciate greivances, young apprentice.
-db