"Elden Ring": Why the game became such a phenomenon in the world of Soulslike games

1. Open world: Return to the essence of freedom
One of the main elements that sets Elden Ring apart from previous FromSoftware games is its open world. If earlier games of the Souls series, such as "Dark Souls" or "Bloodborne", offered corridor levels with limited freedom, then in "Elden Ring" players got a huge territory, where every corner is filled with dangers, mysteries and opportunities for discovery.

All the locations of the game are interconnected without any "segments" or successive loading screens, which allows the player to choose the path at his own discretion, explore the worlds or go in search of new monsters, bosses and secrets. The horizontal exploration possibilities are one of the main attractive features of the game: while traveling through the vast plains, the player may encounter unexpected phenomena that instantly change his perception of the game's mechanics.

In addition, unlimited mobility thanks to the possibility of riding a horse (especially a colt - Torrent) gave more freedom in movement. This greatly expanded the range of tactics, because you can quickly retreat from enemies or cover long distances to search for secret places.

2. Battle System: A dynamic and strategic approach to each battle
Like all previous games from FromSoftware, "Elden Ring" offers a combat system that is deep, complex, but fair. However, the biggest change here is the complete overhaul of the combat mechanics, which takes into account the open world and greater player mobility.

Battles in "Elden Ring" have become more dynamic and adaptive, thanks to the integration of numerous mechanics. For example, for the first time in the series, it was possible to use magical and physical attacks in a set, which allows you to vary strategies depending on the situation on the battlefield. In addition, thanks to a huge arsenal of weapons, magic and abilities, each battle can be played differently - from intense melee attacks to distant magical duels.

Battles with bosses, which have become one of the most famous and most attractive parts of the game, deserve special attention. Many compare these battles to the big monsters and epic moments from the previous parts of the series, but in "Elden Ring" all these battles are on a huge scale. Each boss is a test not only of strength, but also of endurance, as the game features huge boss fights where you not only need to be nimble, but also skillfully use various strategies.

3. World and lore: Cult characters and mysterious stories
Perhaps one of the most important features of "Elden Ring" is its literary and story component, which works no less effectively than the gameplay. The game appeared before the players as a real mythological epic, revealing an incredibly deep lore and many characters, each of which has its place in a huge world.

The story in "Elden Ring" does not try to impose a plot through direct dialogues or scripts. Instead, the story is told through the environment, details, and interactions with NPCs. Each location element, each ruin or labyrinth contains hints of great secrets that need to be revealed. The player's task is to independently interpret the events taking place and find their place in a world full of battles and intrigues.

A special place in this world is occupied by numerous NPCs with whom you can have conversations, receive quests or even make alliances. Many of them have their own internal conflicts, ambitions, and sometimes secret motives, which adds depth and multifacetedness to every element of the game.

4. Challenges and Rewards: Challenges as part of the experience
Without a doubt, one of the main reasons Elden Ring has become so popular is its difficulty and constant challenges. Players are used to the fact that games from FromSoftware are not just entertainment, but a real test of endurance and strategic thinking.

But the difficulty of the game is not just random - it is part of the player's experience and self-realization. Every defeat in battle is a lesson, every successful boss is a victory that the player has earned. This is what allows players to feel the immense satisfaction of progress, which is part of the magic of the Souls series.

5. Why did "Elden Ring" become such a phenomenon?
Elden Ring is not just a game, it is a phenomenon that changed the face of Soulslike games and video games in general. Its open world, where every corner has its own secret, a deep combat system that allows you to apply various strategies, and a magical lore that is revealed gradually through interaction with the surrounding world, create a unique atmosphere that is difficult to compare with other projects.

Open world, combat mechanics, mysterious lore and challenges that the player can overcome at his own discretion - this made Elden Ring so exciting that it immediately became an icon in the world of Soulslike games, setting a new standard for video games in general.