Elden Ring Nightreign Review – Praise the Night

As a gamer, I’m finding myself immersed in FromSoftware’s latest creation, Elden Ring Nightreign. Initially, I shared the skepticism of many, wondering if this would mark FromSoftware stepping into the realm of live services, a path that can often feel dark and dismal.

However, as I delve deeper into its world, my concerns seem to be fading away, replaced by excitement for this new multiplayer-focused Soulsborne experience.

After investing approximately 60 hours into our recent review, I’m pleased to dispel any worries and confirm that Elden Ring Nightreign lives up to the expectations of a Souls game crafted by FromSoftware.

A Very Different Kind of Souls Game That Manages to Keep Its Soul

Is Elden Ring Nightreign the name of a new game? While its title may lead you to believe it’s a sequel or expansion like Shadow of the Erdtree for the original Elden Ring, that’s not exactly the case. It can be seen as a continuation in some ways, but it is also a standalone adventure with only subtle connections to Elden Ring. FromSoftware has confirmed that it is a multiplayer spinoff game set within the same universe as Elden Ring, but it does not follow the original storyline or serve as a prequel. Instead, it offers an alternative experience in a parallel universe.

For all Elden Ring enthusiasts concerned about multiplayer aspects potentially damaging the core game, rest assured, there’s no need for concern. While some may argue that this could be a potential problem based on their playtime, I personally believe it wouldn’t have been an issue in the first place. The gaming experience complements rather seamlessly with what Elden Ring initially provided.

In this discussion, there won’t be any story spoilers for those intrigued. However, let me emphasize that Elden Ring Nightreign incorporates a substantial quest for those seeking narrative depth. It boasts numerous cutscenes, multiple storylines for each playable character (Nightfarers), and an abundance of lore hidden within text and other elements. Initially, I had modest expectations, anticipating only multiplayer matchmaking and endless runs similar to the previous closed beta test. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find it offered a remarkably comparable experience to my first playthrough of Elden Ring, where I progressed through a section of the map, only to discover there was much more to uncover. The game provided numerous instances of “wow, there’s more?” moments, even by the time I had reached end-game and fresh content continued to emerge in terms of playable material. This unique emotional journey is challenging to describe, possibly due to the game’s expansive nature, its sense of exploration and awe, and the freedom it grants to take control and do as one pleases. Nightreign shares the distinctive Elden Ring essence, despite the games having many similarities at their core. Interestingly, Nightreign also features an authentic campaign comprising a beginning, middle, and end, which was unexpected. I believe fans will appreciate the story’s offering here.

In this game, Nightreign, the vast storyline and intricate details are truly awe-inspiring, yet they lay the groundwork for its most remarkable innovation: multiplayer functionality. This isn’t simply an added bonus; it is the very pulse of the game, skillfully integrated into every facet of the gaming experience, even though the game offers single-player mode as well. The question remains, how does FromSoftware transform a Souls game’s solitary and challenging adventure into a shared world without compromising its core? To be honest, I’m still struggling to articulate an answer for this, as what FromSoftware has achieved here might just be one of the best games I’ve played all year.

Fundamentally, Elden Ring Nightreign can be described as a multiplayer title that combines aspects from various successful online genres, like the closing ring concept from Battle Royale games and the looting system found in extraction shooters for acquiring high-level equipment. However, it’s essential to note that this isn’t a game following trends or offering live service features. Instead, these familiar mechanics are skillfully reinvented and seamlessly integrated into the game, serving its distinct vision rather than shaping its design. These elements feel less like borrowed features and more like organic advancements within the Soulsborne genre, gently improving the core experience while establishing its own identity, all while remaining true to the essence of a Souls game.

While it’s important for the next Souls series installment to adhere to its classic structure and foundational elements, Nightreign demonstrates that FromSoftware has the ability to innovate and reshape the definition of what a “Souls game” encompasses. It provides an exciting, unforeseen multiplayer experience without compromising its rich history.

In Nightreign’s gameplay structure, you select one character from a current pool of eight (with more to come for free), team up with two other players, either friends or randomly matched through the system, and embark on an adventure in Limveld, which is similar to Limgrave from Elden Ring in this universe. This sprawling map offers numerous locations to discover and optional bosses to battle. Regrettably, Nightreign currently only features one map, but even after investing 60 hours, I continue to enjoy exploring it due to its unpredictable nature.

The main objective in this game is to locate and defeat various bosses to advance, gathering equipment as you go to create character builds that will help you face one of the numerous Nightlords, the final bosses. The gameplay is divided into three stages: day one, day two, and the Nightlord battle. During each day, you need to be mindful of a shrinking play area, similar to Battle Royales, which forces you towards specific regions and compels you to confront particular bosses. This introduces a time limit, contrasting with Souls games where players often explore at their own pace, delving into every corner of an area for hidden treasures. Instead, here the focus is on swift movement and prioritizing crucial elements.

Some of you might be wondering, “How can this game be like a Souls game?” But give it some time and try it for yourself, and you’ll soon see that the similarities are more apparent than you may initially think. This game is incredibly difficult, not only due to its intense combat mechanics, but also because it forces you to adapt your usual Soulsborne strategies. The shrinking map and the necessity to make quick decisions about optimization and build management adds a whole new layer of stress that fits perfectly within a FromSoftware title. It’s a unique challenge, but one that aligns beautifully with the kind of game it aspires to be.

Generally speaking, a game session lasting 40 minutes to an hour against the Nightlord may seem lengthy on the surface, but the passage of time often goes unnoticed due to the thrill of overcoming challenges, which is central to Souls games. Each defeat to the Nightlord would prompt me and fellow fans to exclaim “I can beat them one more time,” only to find ourselves repeating this mantra multiple times, despite swearing it was our last go nearly five hours ago. Inevitably, the elapsed hours would slip by unnoticed because the exhilaration of conquering obstacles is a cornerstone of Souls games, and Nightreign mirrors that feeling flawlessly, even with its condensed, structured gameplay. It’s the undeniable sense of progress through determination that many Souls enthusiasts cherish, and the feeling of accomplishment upon defeating the Nightlord remains as powerful today as it ever did in the Lands Between.

Play Together. Die Together. Experience Together.

While it’s possible to play Nightreign solely by yourself, I strongly suggest considering the multiplayer experience instead, unless boasting about your accomplishments is a priority for you. FromSoftware designed the game to be playable both alone and with others, but there are some key differences. For instance, enemies have less health in solo mode, and you’ll find unique items to aid you on your journey. However, even though it’s more manageable, it remains quite challenging and deviates from the usual Souls gameplay. If you’re already finding these types of games difficult, I wouldn’t recommend tackling Nightreign alone due to the time-limited nature of the game. It can be done, but it might not be the best choice.

Speaking of which, let’s discuss the multiplayer element now. In the Souls series, you’ve always had the option to team up with your friends in cooperative play. However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing, as players are typically confined to specific zones and require a password system for joining each other, along with placing signs. But with Nightreign, these issues have been addressed! Although the password system remains, invitations are now handled through a lobby before starting a game. Furthermore, you can directly invite friends, much like in other online games, making it easier than ever to play together and eliminating the past hassles of cooperative play.

What truly elevates the gaming experience in Nightreign is its smoothness. Unlike other games where you’re confined to certain areas or must perform awkward summoning rituals, here you and your companions can journey together seamlessly, facing challenges as a united force from beginning to end. This freedom significantly boosts the game’s cooperative allure, making Nightreign feel like the Souls-like game you’ve always dreamed of playing with friends. In this game, you can embark on your adventure side by side with your friends from start to finish, never missing out on their experiences while still having the freedom to do as you please when they’re busy elsewhere. There are numerous instances where we played together and chose to split up to explore more ground and gather more loot to share among ourselves. The Runes you earn are shared regardless of whether or not you actually strike an enemy, and the gear is all droppable, though your inventory space may be limited.

The game is designed so that it’s more manageable if you work together, but don’t assume that having a larger group means it will be easy. In fact, we’ve found it to be quite challenging, and even lost countless times, forcing us to retrieve our runes after each defeat – only to face the same enemy again and lose yet again. Yes, sometimes we’ve even been defeated by the simplest of enemies.

Hey there, fellow gamer! You know what’s fascinating about those awkward moments we’ve all had in multiplayer games? They might have been a bit cringe-worthy at times, but they’re something we all experienced together, simultaneously. That’s the magic of seamless multiplayer integration – every second you play, every move you make, every victory or defeat – it’s all shared with everyone else. This isn’t just a solitary adventure anymore; it’s a joint struggle and a collective success story. It creates bonds that last and memories that can never be erased, with each close call and well-earned victory.

Playing Thatgamecompany’s Journey brought back memories of a game where the length might have been brief, but the experience lasted beyond it. In this journey, you encountered strangers, collaborated, and when we reached the summit together, there was an overwhelming feeling of camaraderie and achievement. It was like we were all sharing mutual support and exploration, much like the moment when Nightreign’s credits rolled.

Progression Is All About Builds

In Nightreign, unlike the Souls series games, there’s no persistent progression system. Instead, the game adopts a run-based system where all progress made during a run, such as leveling up and acquiring better weapons, is lost upon completion. However, you can equip relics, which provide various effects, to carry over some benefits between runs. These relics are limited to three at a time before starting a new run, but they’re not game-breaking – they can help in a significant way, but they won’t make the game easy by any means.

In this game, the emphasis is shifted towards customizing and optimizing the chosen character, rather than relying on simple leveling up to overcome challenges. Instead of overpowering bosses by sheer levels, you must approach each encounter tactically, considering the kind of loot drops you desire and how they complement your character’s build. For instance, a Raider character can endure a significant amount of damage but moves slowly and consumes a lot of stamina with attacks and dodges. Therefore, to optimize his performance, it would be beneficial to prioritize improving his stamina, while also considering passive perks that enhance damage negation, allowing him to withstand heavy blows and dish out more damage in return.

The Executor’s health is low, but it dishes out significant damage. Particularly in situations involving bleed and crits, these aspects are worth emphasizing. If you jump into a game without understanding each character’s unique traits first, you’re likely to struggle. That was my experience when I began, selecting a character that didn’t suit me well initially. However, I realized later on that the problem lay more in my poor construction of the character rather than their inherent flaws. With time and learning about the optimal build for them, they eventually became one of my preferred characters to play.

Admittedly, while navigating through various Souls series, I seldom focused on my character build. When confronted with difficulties, I’d simply upgrade my character, obtain a superior weapon, and hope for the best against bosses using an underoptimized setup. However, Nightreign has given me new insights into the significance of builds within the series, and I appreciate its approach to progression. This method not only amplifies the thrill of playing, but also serves as a valuable lesson for players about the importance of character builds in mainline Souls games.

There are Even Random Events and Side Quests, Though Some Things Can Be Improved

In my critique, I’ve been quite optimistic towards Nightreign. There aren’t many aspects that I don’t appreciate, and I believe FromSoftware could enhance the minor issues with some updates focusing on quality of life improvements. Let’s delve into two significant elements I haven’t mentioned thus far: the random occurrences and Remembrances.

In this game, a feature called “Shifting Earth” occasionally transforms parts of Limveld into completely new regions to maintain variety. At present, the game offers four such events: a vast crater and an icy mountain peak, a decaying forest, and an abandoned lost city.

On the second day of our gaming adventure, I eagerly anticipate tackling those intense Shifting Earth events. Marked in red, they signal the presence of challenging bosses. However, as with any high-stakes endeavor, there’s also a substantial payoff. Each Shifting Earth event conceals a secret boost, valuable items, and even weapon enhancements waiting to be claimed. So, despite the possibility of losing some progress, these events are more than worth the challenge, offering enticing rewards that make every victory feel all the sweeter.

Instead of focusing on the decaying forest (due to its decay), the experiences within it are exceptional, offering a thrilling twist to the game’s main loop by introducing something novel yet demanding. This additional layer of uncertainty provides a richer experience, as players grapple with whether navigating through these areas is worth the risk or if they should opt for a safer path instead.

Or,

The forest, despite its state of decay, hosts extraordinary events that significantly enrich the gameplay by introducing an unexpected challenge. This unpredictable aspect adds depth and complexity to the players’ choices, making them weigh whether braving through these areas is worthwhile or if they should stick to a safer route.

Apart from the listed occurrences, gamers may stumble upon exclusive adversaries, known as raid battles, which I’ll leave for you to discover.

I appreciate the new additions, but there’s one aspect I feel could be improved or clarified more. The Shifting Earth events are generally well-received (with the exception of Rotting Forest, which I don’t enjoy), yet their rarity is a point of contention for me and other players. It seems that once they occur, they seldom reappear unless you happen to meet someone experiencing them for the first time. This is puzzling because these events showcase some of the game’s best content, but even after many hours of play, I haven’t encountered them again. The instructions on how they function weren’t entirely clear, but in any case, it would be great if FromSoftware could boost their appearance rate or enhance their implementation.

In addition to Remembrances, there are optional stories that each character offers. These consist of a series of missions with their corresponding scenes, distinctive locations, bosses related to these quests, and even separate conclusions. I must admit, the quality of these side stories in this Souls game is among the best I’ve encountered. However, similar to Shifting Earth, my concern lies not in the content itself but rather in gaining access to them and the restrictions placed on how much a player can accomplish at once.

To use Remembrances, you need to navigate to the hub, pick a location, and then choose it from the journal’s menu. To view your current task, go back to the journal, start a character’s Remembrance, open it again, and read the objective there. Despite other aspects being streamlined, it seems unusual that this menu isn’t more easily accessible – perhaps it could be integrated into the main menu or character selection screen. While it’s not a major issue, it can still be slightly frustrating.

In Remembrances, it’s important to note that only one member can perform a Remembrance action during a party session. This means if a member is currently engaged in an on-field quest (excluding those targeting the killing of a specific Nightlord), the other party members must wait for their turn in the subsequent run. This seems unnecessary and it’s peculiar that the Remembrance quests of other party members don’t appear for assistance, allowing multiple quests to be active simultaneously.

These concerns, at least, seem to be something that could be addressed rather than being fundamental flaws with the core gameplay mechanics. While they may not be the most significant issues, I believe it’s important that FromSoftware is made aware of them and that others voice their opinions so these aspects can be improved.

If there were a significant issue to address, it would be the absence of cross-platform play. Given my personal gaming experiences and the popularity of previous Souls games, I’m confident that Nightreign won’t struggle with its online community for an extended period. However, even if it does, I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment at not having the option to play across various platforms. Since I played this on PlayStation, mainly because most of my friends own it, I would have greatly preferred experiencing it on PC. Unfortunately, none of my friends possess a powerful enough computer to run the game smoothly there, leaving me with no choice but to play on PS5. While the game performs decently overall on PS5, the lack of crossplay remains a letdown.

Ending the Nightreign on a High Note

Initially, I harbored doubts about Elden Ring: Nightreign as FromSoftware ventured into uncharted multiplayer territory. However, after numerous adventures and joint victories with fellow players, it’s evident that my reservations were misplaced. Nightreign isn’t merely a multiplayer spin-off; instead, it showcases FromSoftware’s knack for innovation while preserving the core appeal of what makes Souls games so captivating. It brilliantly combines the relentless challenge and intricate lore we’ve grown accustomed to with an immersive, thrilling cooperative experience that redefines what a ‘Souls game’ can be. I hope the main series stays true to its roots, but Nightreign demonstrates that a daring new path can be forged, offering an engaging, addictive loop that will keep you and your friends returning for more. It’s undoubtedly one of the year’s outstanding titles, a shared adventure you won’t easily forget.

Score: 9.5/10

Pros:

Surprisingly, a lot of content, including story, lore, and side stories.
Focusing on character build and strategic play that really makes you think about the gear you use rather than trying to brute-force your way through things.
Combat is fantastic for all the pre-built classes, a playstyle made for every Souls fan.
Seamless multiplayer experience.
Tons of enemies, and it’s almost like a gauntlet of FromSoftware’s greatest hits.
High replayability.
Soundtrack – For a spinoff, FromSoftware sure doesn’t hold anything back regarding music.

Cons:

Lack of crossplay.
No duo queueing

2025-05-28 17:06