Elden Ring Nightreignis the latest title from Japanese developer FromSoftware, and it is poised to deliver a unique experience that no other Soulslike has matched. By applying a roguelike framework with battle royale elements to a Souls playing field,Elden Ring Nightreignwill expand the genre into a run-based, predominantly multiplayer space that it rarely ventures in. RecycledElden Ringassets inNightreignare fueling the whole experiment, and even if it’s not the next big single-player title that some fans want, it could still end up being a worthwhile experience.
Many familiarElden Ringelements are still present, including a large portion of its enemy roster and the general aesthetics it used, as well as the basic gameplay. WhereNightreign’s new twists come in are its additional use ofDark Soulsenemies, as well as the presence of several playable Nightfarers in theplace of a standardElden Ringcustom character. Combined with the game’s random elements and light character progression systems,Elden Ring Nightreignwill be a novel game that still appeals to Souls regulars, though one traditional feature needs to return with a vengeance in FromSoftware’s next single-player project.
Elden Ring Nightreign Has Done Away With Character Creation
BothElden Ring Nightreignand FromSoftware’s recently announced Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive,The Duskbloods, are run-based multiplayer-oriented Soulslikes backed by rosters of distinct playable characters, and neither are FromSoftware’s standard fare. The basic gameplay and general vibe of these projects harken back to priorFromSoftware titles likeElden RingandBloodborne, but right from the moment players start each game, something’s absence will be felt.Demon’s Souls’ legacy character creation system appears to be completely absent in FromSoftware’s current slate of games, and it needs to come back in a big way once the next wave rolls in.
Creating a Character Is A Beloved Part Of FromSoftware’s Games
Although getting to personally control more of FromSoftware’s well-designed characters is welcome, building one’s own character from scratch in an RPG has a timeless appeal. Whether it’s being able to cosplay whoever the player pleases, making a neon-colored mutant, deciding on a playstyle based on the starting class and gift item choices, or freely customizing build and appearance later, there are plenty of upsides tocustom characters that have benefited theDark Soulstrilogy,Bloodborne, andElden Ringitself. Taking a break from them is fine, but the system deserves to come back, and ideally it will be even better after its vacation.
FromSoftware’s Next Game Needs To Take Character Creation To Even Greater Heights
There Is Still Room To Improve Elden Ring’s Custom Characters
When FromSoftware next implements its character creation system, it should be all that it was before, and more. The perimeters that allow for freaks of nature should still be present, but it should also try to match the detailedcharacter building of Team Ninja’sWo Long: Fallen DynastyandRise of the Ronin. Deeper is better when it comes to player character customization, and that should extend to more mechanical aspects as well. The usual class choice should return as an equally iconic feature, but FromSoftware can do so much more with it.
Deprived, Wretch, and their equivalents can remain the blank slates they usually are, but players should otherwise be allowed to build their own custom starting class. This will require careful balancing, especially because thestarting levels are rarely equal in number betweenSoulsclasses, but even the chance to switch out some equipment and weapons for other starting gear could make a world of difference.Elden Ring Nightreign’s pre-built roster is compelling for what it is, but FromSoftware needs to bring back character creation in its most impressive form yet.
