Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree continues the punishing gameplay and obscure storytelling that the base game kicked off, implementing some key changes while still remaining faithful to its most vital strengths. Shadow of the Erdtree shines a light on Elden Ring's dark lore as well, expanding its complex story with new content, though the style of delivery is decidedly distinct.
FromSoftware's games are known for their obtuse and aloof storytelling methods, which makes Shadow of the Erdtree's relatively straightforward main quest design stick out like a sore thumb. As players make their way through the expansion's central narrative, they are met with a series of notes left behind by either Miquella or by his followers, ushering them in the correct direction. Make no mistake, this doesn't make Shadow of the Erdtree "easy" by any means, nor does it detract from the sense of mystery that is paramount in FromSoftware's RPGs, but it is a notable change from the disconnected and lonesome storytelling methods of its predecessors. It's actually somewhat beneficial for Shadow of the Erdtree, but it's maybe not a trend FromSoftware should double-down on.
FromSoftware Should Restrain Itself With Text Hints Moving Forward
Shadow of the Erdtree's More Obvious Storytelling Shouldn't Be Exceeded
Though several of Shadow of the Erdtree's side quests maintain FromSoftware's typical approach to narrative structure and delivery, the hand-holding of the main questline is hard to ignore. In some ways, this is a great change of pace from other FromSoftware stories, sacrificing a bit of enigma at the altar of playability and engagement. In other words, while obfuscation and mystery have come to define FromSoftware's stories, these strengths can sometimes come at the cost of pacing and narrative clarity, making it hard for some to enjoy the plot; Shadow of the Erdtree seeks to achieve a better balance.
This is admirable, and a nice contrast to Shadow of the Erdtree's painful combat difficulty, but it's not hard to see how a similar philosophy could undermine future FromSoftware games. For example, if a Bloodborne sequel were to be released (God willing), and it included notes, text logs, or other abject exposition pointing players in the right direction, it would undermine its emphasis on cosmic horror. Players would be less likely to get lost, yes, but reducing or eliminating the risk of confusion would detract from what makes games like Bloodborne so iconic and impossible to emulate.
A less straightforward narrative structure isn't just about making things "harder," but about maintaining a specific tone and degree of interpretability.
FromSoftware May Not Want to Throw Out Shadow of the Erdtree's Storytelling Methods Entirely
The aforementioned downsides of more hand-holding are described under the assumption that FromSoftware would take the narrative structure of SotE further in future entries, but as it stands, the DLC's compromise works rather well. Indeed, its deft touch and gentle guidance could actually enhance other FromSoftware games, if implemented correctly.
FromSoftware's games, while often featuring incredible world-building and lore, are usually lacking in the story department, at least in the traditional sense. Characters, organizations, and civilizations with fascinating, brilliantly conceived backstories abound in these games, but the same cannot be said for emotionally moving, tense, consistently engaging narratives. Oftentimes, the bulk of FromSoftware stories occur off-screen or in the past, with the player taking on a role more akin to an archaeologist or researcher than an active participant.
So, although FromSoftware may want to be conservative in its use of SoTE-like storytelling methods, such methods don't have to be shelved definitively. There are benefits to FromSoftware leveraging more linear narrative techniques, so long as the essence of mystery is maintained, lest the developer lose a touch of its identity.
Elden Ring
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 95 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- February 25, 2022
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software
WHERE TO PLAY
ELDEN RING, developed by FromSoftware, Inc. And BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to date. Hidetaka Miyazaki - President and Game Director of FromSoftware Inc. Known for directing critically-acclaimed games in beloved franchises including Armored Core and Dark Souls.
George R.R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire - A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast For Crows, and A Dance with Dragons. As a writer-producer, he has worked on The Twilight Zone, Beauty and the Beast, and various feature films and pilots that were never made. He lives with the lovely Parris in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
- Engine
- Proprietary
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- PS4 & PS5 and Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
- Cross Save
- no
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- How Long To Beat
- 58 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- yes
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
