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- Elden Ring Nightreign is a co-op spinoff with roguelike elements.
- Nightreign will feature bosses and icons from past Souls games.
- With its peculiar gameplay design and nostalgia elements, it looks suspiciously like a cash grab.
Throughout gaming history, many explosive successes have occurred, and almost every time, the IP in question was renewed for sequels, DLCs, spin-offs, etc. This was generally appreciated; however, in most cases, this continuation extended to the point of milking the original’s success.
The magic of the originator can only carry the franchise for so long, and that’s completely fine. It’s an indication to move on. But what if the companies do not want to do so and instead make as much money off a phenomenal success as possible? Is Elden Ring Nightreign the same?
Why it matters: As thrilling as a new Elden Ring sounds, the point that it feels like an attempt to exploit the IP’s popularity with nostalgia remains a valid concern.
Elden Ring Nightreign, A Co-Op Spinoff
Wait, a new Elden Ring game? Trust me, I’m just as surprised as you are. Something like this is completely unprecedented for FromSoftware.
So, what exactly is this rather peculiar game? When the trailer played, at first I thought it was a second DLC for Elden Ring. However, as the trailer progressively became weirder, coupled with the prior knowledge of Elden Ring having only one DLC, the logical answer was, “It’s a new Elden Ring game.”
That is indeed correct. Elden Ring Nightreign is a spinoff with vastly different gameplay mechanics. It’s a co-op adventure in The Lands Between, where you select an initial class, team up to eliminate waves, gather loot, and prepare yourself for the boss at the end of the room.
It’s apparently not a GaaS, even though it looks suspiciously like one, but a standalone fan service game. Alongside the standard gameplay, it features extra abilities, improved mobility across the area, new loot, can be played either solo or in 3-player teams (no 2-player support), and one other surprise.
A Throwback To Past Games
As if an Elden Ring spin-off with co-op and loot-focused mechanics wasn’t arcane enough, FromSoftware had a lot more jaw-dropping moments packed in that reveal trailer. It all started when the Nameless King suddenly made an appearance as a boss.
If you’re a new player unfamiliar with the past Souls games, Nameless King is a boss from Dark Souls 3. Seeing this fan-favorite icon make a grand entrance was enough to melt countless hearts, mine included.
And that’s not all. Bosses and figures from past Souls games like Demon Centipede, Firekeeper, and even a Lady Maria-lookalike referencing Bloodborne could be spotted in the trailer. Elden Ring Nightreign is fan service at its very peak, an All-Stars-like setting I’m crazy for.
This is the lunatic Souls fan in me speaking. However, things are a little different when I switch to voice of reason.
Is Elden Ring Nightreign Just Nostalgia Bait?
Elden Ring Nightreign is an absolute delight for every Souls fan, and you’re right to be excited, but think rationally for a moment and tell me this: what is the need for this game? Elden Ring content was supposed to conclude with Shadow of the Erdtree.
Few games enjoy a popularity explosion as large as Elden Ring. FromSoftware’s masterpiece quickly became a worldwide sensation and surpassed all expectations. With SoTE, Elden Ring has done its job, and this chapter should’ve been concluded.
“But since this is an unprecedented success, why not profit from it a little more?” is probably what Bandai Namco (or possibly FromSofware?) thought. And to sell it further, let’s include past bosses and characters to trigger nostalgia.
Anyone else not feeling nightreign?
byu/Bruster112 inEldenring
I want myself to be wrong, but this is what I fear right now. The Co-op design, classes, and loot-centered mechanics, coupled with nostalgia exploitation, Elden Ring Nightreign might not be a GaaS but it’s looking like a cash grab attempt.
Will FromSoftware Prove Me Wrong?
Besides, this “everything comes together” concept makes little sense in light of the series’ lore. It’s just fans going crazy with the theories when, in reality, it’s just nostalgia bait to sell a little more Elden Ring. I see Bandai Namco written all over it. I don’t know just how much of this All-Stars co-op was FromSoftware or Miyazaki’s idea.
But, If someone can make this “very suspiciously similar to a cash grab” a solid title, it’s FromSoftware. My faith in the legendary developer is still intact. If this last bastion of hope produces a vain title, it would be the beginning of the end. I’m sure I’m just needlessly worried.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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