GamesAction RpgElden RingFromSoftware’s next game should be full-on horror - and one sequence in Shadow of the Erdtree proves itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesAction RpgElden RingFromSoftware’s next game should be full-on horror - and one sequence in Shadow of the Erdtree proves itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Bandai Namco)
Don’t let it see you.Once you are seen, there is no escape. It cannot even be touched.
“The spectral steed is frightened and cannot be summoned.”
Torrent, who was perfectly willing to charge toward giants, dragons and gods alike, is refusing to deal with what’s ahead. Oh-kay. Oh no. Ohchrist.
You’re sure of a big surprise
(Image credit: Bandai Namco)
Shadow of the Erdtree guidesShadow of the Erdtree Scadutree FragmentsShadow of the Erdtree weaponsShadow of the Erdtree armorShadow of the Erdtree Miquella’s CrossesShadow of the Erdtree map fragments
Shadow of the Erdtree guides
Shadow of the Erdtree Scadutree FragmentsShadow of the Erdtree weaponsShadow of the Erdtree armorShadow of the Erdtree Miquella’s CrossesShadow of the Erdtree map fragments
Shadow of the Erdtree Scadutree FragmentsShadow of the Erdtree weaponsShadow of the Erdtree armorShadow of the Erdtree Miquella’s CrossesShadow of the Erdtree map fragments
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(Image credit: Bandai Namco)
Now, in myElden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree review, I acknowledged that the actual mechanics of this sequence are pretty rudimentary. No way to hurt your attackers means that the vast majority of gameplay is suddenly irrelevant, and if therewasa clever way to stop them, I never found out what it was. Not only that, but them being so much faster means that trying to flee is an exercise in futility. The moment you’re spotted, you might as well drop the controller and let them fill your brain with liquid insanity - it’s flawless stealth or nothing.
(Image credit: Bandai Namco)
FromSoftware’s history of playing with its established core mechanics is a slightly fraught one that’s resulted in both success and failure over the years. One stumble that immediately comes to mind is the Bed of Chaos in the first Dark Souls, a built-up boss fight that turns out to be a clumsy platforming challenge. Meanwhile, gimmick or puzzle bosses like Sekiro’s Folding Screen Monkeys or Demon’s Souls Dragon God are rarely anybody’s favourite parts of their respective games, even if people don’t always actively dislike them. But then again, the Looking Glass Knight in Dark Souls 2 having the power to summon player invaders is a great twist on the online mechanics.
(Image credit: Bandai Namco)
So Erdtree not acting coy or playful about information all of a sudden threw me off guard, the mixture of urgency and inherent wrongness not ruining the experience, but instead enhancing it. Not to mention that the fact I couldn’t see what the message was warning about made it so much worse; the forest now felt like a hunting ground for some unseen predator.
For some more spine-tingling creepfests, check out our list of thebest horror games.
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