Elden Ring is just around the corner and a lot of Souls fans are already riling up to get their hands on this game as it offers quite a lot of content with old and new features. Some of them are a bit apprehensive that it will be difficult to complete since FromSoftware is developing it and the trauma they have experienced with the Souls trilogy titles.
FromSoftware Game Director Hidetaka Miyazaki says the fans will not have to worry about that as he explains this in a recent interview with PlayStation.
“… we have not intentionally tried to lower the game’s difficulty, but I think more players will finish it this time,” Miyazaki says confidently. Their previous titles have been challenging for many players and have made a lot of them rage out and quit. He is confident this time around that Elden Ring will change that and make more players enjoy their playthroughs. “…the player’s level of freedom to progress through the world or return to a challenge later are all elements that I feel will help people get through the game at a more leisurely pace.”
For players who have been fans of the Souls games and others of the same genre, Miyazaki promised that they did not tone down the difficulty of this title. It offers more options instead, and it is up to the players if they chose to choose a different path or go through the more challenging route. He offered an example with the field bosses as players have more “agency” to make their approach against these monsters. They can either go the scenic route, go full frontal assault, or utilize stealth in these situations. Also, it is not focused on pure action anymore.
Miyazaki also shared that when they create a Souls game, they make sure that the cycle of repeatedly trying to overcome challenges would be enjoyable in itself. They did not intend it to be punishing and annoying. “We don’t try to force difficulty or make thins hard for the sake of it,” he revealed.
Expect your experience in Elden Ring to be more enjoyable rather than punishing this time around. Are you prepared for the arduous road ahead?
Elden Ring launches on February 25, 2022. It will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.