Elden Ring: Nightfall is not From Software's Fortnite: it is their Risk of Rain

After the success of Elden Ring, we were all eager to know what the next game from From Software would be. Little could we imagine that it would be Elden Ring: Nightrein, a crossover between the gameplay foundation of their previous game and the formulas of games as a service. With skepticism, but interest, we have been following all the information. And this past weekend we were able to try the closed beta of the game. What are our impressions? Well, that’s what we came to talk about, but it can be summarized in that there is potential here, although not without caveats.

Perhaps the biggest problem with this closed beta has been the network issues. Not being able to play with friends at any time, as matchmaking was not working, has made the experience of playing Nightrein very different from what we expect the final experience to be. Going through scenarios of the Middle Lands with three people that gradually decrease until we confront a final boss, the possibility of playing with friends would have made the experience very different from playing with strangers. Allowing for more cooperation and undoubtedly, more laughter.

Elden Ring: Nightrein DOWNLOAD

ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is an independent action game set in the acclaimed universe of ELDEN RING, designed for Windows. This title introduces a new gaming experience by reinterpreting the mechanics of the original game while maintaining its characteristic immersive world. Players can expect rich landscapes and an intricate narrative, inviting them to explore and conquer new challenges.

Elden Ring: Nightrein is not Elden Ring, it is Risk of Rain

Because that is the first thing to highlight about Elden Ring: Nightrein. This is not Elden Ring. The setting is much smaller, there is no fall damage, and it has all the flavor of a battle royale.

As soon as we start, eagles make us fall in the center of the stage and from there, we can spread out across the map. With limits. Every few minutes, a blue fire will consume a larger piece of the map, constraining us to a smaller circle. Much more similar in shape to Apex Legends and Risk of Rain than to Fortnite, the fun here is less about getting loot and more about gaining experience. Leveling up is essential, mainly to face the bosses.

There are bosses everywhere in Nightrein. And they are the foundation of the game. We can progress solo, but it is wiser to do so with our companions for two reasons: experience is shared among the three of us and it is impossible to defeat the bosses solo. The game wants us to gain experience by defeating small enemies, level up, and take advantage of that increase to finish off the bosses that populate the stage to obtain special loot, from which we can choose one out of three options, customized according to our character for each of the players.

Less deep than Elden Ring, but no less interesting

Because in addition, although the characters are pre-generated, they are very customizable. Although two of the characters had strength builds, one had dexterity and the other magic, the differences were very marked. And it was easy to be flexible about what they wanted to do. The powers and their abilities depend on the weapons, which is why loot becomes important, but the best equipment always drops from the bosses, so we should always prioritize them over everything else.

Especially because, when the circle closes, night falls. Then, we have to face a particularly large and terrible boss. If we have done our job well up to that point, we will have a challenging and difficult fight, but one that we can overcome with cunning and teamwork. If not, we will die miserably. This is still a game from From Software. The reward will either be an upgrade or a particularly powerful piece of equipment. We will need it because the Nightrein matches are divided into three days and three nights, where we will have to survive until the end to conclude each of its scenarios.

Interestingly, all of this feels very good. The first hour of gameplay is confusing and a bit clunky, but after that, everything feels quite good. The integration of certain battle royale elements, such as eagle movements and dropping us at certain points, feels out of place and adds nothing, but the integration of powers and weapons into the team makes the experience more agile without losing too much depth. This is not Elden Ring, but it still feels like Elden Ring.

In addition, there is a progression factor throughout the game. Each game, whether we manage to complete the scenarios or not, will give us certain rewards with which we can improve our characters. This will greatly facilitate our ability to tackle subsequent games, providing a generous progression.

All of this creates a more than solid foundation to create an agile, fun, and different experience. It may not be as deep and intelligent as other recent games from the company, like Elden Ring or Armored Core 6, but it is interesting. And that is not saying little.

Elden Ring: Nightrein DOWNLOAD

ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is an independent action game set in the acclaimed universe of ELDEN RING, designed for Windows. This title introduces a new gaming experience by reinterpreting the mechanics of the original game while maintaining its characteristic immersive world. Players can expect rich landscapes and an intricate narrative, inviting them to explore and conquer new challenges.

The future of Elden Ring: Nightrein is something we cannot know, but

Now, will it work in the medium or long term? That is the big question. For this game to work, it must have a progression that feels natural and enough content to keep fans entertained for at least a couple of hundred hours. Following the formula of games like Fortnite and drowning players in content would be a mistake, but following the formula of Monster Hunter, from which it shamelessly draws in many aspects, could be perfect: providing new periodic content to always keep the game fresh without requiring players to dedicate their lives to it.

Whether it will be a success or not is something that remains to be seen. It is impossible to know. What is clear is that From Software continues to do what they want. F. A game without concessions, playful and with its own peculiarities typical of the studio. Will it work? Won’t it? It doesn’t matter. The important thing is that we can breathe easy: From Software remains who they are. Those weird but nice and very clever guys who do whatever they please.

Elden Ring: Nightrein DOWNLOAD

ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is an independent action game set in the acclaimed universe of ELDEN RING, designed for Windows. This title introduces a new gaming experience by reinterpreting the mechanics of the original game while maintaining its characteristic immersive world. Players can expect rich landscapes and an intricate narrative, inviting them to explore and conquer new challenges.