Nintendo News and 'Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree' Impressions | Button Mash
Jun 21, 2024
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Steve Ahlman and Matt James discuss Nintendo Direct announcements, Elden Ring's expansion, and speculate on Switch 2's lineup. They explore upcoming game releases and reflect on Elden Ring's legacy in the gaming industry.
Elden Ring's open-world exploration sets a new standard in gaming experiences.
The 'Shadow of the Erdtree' DLC reinforces Elden Ring's critical acclaim and impact in the industry.
Elden Ring's influence inspires developers to innovate gameplay and world design across upcoming titles.
Deep dives
Elden Ring's Influence on the Gaming Industry
Elden Ring has significantly impacted the gaming industry, expanding the appeal of the Souls-like genre to a broader audience. It has sparked a trend in game development, with many upcoming games adopting similar gameplay mechanics. Beyond its challenging gameplay, Elden Ring's most notable achievement lies in its emphasis on exploration, offering players a rich and rewarding open-world experience that immerses them in a mystical and wondrous realm.
Anticipation for Elden Ring's DLC - Shadow of the Erdtree
The release of the expansion DLC, 'Shadow of the Erdtree', underscores Elden Ring's enduring legacy and success. This highly anticipated DLC further enhances the base game's reputation, maintaining its high critical acclaim. With a Metacritic rating of 95, the expansion reaffirms Elden Ring's significant influence within the gaming community, setting a new standard for DLC offerings and receiving widespread acclaim for its captivating gameplay.
Developer Inspiration and Industry Impact
Elden Ring has become a benchmark game for both players and developers, inspiring a new wave of creativity and game design approaches within the industry. Developers across the gaming landscape reference Elden Ring as a source of inspiration, setting a standard for open-world exploration and challenging gameplay experiences. Its influence is evident in upcoming titles and industry discussions, solidifying its status as a groundbreaking game that has reshaped how games are developed and perceived.
Elden Ring's Challenging Gameplay and High Entry Barrier
Accessing Elden Ring's new DLC involves significant preparation, requiring players to defeat challenging bosses that may take hours to reach. The game's difficulty is intensified in the expansion, testing even seasoned players with new scaling systems and powerful enemies. Reacclimating to the game after a hiatus proves daunting, showcasing the commitment necessary to excel in Elden Ring. Despite the initial steep learning curve, dedicated players find the immersive world and challenging gameplay rewarding.
Elden Ring: A Pioneering Game Continues to Set Standards
The Elden Ring DLC not only meets but exceeds high expectations, solidifying its place as a monumental addition to the gaming world. With an expanded lore, new combat systems, and intricate level design, the DLC offers a fresh and engaging experience. Players' collaborative spirit shines through helpful in-game markers, fostering a sense of community within this challenging single-player adventure. The DLC's success further cements Elden Ring's status as a groundbreaking and influential title in the gaming industry.
Ben, Steve Ahlman, and Matt James discuss the biggest news from this week's Nintendo Direct (including a 'Legend of Zelda' with playable Zelda and proof of life for 'Metroid Prime 4'), gaming's suddenly stacked release schedule for the rest of 2024, and what the Switch 2's launch lineup could look like. Then they reflect on the legacy of 'Elden Ring' and share their spoiler-free early impressions of its acclaimed new expansion, 'Shadow of the Erdtree.'
Host: Ben Lindbergh
Guests: Steve Ahlman and Matt James
Producer: Devon Renaldo
Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal
