This past weekend marked the initial network test phase for Elden Ring Nightreign, the eagerly anticipated standalone multiplayer game that emerges from the legacy of FromSoftware's acclaimed Elden Ring. Diverging significantly from the expansive open-world exploration of its predecessor and last year's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, Nightreign introduces a more focused survival format. In this game, three-player teams are tasked with navigating progressively constricting maps, battling waves of enemies and escalating boss challenges. The design bears a clear nod to the battle royale genre, reminiscent of Fortnite, which has captivated over 200 million players this month alone.
Yet, Nightreign's gameplay bears a more profound similarity to a less celebrated title, 2013's God of War: Ascension. Positioned between the iconic God of War 3 and the series' 2018 Norse mythology reboot, Ascension serves as a prequel within the Greek saga, following Kratos as he attempts to sever ties with Aries. Though often labeled the franchise's black sheep due to its inability to match the epic scale of its predecessors, Ascension deserves recognition for its ambitious multiplayer component, particularly the Trial of the Gods mode.
Image credit: Sony Santa Monica / Sony
In Ascension, players encounter a memorable moment in the Prison of the Damned where an NPC prematurely celebrates being saved, only to be crushed by an emerging boss. This narrative point transitions into multiplayer, where players assume the role of this NPC, now transported to Olympus. Here, they pledge allegiance to one of four gods—Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, or Aries—each granting unique weapons, armor, and magical abilities. These are used across five multiplayer modes, with the cooperative PvE mode, Trial of the Gods, strikingly similar to Elden Ring Nightreign.
Previews of Nightreign by renowned "Soulsborne" YouTubers like VaatiVidya and Iron Pineapple, as well as coverage from IGN, have highlighted its similarities to live service games like Fortnite. Nightreign features randomized loot, resource management, and environmental hazards that challenge players by damaging their health and restricting their movement. A notable homage to Fortnite includes players parachuting into the map, guided by spirit birds to their chosen landing spot.
Image credit: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco
While God of War: Ascension lacks the battle royale flair of Nightreign, a deeper look reveals substantial similarities. Both games feature cooperative modes where teams confront increasingly difficult enemies, including iconic bosses from their respective series. Both operate on a countdown mechanism and utilize maps that either shrink or are inherently small. Moreover, both titles are developed by studios renowned for their single-player experiences, without direct involvement from their series' original creators.
Feedback from Nightreign's network test participants describes the gameplay as a thrilling, time-sensitive race. Unlike the leisurely pace of Elden Ring, where players can explore various strategies and take their time, Nightreign compels quick decision-making and efficient resource use. This shift in gameplay dynamics, as noted by VaatiVidya, emphasizes "speed and efficiency." To compensate for the absence of Torrent, players can now harness a spirit horse ability to run faster and jump higher.
Similarly, Ascension's multiplayer mode adjusted its single-player framework for a more dynamic pace, employing techniques akin to Nightreign's. These include increased run speeds, extended jumps, automated parkour, and a grapple attack, all of which enhance player mobility and combat efficiency. In Trial of the Gods, players face a relentless onslaught of enemies, necessitating swift and decisive action.
The connection between Nightreign and Ascension is intriguing, especially considering the forgotten status of the latter and the contrasting origins of the Soulslike genre and God of War. While God of War empowers players as god-slaying warriors, Soulslike games challenge them as vulnerable, nameless undead. However, as players have mastered FromSoftware's games and utilized powerful builds, the challenge has diminished. Nightreign aims to reintroduce this challenge, offering a fresh yet familiar experience reminiscent of Ascension's time-pressured intensity.
