Nightreign is shaping up to be a fast and frantic interpretation of Elden Ring.
The game will be released on May 29.
A group of employees from the media outlet shared their impressions of the network tests for Elden Ring Nightreign after a weekend of playing. Most enjoyed the fast-paced, collaborative dynamics of the game, which incorporates elements of roguelikes and battle royale. However, they encountered connection issues that could affect the experience at the official launch, scheduled for May 30.
During the trial, many noted that the pace of the game was frenetic. Unlike the slower gameplay of the original Elden Ring, where players could explore and prepare calmly, Nightreign imposes a sense of urgency. The constant presence of a storm that limits the play area forces players to adopt a bolder approach, experimenting with different weapons and facing enemies more directly. This need for adaptation resulted in moments of great fun, especially when playing in teams to successfully defeat challenging bosses.
One player, who typically prefers a more relaxed style, found the pressure of playing in a cooperative environment exciting. Despite the lack of voice chat, they managed to communicate via Discord, which allowed them to enjoy the experience, although they missed the quiet exploration of the dungeons in classic Elden Ring.
Another player, who had little experience with Elden Ring, felt compelled to follow more experienced players, which provided enjoyment despite the game's tensions. The mechanics of reviving fallen teammates generated laughter and camaraderie, but also highlighted the limitations of communication in the game.
Some critics expressed their uncertainty about the direction Nightreign is taking by adopting the battle royale format. The essence of the Souls experience generally lies in careful exploration, and many felt disconnected by the need to meet the typical norms of battle royale games. While the matches offered fun moments, the lack of immersion due to this approach was a concern.
On the other hand, concerns about network stability and communication persisted among players. Previous testing experiences showed that connection issues were frequent, and the absence of an in-game chat system further complicated cooperation among players.
As the formal launch approaches, players are eager to see how these issues will be addressed and what improvements will be implemented for the complete experience.
