Kel Fay

I’d always been intimidated by FromSoft games, despite having sunk some time into Bloodborne (another absolute masterpiece), but Elden Ring truly made me feel embraced. The world is sprawling and gorgeous — even the creepiest places have a beauty to them — and every location feels purposeful. The story is layered, and while not terribly easy for everyone to follow unless you throw yourself into the lore, it is one of ambition, loss, tragedy, and glory. Everything about this game, right down to the mechanics, is a work of art. The boss designs and battles are truly some of the best in the industry - felling an enemy feels like something you’ve bled to earn, and it makes the experience that much greater. Will play this many more times before I’ve had my fill; definitely a game that feels like home, to come back to again and again.