Reviews for Elden Ring: Nightreign – the latest game from FromSoftware has just been officially released, and the reception is surprisingly modest compared to the generally acclaimed previous titles from the studio.
While games in the Soulsborne genre often receive high praise, this spin-off with a roguelite style featuring cooperative gameplay for three players has yet to reach the lofty heights of its predecessors.
As of the time of writing, Elden Ring: Nightreign holds an average score of 77 on Metacritic, based on 60 reviews, with the most attention focused on PlayStation 5.
On PC, the score is slightly higher at around 80 from 31 reviews. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X/S version achieves a score of 88, but this is based on only 4 reviews – a sample size that may not accurately reflect the overall quality. This represents the lowest Metacritic score in the history of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne series, even lower than the remastered version of Dark Souls, which garnered an 84. If we exclude remakes, remasters, or re-releases, the top three highest scores remain 89: Demon’s Souls (original), Dark Souls, and Dark Souls III.
While 77 may not be a terrible score, it raises eyebrows considering FromSoftware’s reputation for producing critically acclaimed masterpieces that are not only fun to play but also rich in deep content. Compared to the high scores of around 96 for the original Elden Ring or the 94 for the expansive Shadow of the Erdtree, Nightreign stands out as a surprising entry in FromSoftware’s continuous success. However, the lower score of Nightreign is not necessarily a cause for alarm among fans. The game’s roguelite style focuses heavily on cooperative gameplay for three players, which is a stark departure from the traditional single-player experience that the FromSoftware community has come to love.
Although not a direct online multiplayer game, Nightreign has not quite captured the attention of the community that enjoys Elden Ring, especially among the PvP-focused player groups. Despite receiving lower ratings, many reviewers have praised Elden Ring: Nightreign in their detailed reviews. For those who prefer innovation along with enjoyment of cooperative gameplay, this could still be a game worth exploring.
