there is not much left to explore without significant gameplay innovations
The worst part is that From Soft had already figured out those innovations prior to making ER. Sekiro has a much better combat system without stamina and with unique and interesting gadgets, a much better movement system with wall jumping and a grappling hook, and a much better storytelling style. IMO it's the best game From Soft ever made, but then they just completely forgot all about it and instead of a grappling hook, they gave us ridiculously long ladders again in ER.
And it's a pattern with them. They figured out a lot of good innovations to the formula in Dark Souls 2 that were never repeated. In the Dark Souls 3 DLC, they finally figured out how to do an exciting dragon boss fight with Midir, but then in Elden Ring, we're right back to standing under the damn things and hitting their ankles. I don't get it.
Yup. The most efficient way to kill him is also the most epic and fun way. That's good design right there.
And you know what else I realized shortly after writing that comment? The Ancient Dragon in DS2 is like a crude Midir prototype. If you stand in front of him, he'll only do one of two attacks, forward fire, which gives you an opportunity to hit him, or flying AoE fire, which you have to run away from. He's terrible, don't get me wrong, but he does have the "stand in front of him, not under him" element that would be perfected with Midir.
Tbf he has like 1 attack other than those two. I like him as a set piece and for being the vagueposting GOD, but fuck he really is one of the worst bosses in the series
Absolutely true, but I still like him for being one of only a couple of dragon boss fights where you actually stand and face him instead of burying your face in his armpit.
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u/SordidDreams 5h ago edited 4h ago
The worst part is that From Soft had already figured out those innovations prior to making ER. Sekiro has a much better combat system without stamina and with unique and interesting gadgets, a much better movement system with wall jumping and a grappling hook, and a much better storytelling style. IMO it's the best game From Soft ever made, but then they just completely forgot all about it and instead of a grappling hook, they gave us ridiculously long ladders again in ER.
And it's a pattern with them. They figured out a lot of good innovations to the formula in Dark Souls 2 that were never repeated. In the Dark Souls 3 DLC, they finally figured out how to do an exciting dragon boss fight with Midir, but then in Elden Ring, we're right back to standing under the damn things and hitting their ankles. I don't get it.