Elden Ring Nightreign Channels the Spirit of a Forgotten God of War Game

Elden Ring Nightreign's Multiplayer Mode: A Surprisingly Successful Homage to a Forgotten God of War

The recent network tests for Elden Ring Nightreign, the upcoming standalone multiplayer spin-off, revealed an unexpected inspiration: God of War: Ascension's surprisingly well-crafted multiplayer mode, Trial of the Gods. While Nightreign initially appears to borrow heavily from battle royale giants like Fortnite, a closer look reveals a deeper connection to Ascension's cooperative PvE experience.

Nightreign, unlike its parent game's open world, features three-player teams battling enemies and bosses in shrinking maps. This fast-paced, resource-management focused gameplay mirrors the frantic energy of Trial of the Gods. Both modes feature:

• Cooperative PvE: Teams face increasingly difficult enemies.
• Boss Encounters: Players battle iconic bosses from previous titles (e.g., Hercules, Nameless King).
• Time Constraints: A countdown adds urgency to gameplay.
• Shrinking Maps/Limited Play Area: Increasing pressure as the game progresses.
• Enhanced Movement: Increased run speed and jump height, similar to Ascension's adjustments for faster pacing.

The similarities extend beyond core mechanics. Both games, developed by studios primarily known for single-player titles, were created without direct involvement from their respective series' original creators. This lack of oversight may have contributed to the willingness to experiment with new gameplay structures.

The reception to Nightreign's network test echoes the often overlooked positive aspects of Ascension's multiplayer. Players describe the experience as a thrilling race against the clock, demanding quick thinking and strategic resource management – a stark contrast to the more deliberate pacing of the main Elden Ring game. Nightreign's design, prioritizing speed and efficiency, successfully recreates the adrenaline-fueled combat of Trial of the Gods.

What game had the best now-forgotten multiplayer mode?

God of War: AscensionAssassin's Creed BrotherhoodMass Effect 3Batman: Arkham OriginsBioShock 2Other (let us know in the comments)AnswerSee Results

The unexpected connection between Nightreign and Ascension highlights the potential for innovative multiplayer designs within established franchises, even when those designs initially fly under the radar. Nightreign's homage to Ascension's Trial of the Gods promises a thrilling, fast-paced experience that might just redefine expectations for Soulslike multiplayer.