FromSoftware’s latest game, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, has sparked the usual debate around difficulty that accompanies their releases.
Dedicated players have been facing off against the game’s challenging bosses, with even well-known streamers like Asmongold admitting to the game being too difficult to be enjoyable. This ongoing discourse on game difficulty in FromSoftware titles has become a rehashed topic over time.
Addressing Nuance in Criticism
The debate on the difficulty of games like Elden Ring has often been oversimplified into a shallow meme, stifling insightful critiques that deserve consideration and discussion. When someone labels a game as “too hard” or “too easy,” there’s usually more complexity to their opinion than meets the eye.
Challenging the Status Quo
As FromSoftware’s games continue to gain popularity, the arguments around their difficulty have intensified. While some longtime fans staunchly defend the studio’s design choices, others, including both newcomers and experienced players, offer critiques on the game’s difficulty level. This spectrum of criticism is often overlooked in favor of painting a skewed narrative of disapproval.
For instance, the three-star review of Shadow of the Erdtree by Eurogamer’s Alexis Ong was met with bad faith interpretations, emphasizing the game’s difficulty as the main drawback. However, Ong’s review delves deeper into specific gameplay mechanics and challenges, providing a nuanced perspective that goes beyond the surface level “too hard” criticism.
Similarly, player reviews of the game’s DLC on Steam have echoed concerns about difficulty, among other issues. This trend of critiquing game difficulty with each new release from FromSoftware suggests a recurring aspect that warrants exploration.
Exploring Deeper Issues
When gamers express opinions like “too hard” or “too easy,” it often serves as a starting point for a more profound discussion on game design intricacies. Surface-level judgments can lead to valuable insights if approached with an open mind and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Issues with game difficulty are not just about the challenge level but can extend to mechanics, camera angles, targeting systems, and overall engagement with the gameplay. Identifying these underlying problems can enhance the overall gaming experience and foster a more constructive dialogue among players.
Embracing Diverse Perspectives
Instead of dismissing critics who find games like Shadow of the Erdtree too difficult, it’s essential to engage with their perspectives and explore the root causes of their feedback. By analyzing both positive and negative aspects of a game’s difficulty, players can gain a deeper understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.
Ultimately, promoting open and honest discussions about game difficulty can lead to a more nuanced appreciation of video games and their diverse player experiences.
