Why Is Elden Ring Great? And Why Are Souls Games Beloved?

What Makes a Game?

A game is a set of rules executed in a specific way to achieve four goals:

• Fun: To provide enjoyment.
• Competition: To challenge players.
• Learning: To develop skills.
• Knowledge: To explore and experience unique worlds.

1. Fun

You enjoy games for two main reasons: being in control and achieving accomplishments. Many cinematic games fail because they make you a passive viewer instead of an active player. Souls games, however, immerse you as the primary actor. Overcoming challenges after multiple attempts provides a deep sense of achievement, which is one of the most fulfilling human desires.

2. Competition

Competition in games requires balanced rules. This balance in Souls games is often mistaken for difficulty. For example, just as you can revive after dying, so can your enemies. When you kill enemies, you gain souls; if they kill you, you lose them. This creates genuine competition and heightens the sense of achievement when you succeed.

3. Learning

Souls games reward skill and learning. At the start, you make mistakes and learn from them, improving over time. By the end, you become proficient. Elden Ring and other Souls games provide diverse playstyles, giving players the freedom to approach challenges in various ways, enhancing the sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.

4. Knowledge

Many games overlook this aspect, but it’s what sets video games apart from traditional ones. Knowledge in games comes from:

• Exploration: Freedom to discover the world.
• Events: Freedom to experience the story.
• Art: Freedom to appreciate the visual and auditory design.
• Atmosphere: Freedom to immerse yourself in the game’s unique setting.

Souls games excel by offering these elements with the freedom to explore, learn, and enjoy at your own pace, creating a complete and satisfying gaming experience.

The Philosophy of Souls Games

In an era dominated by cinematic story-driven games, Souls games bring back the core principles of gaming, inspiring developers worldwide. This doesn’t diminish the value of narrative-driven games; instead, it highlights the importance of diversity in gaming experiences. A complete game offers all essential elements, providing players with a fulfilling journey.

Other Games Sharing the Same Philosophy

• Halo
• Resident Evil
• Bioshock
• Fallout
• The Elder Scrolls
• Dishonored
• Prey
• Total War
• Warcraft
• Overwatch
• Deus Ex