Summary of "We Played Elden Ring Nightreign" – Kinda Funny Gamescast
Podcast Information:
- Title: Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast
- Host/Authors: Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye Jr., and Andy Cortez
- Description: Weekly video game reviews, previews, and analysis of the biggest topics in gaming, covering the latest in PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and more!
- Episode: We Played Elden Ring Nightreign
- Release Date: February 12, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Kinda Funny Gamescast, the hosts—Tim Gettys, Greg Miller, Blessing Adeoye Jr., and Andy Cortez—dive deep into their experiences with Elden Ring Nightreign, a new multiplayer roguelite version of the acclaimed Elden Ring game. The discussion centers around gameplay mechanics, class dynamics, and their overall impressions from the closed network testing phase.
Gameplay Overview
Initial Challenges and Server Issues
Greg Miller begins by recounting the frustrating initial attempts to play Elden Ring Nightreign due to server instability:
"I was there for our play session for about three and a half hours and I got to play maybe a total of 30 minutes. Just a lot of disconnections." ([05:38])
Despite these setbacks, the team remained determined to experience the game fully, eventually managing to complete significant portions of their runs.
Core Mechanics and Structure
Elden Ring Nightreign introduces a unique blend of Elden Ring’s open-world exploration with roguelite elements. The gameplay is structured around surviving "nights," each representing a level where players face increasingly difficult enemies and bosses while racing against the encroaching Wall of Rain.
Greg elaborates on the mechanics:
"It's a multiplayer roguelite. Feels like you're playing a single-player battle royale game... a race against the clock." ([09:05])
Players start by selecting from one of four initial classes (extending to eight in the full release), each with distinct abilities and playstyles. The closed network test offered a static map, but full release promises dynamic map variations, enhancing replayability.
Class Dynamics and Abilities
The Wilder
Described as the "Mario of Smash Bros," the Wilder is a versatile class equipped to handle various combat scenarios.
"The Wilder can withstand any sort of death blow... ability to grapple small enemies towards you." ([39:38])
He specializes in strength and dexterity, wielding a range of weapons from broadswords to hammers, and possesses grappling abilities akin to a grappling gun in Fortnite.
The Duchess
A swift, dagger-wielding character inspired by Bloodborne's agility, the Duchess excels in fast-paced combat and support.
"The Duchess has the bloodhound fang... her ultimate allows for res as a squad." ([45:15])
Her abilities include a Bloodhound Dash for rapid movement and a replay mechanism that reverts enemies to a previous state, allowing for strategic resurrections of teammates.
The Guardian Tank
Greg describes the Guardian Tank as a powerhouse with exceptional HP, designed to absorb and dish out substantial damage.
"He's got the most hp. Definitely a massive strength build." ([47:00])
While slower in movement, his abilities include whirlwind attacks and dive bombs, making him invaluable during intense boss fights.
Boss Battles and Strategy
The team shares their experiences battling formidable bosses, highlighting the dynamic and challenging nature of these encounters.
Greg recounts fighting a three-headed dog boss:
"This three-headed dog boss fight's awesome... it's very similar to like the Red Wolf or whatever Radagon has. But, ultimately, these are going to be three brand new bosses that have new movesets." ([54:19])
Such battles require coordinated teamwork, strategic leveling, and effective use of each class's abilities to overcome the formidable foes.
Progression and Upgrades
Elden Ring Nightreign simplifies the traditional Elden Ring progression by automating character leveling through shared runes collected from defeated enemies.
"When you want to level up at the side of Grace, you can do so with having a bunch of runes, but you're not leveling up..." ([19:36])
Additionally, the game introduces a perk system where players choose upgrades after boss fights, enhancing their characters with various abilities and stat boosts.
Multiplayer Dynamics and Community Feedback
Absence of Crossplay
A significant point of discussion is the lack of crossplay, which Greg views as a missed opportunity:
"From Software reminds me a lot of Nintendo... it's like, you take it, you accept it." ([57:42])
Despite improvements in multiplayer functionality compared to previous Souls games, the absence of cross-platform play limits the game's potential community reach.
Team Coordination and Resurrections
The hosts emphasize the importance of teamwork, especially during critical moments like resurrecting downed teammates. The Duchess class, in particular, offers unique support mechanisms that enhance team resilience.
Greg shares:
"It's so clutch to not only reposition yourself, you're invisible for a long time. But what it's really, really great for is ressing your squad if a squad mate goes down." ([45:48])
Game Aesthetics and Lore Integration
Elden Ring Nightreign maintains the rich lore and atmospheric design of the original game while introducing new elements tailored for the roguelite experience.
"Everything looks like Elden Ring... it is so much fun." ([19:36])
The structured map design, coupled with new bosses and environments, ensures that the game feels authentic yet refreshingly innovative.
Special Features and Future Expectations
Perk System and Gem Upgrades
Players collect colored gems that offer various perks, which can be slotted into their characters to customize abilities. The system is designed to provide strategic depth without overwhelming players.
Greg explains:
"There are class related perks... it's like Hades sort of thing. Do I want this perk?" ([35:56])
Permanent Upgrades and Customization
Post-run rewards include gem currencies and permanent upgrades available at the Roundtable Hold, allowing players to enhance their characters and tailor their playstyles for future runs.
"They could change what colored slots your character uses... to give the player more freedom." ([35:48])
Notable Quotes
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Greg Miller: "It feels like capitalism in full swing... like, this is the way the game is meant to be experienced or this is not the way the game actually plays." ([01:20])
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Tim Gettys: "If you have any questions about Elden Ring Night Reign, please super chat them in or if you have any questions or words of support for Bless in his first Dark Souls playthrough." ([03:56])
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Greg Miller: "This is gonna be another Hades too, for me. I can... this is gonna be another, you know, not only try to kill every of the eight bosses... but of the variables that make me want to go back and just play forever." ([62:46])
Conclusion
The Kinda Funny Gamescast episode provides an in-depth exploration of Elden Ring Nightreign, highlighting its innovative blend of Elden Ring's atmospheric design with multiplayer roguelite mechanics. The hosts' enthusiasm and detailed breakdown of gameplay elements offer valuable insights for both longtime fans and newcomers. With its robust class system, strategic depth, and intense boss battles, Elden Ring Nightreign is poised to become a standout title in the cooperative gaming landscape.
Greg summarizes his anticipation:
"There's no doubt this will be a top fiver for me at the end of the year." ([69:46])
The episode concludes with excitement for the game's official release on May 30th and a heartfelt congratulations to Andy Cortez on his upcoming birthday.
This summary captures the essence of the Kinda Funny Gamescast episode, highlighting key discussions, gameplay insights, and memorable moments, making it a comprehensive guide for those who haven't listened to the episode.