FromSoftware’s recently-released action-RPG Elden Ring certainly isn’t for everyone. Punishingly difficult and astoundingly open-ended, those unfamiliar with the developer’s previous works may struggle to come to grips with the title’s not-insignificant learning curve. Yet, even famed streamer Summit1g has criticized Elden Ring’s potentially-divisive open-world design, and now Twitch titan Dr. Disrespect has voiced concerns regarding the game’s camera and movement controls.
After only a few hours in-game, Dr. Disrespect was ready to quit Elden Ring. After nearly throwing his controller following an unfortunate death to a troll in the overworld, the streamer went on a tirade concerning the game’s controls. He’d later call them “sluggish” and compare the experience to the oft-maligned NBA 2K series. He also quarreled with the game’s lock-on mechanics and claimed that the melee combat loop felt “restrictive.”
Dr. Disrespect would return to Elden Ring following his frustrating first session on February 25 and would make significant headway, adventuring into Caelid to tackle Battlemage Hugues at the Sellia Evergaol. However, this encounter would spark outrage, as Dr. Disrespect’s defensive maneuvers would frequently result in the camera getting stuck in the surrounding foliage. Death is a nigh-on inevitability in Elden Ring, but, when it’s brought on by unwieldy camera controls, it can result in some serious aggravation.
Less-than-optimal camera controls are a constant issue in many FromSoftware games, and those who slogged through the original Demon’s Souls can attest to how tough it could be to control in tight areas. Yet, much like the disappointing lack of ultrawide aspect ratio support in Elden Ring, these hiccups are to be expected, annoying as they are. While a recent patch has significantly improved the game’s performance on PC and PS5, persistent issues such as these aren’t likely to be fixed any time soon.
It’s also important to remember that the streamer is known for hyperbolizing his displeasure and frequently deleting games only to give them another shot later down the line. Dr. Disrespect has uninstalled Call of Duty: Warzone on multiple occasions despite it being a staple of his content production, and his untempered rage when playing games like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and Fortnite has become closely intertwined with his online persona.
Still, his criticisms shouldn’t be entirely ignored; he has a history in game development and recently announced that he’d formed a new AAA development studio called Midnight Society. Ultimately, his industry experience contrasts with his over-the-top character, and, while his concerns are valid, he’s likely not as spirited in his disdain for Elden Ring as he claims to be.
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.