For the second year in a row, Elden Ringwon Most Anticipated Game at The Game Awards, solidifying its place as one of the most hyped games of the current and now next generation. While the award win was merely a coincidence, TGA host Geoff Keighley was ready to welcome his small "pot friend" to the show to present a new trailer for Elden Ring.
Those FromSoftware fans who might be concerned about gameplay spoilers needn’t worry; this trailer is comprised entirely of pre-rendered footage. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this as the opening cinematic for Elden Ring when it finally releases in February.
Beyond building on the hype for Elden Ring, the new CG trailer gives fans an overview of the history of the world in Elden Ring. It sets the stage with the mystery of who destroyed the eponymous Elden Ring and what compelled them to do so. In the game, the player character must try to unite the pieces of rebuild the Elden Ring (which is more like a crown), but they may find a darker secret along the way. Whatever the case may be, the Elden Ring’s destruction set off a war that saw demi-gods waging battle between each other.
As the trailer concludes, it showcases Malenia wielding her massive sword (fans can buy a Malenia statue in the Collector's Edition) in battle against another opponent, but the storyteller explains that their struggle is pointless. It’s a common theme in FromSoftware games – the futility of conflict – but the trailer concludes with a spark of hope. If the player character can succeed in their endeavors, they could change the current state of the world in Elden Ring.
Although Elden Ring brought Game of Thrones writer George R.R. Martin to help give life to its world, this still feels very much in line with the From Software brand. Even the style of this trailer evokes a similar tone and style to trailers shown for the Dark Souls franchise. Large gothic castles, massive creatures with unique designs, and a delicate female character pleading with the player to be this world's savior are all key indicators of a FromSoftware game.
Clearly, the developer knows what the fans want out of its games and the fans are chomping at the bit to play Elden Ring. Because of the unknown nature of its release date last year and then its delay to February of next year, Elden Ring has the unique honor of winning most anticipated game for two years in a row. Hopefully, the February release date sticks - the month is packed with major game releases - and it doesn't have a chance to threepeat.
Elden Ring releases February 25, 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
