The Legacy of Dark Souls in Elden Ring: A New Chapter
The success of Elden Ring: Nightreign has been a significant milestone for fans of older FromSoftware games, serving as a tribute to the studio’s rich history. When the trailer first introduced the Nameless King into the game, it sparked excitement among Dark Souls enthusiasts, who began speculating about the potential inclusion of other iconic bosses from the series. Currently, there are six Dark Souls bosses featured in Nightreign, but FromSoftware has not ruled out the possibility of adding more in the future. This opens the door for a deeper exploration of what could be next.
Which Bosses Should Be Next?
While everyone might have their own list of ideal candidates, several Dark Souls bosses stand out as strong possibilities. A rematch against the legendary duo Ornstein and Smough would serve as a nostalgic nod to the origins of the Souls series. The Burnt Ivory King could introduce new portal mechanics, enhancing the depth of his battle. Meanwhile, Gael would provide an epic spectacle, offering a formidable challenge to the Nightfarers. However, one boss that often goes unnoticed deserves special attention.
The Pursuer: A Perfect Fit for Nightreign
The Pursuer, with its single red eye, floating feet, and relentless determination to follow the Bearer of the Curse through Drangleic, presents a compelling character. While Dark Souls 2 is often viewed as the black sheep of the Souls series, it is also recognized for its bold attempts to innovate. The Pursuer embodies this spirit, appearing at key moments throughout the game, something that no other FromSoftware title has done to the same extent, aside from Margit. Additionally, the Pursuer’s introduction in the Forest of Fallen Giants mirrors Nightreign, as it drops from a great eagle, much like the Nightfarers’ malicious shade.
Enhancing Boss Invasions with the Pursuer
Elden Ring: Nightreign features boss invasions that, while intriguing, could use some refinement. The current system, though engaging, sometimes feels more like a hindrance than an opportunity. Players often find themselves in awkward situations, such as being teleported into challenging locations during boss fights or into the path of the night’s tide. While some bosses, like Augur, offer a decent challenge, they can also create frustration. Similarly, Margit provides a tough and rewarding fight, but he appears infrequently and often at inopportune times.
A New Approach to Invasions
Introducing the Pursuer could significantly enhance the invasion system. Instead of a single encounter, the Pursuer could appear multiple times, each subsequent battle increasing in difficulty and offering better rewards. This approach could alleviate some of the issues with the current invasion mechanics, as singular obstacles can sometimes derail a player’s progress entirely.
The Role of the Pursuer in Nightreign
As a Roguelike, Nightreign is designed to offer varying experiences, with some runs ending sooner than others. However, the game should aim to deliver a satisfying challenge rather than frustration. Multiple appearances of the Pursuer could add tension and a sense of progression, making each run more dynamic and engaging. By integrating the Pursuer into the invasion system, Nightreign could elevate its gameplay experience, offering players a fresh and exciting way to interact with the game’s world.