"Elden Ring Nightreign: Echoes of a Forgotten God of War"

Over the weekend, gamers got their first taste of the network tests for *Elden Ring Nightreign*, the eagerly anticipated standalone multiplayer game inspired by FromSoftware's acclaimed *Elden Ring*. Unlike the *Shadow of the Erdtree* DLC released last year, *Nightreign* diverges from its parent game's expansive open world, opting instead for a condensed survival format. Teams of three players parachute into maps that shrink over time, facing off against waves of enemies and progressively tougher bosses. This format bears a striking resemblance to the battle royale phenomenon *Fortnite*, which boasts an impressive 200 million players this month alone.

However, *Nightreign* shares an even more intriguing similarity with a lesser-known and often-criticized game: 2013's *God of War: Ascension*. This connection might surprise many, but it's one that highlights *Nightreign*'s potential.

*God of War: Ascension*, released between 2010's *God of War 3* and the 2018 Norse saga reboot, serves as a prequel set in the Greek mythology era. It follows Kratos as he attempts to break free from his oath to Aries. Often overshadowed by the epic conclusion of the original trilogy, *Ascension* earned a reputation as the series' black sheep. Yet, it's an unfair label, as the game featured some spectacular set-pieces, like the Prison of the Damned, a dungeon carved into a giant's body. More importantly, *Ascension* ventured into uncharted territory for the franchise by introducing multiplayer.

The cooperative PvE mode, "Trial of the Gods," in *Ascension* mirrors the gameplay of *Elden Ring Nightreign*. In *Ascension*'s story, players encounter an NPC who prematurely thanks them for a rescue, only to be crushed by the level's boss. Upon entering multiplayer mode, this same NPC becomes the player character, teleported to Olympus to pledge allegiance to one of four gods—Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, or Aries. Each god equips players with unique weapons, armor, and magical abilities to engage in five multiplayer modes, four of which are competitive PvP. The fifth, "Trial of the Gods," is the cooperative PvE experience akin to *Nightreign*.

Previews of *Nightreign* from prominent "Soulsborne" YouTubers like VaatiyVidya and Iron Pineapple, along with IGN's coverage, have showcased the game's similarities to popular live service games like *Fortnite*. *Nightreign* features randomized loot, resource management, and environmental hazards that challenge players as maps shrink. The game even nods to *Fortnite* by having players skydive into levels, guided by spirit birds to their chosen landing spots.

While *God of War: Ascension* lacks the battle royale elements of *Nightreign*, both games share a deeper connection in their cooperative modes. Both *Nightreign* and *Ascension*'s "Trial of the Gods" involve teams tackling increasingly difficult foes, including iconic bosses from previous games. Both operate on a countdown system (with *Ascension* allowing pauses by defeating enemies) and use shrinking or small maps. Additionally, both titles are multiplayer expansions from studios renowned for their single-player experiences, developed without direct oversight from their series' creators.

The feedback from *Nightreign*'s network test participants echoes the response to *Ascension*'s multiplayer mode: a thrilling race against time. Unlike the leisurely pace of *Elden Ring*, *Nightreign* pushes players to rely on quick instincts and limited resources, described by VaatiVidya as a focus on "speed and efficiency." To compensate for the absence of Torrent, players can harness a spirit horse ability to run faster and jump higher.

*Ascension*'s multiplayer mode similarly tweaked the single-player formula for a more dynamic experience, employing techniques seen in *Nightreign* like increased run speed, extended jumps, automated parkour, and a grapple attack. These adjustments prove crucial in *Trial of the Gods*, where players must navigate swarms of enemies with haste, embodying the relentless spirit of Kratos.

The connection between *Nightreign* and *Ascension* is surprising, especially since *Ascension* has faded from memory, and the Soulslike genre, to which *Elden Ring* belongs, originated as a counterpoint to the power fantasy of *God of War*. While *God of War* lets players embody a god-slaying warrior, Soulslike games thrust players into the role of a struggling, cursed undead facing formidable foes. Yet, as fans have mastered these games and developers have introduced more powerful tools, the challenge has lessened. *Nightreign* aims to restore that challenge by stripping away overpowered builds, while still offering the thrill of racing against time, much like *Ascension*'s multiplayer mode.