FromSoftware’s Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, published by Bandai Namco, expands on their critically acclaimed 2022 title with a compelling and massive new chapter that plunges players deeper into the dark fantasy world of the Lands Between. Available on all platforms that received the base game, this expansion introduces new areas, even more formidable enemies, as well as additional lore, enhancing the already rich tapestry of Elden Ring.
Shadow of the Erdtree thrusts players into the mysterious Realm of Shadow, an unexplored territory isolated from the Lands Between. In pursuit of Miquella, the Tarnished navigate this new realm, uncovering secrets long hidden from the world. The narrative, much like the base game, features an amazing amount of lore, mostly delivered through environmental storytelling, cryptic dialogue, and item descriptions. The new story arc offers deeper insights into Miquella’s history as well as Marika’s past, enriching the overall lore of Elden Ring. And while the narrative depth is certainly a highlight, players that didn’t take to the fragmented storytelling of the original will also find it challenging to piece everything together here, as you’ll need extensive exploration and quite a bit of attention to detail.
The gameplay in Shadow of the Erdtree retains the core mechanics that made Elden Ring a success while introducing new elements. Players will traverse vast new open fields and intricate dungeons, each filled with enemies and mysteries to uncover. The new weapons, spells, and armor add additional layers of strategy and customization to combat, allowing players to tailor their approach to the many challenges they face with fresh tactical opportunities to go into battle with.
The expansion also refines the game’s already tight controls, making combat and exploration more fluid and responsive on the PS5. However, the increased difficulty level of the new areas and enemies may be daunting for some players, especially those new to the series or if you haven’t played Elden Ring in a while. Stick with it, and the sense of accomplishment after overcoming these formidable challenges remains a core appeal, rewarding persistence and skill.
Visually, Shadow of the Erdtree is fantastic. The PS5 version delivers stunning, atmospheric environments that are haunting and beautiful at the same time. The Realm of Shadow itself features a diverse array of landscapes, from scorched open plains to eerie caverns, each meticulously crafted to immerse players in its dark fantasy setting. The visual fidelity and attention to detail really elevate the experience, making exploration a visual treat.
The audio design complements the visuals perfectly, with a dark and foreboding soundtrack that underscores the expansion’s tone, creating an atmosphere that is both unsettling and captivating. The voice acting and sound effects are also top-notch, further drawing players into the world.
Shadow of the Erdtree excels in expanding Elden Ring’s already rich and immersive world, offering players new areas to explore, enemies to conquer, and lore to uncover. The narrative depth, combined with refined gameplay mechanics and stunning audiovisual presentation, makes this expansion a must-play for fans of the base game – and there’s such a wealth of content that is almost feels like a whole new game to play and discover. The increased difficulty and complex storytelling might not appeal to everyone, but those are minor issues.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a stellar addition to the Elden Ring universe, offering a richly detailed new chapter that enhances and expands on the original game’s lore and gameplay. With its breathtaking visuals, challenging new enemies, and deep narrative, it provides an engaging experience that fans of the original game will relish, despite its steep difficulty.
Score: 9.3/10
Press Play Media 