Upon its release earlier this year, Elden Ring received universal praise from critics and fans alike. It was a culmination of years of learning for its developer, FromSoftware, who took inspiration from their previous titles. Elden Ring's clever environmental storytelling, epic boss battles, and enticing open world all combined to create a masterpiece. However, there was one unique feature from one of the studio's most beloved games that, if adapted to The Lands Between, could have elevated it even further.
The game in question is 2015's Bloodborne. This iconic FromSoftware title is still adored seven years after its release, with fans strongly calling for a sequel, or even a remake, to the PS4 hit. Its atmospheric gothic Victorian setting and aggressive gameplay set it apart from other FromSoftware titles, but it's the game's use of Insight that Elden Ring could have utilized to raise the bar even further.
Bloodborne's Insight is a resource-style stat that players can primarily use to summon others for co-op play. However, it has far wider effects that should not be ignored. It's obtained through exploring, encountering certain enemies, defeating bosses, and generally learning about the game's lore. As a result, a higher level of Insight also reveals new details about the world. For example, the Amygdala enemy is only visible to players who have 40 Insight or who have completed enough of the story to learn the truth about what's hiding in the shadows. Before this point, it would simply grab unsuspecting players and kill them.
The player's Insight level also slightly alters Bloodborne's gameplay. For example, some enemies will get a bit stronger, and the player's Frenzy resistance and Beasthood stats are reduced. These aspects not only wow the player by shocking them with the reality of the world they've been exploring, but also teach them even more about the game's lore and makes gameplay feel less repetitive. A similar system, adapted to suit Elden Ring's world, could have added a subtle extra dimension to the game.
One of Elden Ring's greatest strengths is how rewarding exploration can be. Adding in a system like Insight would have allowed even more to be revealed to curious players, adding further depth to The Lands Between. For example, players could have been encouraged to return to early areas, such as Limgrave if there were new things to be revealed and perhaps new enemies or bosses to be defeated as their Insight grew. Such a system would have enhanced the game's incredible replay value while delighting fans who love uncovering more about the game's world, inhabitants, and lore.
Bloodborne is currently included with a PS Plus Extra subscription, so it's readily available for gamers to enjoy. Its gothic Victorian settling and aggressive playstyle, combined with FromSoftware's renowned difficulty make it ideal for new FromSoftware fans to play after Elden Ring. However, it's the clever use of Insight that really elevates Bloodborne, giving players rewards as they unravel the mystery surrounding the hunt. A similar system would have further cemented Elden Ring's place, not only as a Game of the Year contender but also as one of the greatest games of all time.