East meets West: a review of Elden Ring
I used to think of Elden Ring as the synergy of Easter and western narrative tropes, but its really just western sprinkles on a Japanese cupcake, which is great. In the same way that every movie can be improved by being a western, every country can be improved by becoming what Japan thinks it is. * The first boss you encounter is Morgot, an old man in rags guarding a bridge. A hard but fair master, he is there confront and reject your tests and attempts. Much like Socrates, in facing him one is forced into self-examination, like in a mirror. The player is forced to explore and understand all the mechanics of the game -- block, roll, parry, dodge, shield, one hand, two hand, etc., etc. -- before giving up and returning much later. Morgot teaches you stoicism and honor. He reminds you where the game mechanics and design is, which is in the timing, telegraphing, and reacting. Elden Ring is actually not that hard if you fight "without honor". You can cast magic from far away, or ...