Was Elden Ring Inspired by Zelda?
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Elden Ring, the latest masterpiece from FromSoftware, was inspired by the legendary Zelda series. The answer is a resounding yes, but let’s dive deeper into the details.
A Shared Love for Exploration
Elden Ring’s world design is heavily influenced by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Both games encourage players to explore vast open worlds, uncover hidden secrets, and discover new areas. This sense of exploration is a hallmark of both series, and it’s no surprise that FromSoftware drew inspiration from Nintendo’s iconic franchise.
Inspiration from BotW’s World Design
In an interview, Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki revealed that the team was heavily influenced by BotW’s world design. He praised the game’s ability to create a sense of discovery and exploration, stating that it was a key factor in shaping Elden Ring’s own world design.
The Influence of Zelda’s Mechanics
Elden Ring’s combat mechanics are also reminiscent of Zelda’s, with a focus on precision and strategy. The game’s ability to scale and adapt to the player’s actions is similar to BotW’s "physics-based" combat system. This shared focus on mechanics and world design is a testament to the influence of Zelda on Elden Ring.
A New Take on Classic Zelda Elements
While Elden Ring takes inspiration from Zelda, it’s not simply a copycat. The game brings its own unique twist to classic Zelda elements, such as the use of ashen trees as a form of currency or the introduction of a "Tarnished" character class. This blending of old and new is a hallmark of FromSoftware’s approach to game design.
Miyazaki’s Favorite Boss: Starscourge Radahn
In a recent interview, Miyazaki revealed that his favorite boss in Elden Ring is Starscourge Radahn. This is a nod to the Zelda series, as Radahn’s design and abilities are reminiscent of classic Zelda bosses like Ganondorf or Dark Link.
The Influence of Zelda on Elden Ring’s Story
Elden Ring’s story is also influenced by Zelda, with a focus on the struggle between light and darkness. The game’s world is plagued by the "Shadows," a dark force that threatens to consume all in its path. This struggle is reminiscent of the eternal conflict between good and evil in the Zelda series.
A New Era for Action RPGs
Elden Ring’s success is a testament to the power of inspiration and innovation. By blending classic elements from Zelda with its own unique twists, FromSoftware has created a game that feels both familiar and fresh. This is a new era for action RPGs, and Elden Ring is leading the charge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Elden Ring was indeed inspired by Zelda, but it’s not simply a copycat. The game brings its own unique twists to classic elements, and its world design and mechanics are a testament to the influence of BotW. Whether you’re a fan of Zelda or just looking for a new action RPG to play, Elden Ring is a must-try.
Key Takeaways:
- Elden Ring’s world design is heavily influenced by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- The game’s combat mechanics are reminiscent of Zelda’s, with a focus on precision and strategy
- Elden Ring brings its own unique twist to classic Zelda elements, such as the use of ashen trees as a form of currency
- Miyazaki’s favorite boss is Starscourge Radahn, a nod to the Zelda series
- The game’s story is influenced by Zelda, with a focus on the struggle between light and darkness
Table: Comparison of Elden Ring and Zelda
| Elden Ring | Zelda | |
|---|---|---|
| World Design | Open-world exploration | Open-world exploration |
| Combat Mechanics | Precision-based combat | Physics-based combat |
| Currency | Ashen trees | Rupees |
| Bosses | Starscourge Radahn | Ganondorf, Dark Link |
| Story | Struggle between light and darkness | Struggle between good and evil |
Bullets: Key Features of Elden Ring
• Open-world exploration
• Precision-based combat
• Unique world design inspired by BotW
• Ashen trees as a form of currency
• Starscourge Radahn as a favorite boss
• Struggle between light and darkness in the story