Elden Ring DLC Set to Unveil Ancient War Deity

Elden Ring Nightreign's Network Test Reveals Unexpected Inspiration: God of War: Ascension

The recent network tests for Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware's upcoming multiplayer spin-off, unveiled surprising similarities to a largely forgotten game: 2013's God of War: Ascension. While Nightreign initially appears inspired by battle royale titles like Fortnite, with its shrinking map and three-player team survival format, a deeper look reveals a stronger connection to Ascension's cooperative PvE mode, Trial of the Gods.

Often overlooked, Ascension's Trial of the Gods offered a unique multiplayer experience within the God of War franchise. Players, having completed a specific point in the single-player campaign, chose allegiance to a god, receiving unique weapons and abilities. This cooperative mode featured a time limit and increasingly difficult enemies, demanding strategic teamwork and quick reflexes.

Nightreign echoes this design. Reviewers highlight the frantic pace, resource management, and environmental hazards mirroring the intensity of Trial of the Gods. Both games feature a shrinking play area, challenging bosses from previous titles (Hercules in Ascension, potentially Dark Souls bosses in Nightreign), and a focus on speed and efficiency. Interestingly, both games also enhance player movement – Nightreign with spirit bird-assisted drops and increased speed/jump height, and Ascension with automated parkour and a grapple mechanic.

The parallels extend beyond gameplay mechanics. Both games represent multiplayer forays by studios primarily known for their single-player titles, created without direct involvement from their respective series' original creators. This lack of oversight may explain the experimental nature of both multiplayer modes.

The reception to Nightreign's network test mirrors that of Ascension's Trial of the Gods: a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled experience demanding quick thinking and adaptation. While Elden Ring prioritizes methodical gameplay, Nightreign's limited resources and fast-paced action create a stark contrast, offering a different kind of challenge.

What game had the best now-forgotten multiplayer mode?

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Ultimately, Nightreign's unexpected debt to Ascension highlights the cyclical nature of game design, demonstrating how seemingly disparate genres can share surprising common ground. The frantic, resource-constrained combat of Nightreign, reminiscent of Ascension's Trial of the Gods, offers a refreshing change of pace for seasoned Soulslike players, providing a new challenge while retaining the core thrill of the genre.