![]() The environment, or boss arena, is such an important element of these duo fights – the most important element, I would argue. *Of course, all of these fights can be changed considerably by summoning a co-op buddy, but I’m approaching this from the perspective of a solo player. So I’ve been thinking – what makes a good gank fight? ![]() Dare I say FromSoft has gotten complacent? The size of their newest title certainly seems to have taken something away from this developer’s usual methodical style of the group fights I’ve done so far, none have stood out to me in the same way as these signature encounters in their previous games. Sure, Elden Ring is an entirely different beast in terms of mechanics and scale, but I can’t help feeling like that’s not the whole story. The thing that stood out to me the most about these fights is how badly they’re designed – badly meaning, without intention. Despite not having finished Elden Ring yet (I’m taking my time, let me live) I’ve already faced down several duos – the Gargoyles in Nokron, the Crucible Knight and the Leonine Misbegotten at Redmane Castle, and the Iron Virgins near Volcano Manor, to name a few. Ornstein and Smough are arguably the most recognizable duo FromSoft has created (despite the Maneaters from Demon’s Souls being the first), but it’s a trend they’ve continued throughout the games every Souls title, as well as Bloodborne and Sekiro, have included a “gank” boss, designed to test your skills, your perseverance, and yes, your patience. How do you find an advantage in a battle where you’re outsized and outnumbered? Well, despite the fact that FromSoft is pretty mean, they’re usually fair… usually. I’d excuse you for hating it (if you’re like me, and were tearing your hair out by the time you beat them on your first playthrough), but if we’re focusing on design, can we all agree it’s well executed? The trick to besting any double-boss in a FromSoft game – besides, you know, surviving – is in many cases more about understanding how the fight works. As notoriously difficult as the O & S fight is, I tend to believe it’s close to a perfectly designed boss battle. Ornstein & Smough.įor me, it was Ornstein and Smough from Dark Souls – while the Gargoyles from the Undead Parish are technically the first duo, they just hit different (literally and figuratively). ![]() Maybe it was Ornstein and Smough from Dark Souls, or the Double Ape fight from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – whatever your first duo boss in a FromSoftware game was, I bet you’ve never forgotten. HUH? How, you might be asking yourself, in the name of chicken fried fuck am I supposed to face two bosses by myself? Dread, panic, depression – all valid feelings. But then, it happens – full of anxious anticipation, you walk through that next fog gate, and you see them – two bosses, two health bars. ![]() Picture this: you’re new to the world of Souls, but you’ve got the basics down, and you’re starting to gain some confidence – enemies feel a little easier, bosses are taking fewer attempts, and trudging through the unknown is marginally less scary. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |