Elden Ring Nightreign Channels the Spirit of a Forgotten God of War Game

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

The recent network tests for Elden Ring Nightreign, the upcoming multiplayer spin-off, revealed surprising similarities to a largely forgotten game: 2013's God of War: Ascension. Unlike the open-world structure of Elden Ring, Nightreign adopts a streamlined survival format, pitting three-player teams against waves of enemies and bosses in shrinking maps, reminiscent of Fortnite's battle royale style.

While often overlooked, Ascension's multiplayer mode, "Trial of the Gods," offers a compelling parallel. Both Trial of the Gods and Nightreign feature cooperative PvE gameplay with escalating difficulty, time limits, and shrinking maps. Both also unexpectedly allow players to confront bosses from previous titles.

Beyond the surface-level similarities to Fortnite's drop-in mechanic, Nightreign shares deeper design choices with Ascension. Both games increase player speed and jump height, streamlining movement for faster-paced combat. This mirrors the frantic, exhilarating experience described by players in Nightreign's network tests, a stark contrast to the more deliberate pacing of the main Elden Ring game. The need for quick thinking and efficient resource management creates a thrilling race against the clock.

Ascension's multiplayer, created independently of the main series' directors, adjusted the single-player formula for a more intense experience. Nightreign, similarly developed without the direct involvement of Elden Ring director Hidetaka Miyazaki, echoes this approach. Both games emphasize speed and efficiency, demanding instinctive reactions rather than strategic planning.

The unexpected connection between these two games highlights a fascinating design choice: adapting a single-player formula for a fast-paced, high-pressure multiplayer experience. Nightreign's design, inspired by both Fortnite and the often-overlooked multiplayer mode of Ascension, promises a unique and challenging addition to the Soulslike genre.

What game had the best now-forgotten multiplayer mode?

God of War: AscensionAssassin's Creed BrotherhoodMass Effect 3Batman: Arkham OriginsBioShock 2Other (let us know in the comments)AnswerSee Results