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 standalone multiplayer spin-off, revealed surprising similarities to a largely forgotten game: 2013's God of War: Ascension. Unlike its parent game's open world, Nightreign adopts a streamlined survival format where three-player teams battle enemies and bosses in shrinking maps, echoing the popularity of Fortnite's battle royale structure.

While Ascension, a prequel to the God of War series, is often considered the franchise's black sheep, its multiplayer mode, "Trial of the Gods," offers a compelling parallel to Nightreign. Both feature cooperative PvE gameplay with escalating difficulty, timed challenges on shrinking maps, and the opportunity to face bosses from previous games. Both also prioritize speed and efficiency, demanding quick reflexes and strategic resource management.

Nightreign, like Ascension's Trial of the Gods, enhances player movement, mirroring Ascension's increased run speed, extended jumps, and automated parkour mechanics. This heightened mobility is crucial, as the relentless onslaught of enemies necessitates rapid responses and strategic maneuvering.

The comparison is striking, considering the contrasting styles of the Soulslike genre and the God of War franchise. Nightreign's fast-paced, resource-constrained gameplay stands in contrast to Elden Ring's deliberate approach, yet it successfully reintroduces a level of challenge while offering a thrilling, action-packed experience reminiscent of Ascension's forgotten multiplayer gem. The frantic race against the clock, described by players as exhilarating, highlights the unexpected success of this design choice.

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

Nightreign's design, drawing inspiration from an unexpected source, suggests a refreshing take on the Soulslike multiplayer experience, potentially offering a compelling alternative to the established formula.