So I’ve been playing Elden Ring since I got it and pretty much nothing else. At first it was buggy as all hell and unable to keep a sold framerate at even the lowest resolution. But then I stumble across this tidbit of info telling me at least on some computers, the game uses the integrated graphics by default for whatever reason. Ever since I switched on over to my actual graphics card in the nvidia settings, there have been no graphical bugs(that I know of) and thankfully it has been significantly smoother.
I tried on both 1440p and 4K just out of curiosity, but it’s still a bit sluggish there - however kinda understandable with the specs I have, from what I understand. It seems to be mostly ok at max at 1080p, still momentary dips especially when recording unfortunately, but at high with a few settings I don’t care for set to low or off it seems to run mostly good. But having watched this digital foundry video on it, it seems no matter what I do, or anyone else for that matter, stuttering will be an issue until Fromsoft can fix it on their side.
As far as the game itself goes…kinda meh. Leaning on the good side but there are many things I question, and I think at base level I still just prefer both the gameplay and aesthetics of both Bloodborne and Sekiro over this. From the trailers it seems there may be more eldritch stuff to come later on, but for now I just am not so excited for your typical fantasy, even if it is better than Elder Scrolls at least.
I definitely feel it’s been made more accessible for new players, and that isn’t all necessarily a bad thing, but having summoned lots of help yesterday, it feels like a lot of stuff was stripped away just to make it too easy. Don’t have to worry about whether you’re human or not, have not been invaded except for 1 npc, it seems helpers have their own healing items, etc. but maybe they found that those concepts just aren’t as conducive to the open world format.
Speaking of…I feel BotW has really ruined other open worlds for me. Just the simple fact of being able to climb everything is one unrealistic expectation but I can’t help but think it when I come to a huge wall or steep cliff, where reviewers praise it for being more “vertical” but I see it as just arbitrary barriers. Tough enemies and forts in the way are one thing, but this is almost as bad as invisible walls to me. But then I suppose it just makes you more on the lookout for those horse geysers or the graves sticking out of the cliffs.
I’m maybe 10 hours in? Had started with a wretch just to see how that would go, and that was fun and all, but decided to restart as a confessor and ultimately decided to pump points into strength to go around with a shield and great sword, and just have a couple magic heals as a backup…though I think I picked up the equivalent of soul arrows somewhere, which might be nice if I need to be ranged.
Have yet to fight Margit, been exploring a ton to the east and north, only recently realized there’s a big part to the south and apparently beat a “major” boss there but I seemed to mess up some quest line with a girl and her father…or maybe not, knowing how these games go. Hard to say when things are sometimes meant to be bleak.
Might take a break for today, not sure. I really do want to try Margit now I have my great sword upgraded a bit, a better shield and chest plate. We’ll see.