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 a surprising influence: 2013's often-overlooked God of War: Ascension. While Nightreign's surface resembles Fortnite's battle royale format – three-player teams battling in a shrinking map – its core gameplay mechanics share striking similarities with Ascension's multiplayer mode, "Trial of the Gods."
Ascension, a prequel to the original Greek mythology trilogy, is often considered the black sheep of the franchise. However, its multiplayer mode deserves recognition for its innovative approach. Similar to Nightreign, Trial of the Gods is a cooperative PvE experience where teams face increasingly difficult enemies and bosses from previous God of War installments. Both games feature a countdown timer (though Ascension's is pauseable), shrinking maps, and a focus on fast-paced, frantic combat.
Gameplay previews from prominent Soulsborne YouTubers like VaatiVidya and Iron Pineapple, along with IGN's coverage, highlighted these similarities. Nightreign, like Fortnite, incorporates randomized loot, resource management, and environmental hazards, adding layers of challenge. The "drop from the sky" mechanic, reminiscent of Fortnite, is another point of comparison.
Beyond the surface similarities, deeper parallels exist. Both games prioritize speed and efficiency, enhancing player movement capabilities. Ascension increased run speed, jump height, and incorporated automated parkour and a grapple mechanic, features echoed in Nightreign's design. This emphasis on speed is crucial, as the sheer volume of enemies necessitates quick reflexes and strategic decision-making.
The contrast between the deliberate pacing of Elden Ring's single-player experience and the frantic rush of Nightreign is striking. This shift mirrors Ascension's adaptation of its single-player mechanics for a more intense multiplayer experience. The absence of Torrent in Nightreign is compensated by enhanced player agility, encouraging instinctive reactions.
AnswerSee ResultsThe connection between Nightreign and Ascension is particularly interesting given the contrasting philosophies of the Soulslike genre and the God of War franchise. Nightreign, however, seems poised to reintroduce a level of challenge absent in recent Soulslike titles, offering a thrilling, high-stakes experience reminiscent of Ascension's forgotten gem of a multiplayer mode.
