Elden Ring is the latest video game developed by FromSoftware and is the pinnacle of the Soulslike genre. The gaming community was quickly enamored by the dark atmosphere and lore, even the new details from the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion that sent shivers down their spines.
It is not easy to develop an expansion that is a worthy successor to the base game but the developers did not hold back and dialed the horror aspect to an eleven. Negative words or threats may not bear the same weight as physical harm but some quotes can strike genuine fear.
The Developers Made the Elden Ring Expansion Much Scarier Than Anticipated
FromSoftware understood the assignment and could feel the pressure from the player base. The developers had to compete against their creation and the bar for the Shadow of the Erdtree by recruiting veteran actors like Richard Charles Lintern to voice a new character for the Elden Ring expansion.
Lintern voiced Igon and his talent elevated the quality of the expansion. The developers had no intention of delivering a follow-up that is nowhere near the quality of the base game and used the element of horror to gain the players’ attention because these lines stuck the landing.
What’s that one voice dialogue that’s got etched in your memory from the SotE?
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Director Hidetaka Miyazaki usually relies on the details to tell the story and for the gaming community to piece them together. Miyazaki’s fragmented storytelling technique allows the players to have a unique experience and the voice dialogue is a powerful asset.
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The line delivered by St. Trina is both epic and menacing. The character is introduced during the expansion and resides in the Lands Between and it appears she is ordering the player to accomplish an unspeakably difficult task. The delivery was on point and made the gaming community tremble with fear.
The fact this is almost hidden behind multiple attempts at conversing with her makes it all the better, and further proves Hidetaka Miyazaki knows how to play, and entice players throughout his Soulsborne franchise.
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The horror element helped draw players towards this genre and has been a useful ally for storytelling. The gaming community felt a great sense of fear from these lines which is safe to assume that this was the direction Miyazaki was aiming for.
FromSoftware always finds luck and good fortune with these projects and will likely avoid deviating from the working formula. Perhaps there are more hidden details that are hidden between the lines and could misdirect the players.
Elden Ring Players Could Not Handle the Horror Element From the Expansion
The developers mastered the balance of creating a compelling narrative that could be expanded upon with more lore and gameplay. The character design of enemies is enough to send chills, especially with the ones found in the base game.
It can be an unpleasant experience to play a scary game while having to face even horrifying enemies. It is safe to assume that the Soulslike genre is not for the faint of heart and for those who do not enjoy horror.
Miyazaki wanted to deliver a worthy follow-up to what was achieved with the base game and successfully landed the bird. The gaming community has nothing but praise for the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.
Perhaps the developers will up the ante with the horror element in future projects. It resonated well with the players and they will likely do the same again.
Were you nervous about playing the Elden Ring expansion? Let us know in the comments section below!
