Elden Ring Nightreign Critics Shouldn’t Miss This Action RPG Gem

Every March, like clockwork… or maybe more like a stubborn habit that never quits, the hunters make their pilgrimage back to Yharnam. Ten years and we’re still clinging to dreams of a Bloodborne sequel. Will it happen? Who knows. Now, when folks chat about Bloodborne, there’s this one thing that nobody seems to yap about enough, and that’s its Chalice Dungeons. They’re like FromSoftware’s peculiar split from your usual multiplayer shenanigans, tossing aside the typical summons and invasions.

And these Chalice Dungeons, wow — they fling you into randomly concocted levels, with flavors ranging from “mildly spicy” to “I need a drink.” Go it alone if you’re feeling brave, or team up with a mate. Not quite like Elden Ring Nightreign, which, surprise surprise, still doesn’t let you team up with a buddy. Yet. The weekend warrior in me got toasted a couple of times by sneaky, flame-vial-hurling skeletons, and, oh boy, some unexpected party crashers showed up when I least needed them — talk about party poopers.

Kinda like Nightreign throwing old bosses back into the mix, these dungeons love slipping familiar nightmares back onto the stage. Remember Rom or the Blood-Starved Beast? Yeah, they didn’t get the memo to retire. Trophy hunters, brace yourselves! To snag that elusive Platinum, you’ll be diving into the depths, seeking out Yharnam, Pthumerian Queen herself.

But hey, the silver lining? These dungeons don’t require an extra penny. It’s all packed into the main game, letting you detour through their twisty corridors as you see fit. Free add-ons? A rare gem these days. Unlike the whole shebang with Nightreign that leaves you scratching your head, wondering why it wasn’t just a freebie update.

Both Bloodborne’s Chalice Dungeons and Elden Ring Nightreign prove one thing: FromSoftware’s not afraid of getting a bit wild with their solid Soulsborne formula. And, oh boy, brace yourself for The Duskbloods next year on the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s not Bloodborne II. Nope. Miyazaki’s words, not mine — it’ll feature some crazy PvPvE multiplayer concepts, aiming to mix things up and leverage their knack for crafting fiendish enemies. Another experimental multiplayer ride, leaving us fans drumming our fingers, waiting for that next big single-player journey.

Right now, though? FromSoftware’s got their multiplayer blinders on. If Nightreign doesn’t tickle your fancy, Yharnam’s dimly lit, blood-soaked streets will always welcome you back, dear hunter.