Elden Ring

Now and again, a recreation comes round and turns into a phenomenon in a single day. Though the Elden Ring beta confirmed me that future was potential, few might predict simply how ubiquitous the From Software program juggernaut would turn out to be.

After launch, I appeared round and mainly everybody I knew was taking part in it. My spouse, who solely performs motion journey video games as soon as each few years, was — and nonetheless is — into it. All of her workplace co-workers had been taking part in it, and a number of other of us who had by no means Platinumed something of their lives had been going for a full clear. Individuals I hadn’t spoke to shortly had been texting me for ideas. It managed to interrupt via like no different From Software program recreation in current reminiscence: way over the Bloodborne craze that you simply couldn’t escape from for roughly a full 12 months and alter.

Sight unseen with no ideas or guides, it additionally led to a few of my most nerve-wracking overview classes in my almost 15 12 months profession: proper up there with a number of Sekiro bosses (From strikes once more!). Though there are mild streaks nudging you on the place to go subsequent, there have been a number of parts of the sport that actually had me sweating: and I don’t really feel like that usually! It was an entire rush, and in contrast to nearly the rest launched this 12 months, or the previous a number of years.

The entire groundwork that From Software program had been placing down since Demon’s Souls in 2009 had led to this. The entire shared experiences, the blood stains, the high-variance tales of boss battles and conquests: it felt prefer it all got here to a head with Elden Ring‘s huge open world, and the chance for emergent storytelling.

Having performed From Software program video games all my life, it’s been a blast to see all of this unfold in actual time. I grew up with King’s Discipline and Armored Core, and quietly loved Everlasting Ring when nobody I knew was taking part in it. However I by no means thought this studio would develop to turn out to be a mainstream staple like this: clawing their means up from Ninja Blade to Demon’s Souls, from Bloodborne to Elden Ring. It’s been a blast to actually develop up with them, and after this most up-to-date award winner, all eyes are on From Software program to see how they’re going to observe up their Souls-like legacy. Subsequent cease: Armored Core VI.

Destructoid’s earlier Sport of the 12 months winners:

2021 – Chicory: A Colourful Story

2020 – Hades

2019 – The Outer Worlds

2018 – God of Battle

2017 – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

2016 – Overwatch

2015 – Bloodborne

2014 – Bayonetta 2

2013 – The Final of Us

2012 – Telltale’s The Strolling Lifeless

2011 – Portal 2

2010 – Tremendous Mario Galaxy 2

2009 – Uncharted 2: Amongst Thieves

2008 – Left 4 Lifeless

2007 – BioShock