I've been playing videogames for a looong time (click here for my article on this) but Elden Ring has been a game changer for me. When I wasn't playing it, I was thinking about it. When I wasn't thinking about it, I was reading about it. When I wasn't reading about it, I was watching video essays on YouTube about it. The thing took over my gaming life and most of my nights for most of this year- my wife even complained when I entered the bedroom past midnight most nights due to the game. It's my most played game ever with over 155 hours clocked.

I didn't know how much I needed this experience. I've become used to more linear experiences in the past decade or so but From Software’s masterpiece demanded focus and attention. The scope of the game is sublime and the map(s) opens up very early on. Gone are the parochial way finding icons splodged on the map, removing any hint of a surprise (I'm looking at you Ubisoft) to a more natural, diegetic method of discovery and wonder. Okay, I don't pretend to understand all the nuance if the narrative but man, this is one of the best games ever made and it’s been a heck of a ride getting to the end. Below are screenshots of my playthrough.