Elden Ring's "Unfair" DLC and the Death of Gamer Integrity

Summary

The script discusses the 'gamer integrity' debate, sparked by Elden Ring's DLC, 'Shadow of the Erdtree'. It critiques the modern gaming community's expectation for instant gratification and the tendency to avoid challenges. The narrator, a self-proclaimed non-Soulsborne gamer, defends the DLC's difficulty, arguing that it upholds FromSoftware's tradition of demanding gameplay and encourages players to explore and improve. The script calls out elitist attitudes and questions the integrity of gamers who seek easy victories over earned ones.

Takeaways

• ⚠️ The video discusses the concept of 'gamer integrity' and acknowledges the pretentiousness of the term.
• 🚨 The video contains major spoilers for Elden Ring's DLC, so only watch if you've played it or don't mind spoilers.
• 🎮 Elden Ring, released in February 2022 by FromSoftware, is known for its challenging gameplay and intricate storytelling.
• 🙅 The creator had never played a Soulsborne game before Elden Ring, which was recommended by a friend.
• 📚 The DLC centers on Mikellah, an important character whose story involves significant lore and new challenges.
• 🤯 The DLC's difficulty is notably high, with many bosses considered harder than those in the base game.
• 💡 The DLC introduces new mechanics, such as Shadow Tree Fragments, which enhance player abilities and add depth to exploration.
• 🌍 Exploring the new area and collecting items is crucial for progressing and strengthening your character.
• 🧠 Learning boss patterns and strategies is essential for success, and looking up guides is a valid strategy.
• 😤 The video critiques the modern gaming community's aversion to challenge and the expectation of instant gratification.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is the perception of difficulty and 'gamer integrity' in relation to the DLC (downloadable content) for the game Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware.

What is the author's stance on the phrase 'gamer integrity'?

The author finds the phrase 'gamer integrity' pretentious and acknowledges that it may set off alarms, but uses it to discuss the expectations and attitudes of gamers towards challenging content in games.

What game does the author discuss in the script?

The author discusses Elden Ring, a game developed by FromSoftware, known for their challenging titles such as the Dark Souls series.

What does the author suggest is the reason for the mixed review rating of Elden Ring's DLC on Steam?

The author suggests that the mixed review rating on Steam may be due to some players feeling that the DLC is too difficult and requiring too much effort to progress, which they perceive as unfair.

What is the DLC about, according to the script?

The DLC is about the story of Mika, the Twink of Melina, an important figure in the game's universe, and his quest for godhood in the land of the shadow of the earth tree.

What is the author's opinion on the difficulty of the DLC bosses?

The author acknowledges that the DLC bosses are challenging but believes that the difficulty is fair and part of the intended gameplay experience, rather than being 'unfair'.

What is the 'Shadow tree fragment' mentioned in the script?

The 'Shadow tree fragment' is a progression mechanic unique to the DLC that incrementally increases damage dealt and decreases damage taken by mobs in the land of Shadow.

How does the author feel about the community's reaction to the DLC's difficulty?

The author feels that while some players may struggle with the DLC's difficulty, the community's reaction has been largely positive, with many players appreciating the challenge.

What does the author suggest about the modern gaming community's attitude towards game difficulty?

The author suggests that the modern gaming community may have become less tolerant of difficulty in games, preferring instant gratification and easier experiences.

What is the author's final message regarding the DLC and 'gamer integrity'?

The author's final message is that the DLC is not unfair, and those who find it difficult should improve their skills rather than blaming the game, suggesting that 'gamer integrity' involves embracing the challenge.