https://techcrunch.com/2022/03/17/elden-ring-review-from-software-gaming-experience/

Elden Ring is the latest game in the storied tradition of punishing, mysterious titles by developer From Software, following fiercely-loved hits like the Dark Souls series and Bloodborne. I’ve wanted to love these games for a long time. I’ve followed the releases, watched precision speedruns and read treatises on their intricate level design. But something didn’t click.

Not for lack of trying, some combination of the bleak aesthetic, boringly elitist community (enjoying a popular video game franchise is not a personality!) and relatively on-rails gameplay experience put me off. I hoped Elden Ring would be different, that its unique blend of roving exploration and enticing esoterica would finally capture my attention.