Elden Ring Nightreign Channels the Spirit of a Forgotten God of War Game

Elden Ring Nightreign's Network Test Reveals Unexpected Inspiration: God of War: Ascension

The recent network tests for Elden Ring Nightreign, the upcoming standalone multiplayer spin-off, revealed surprising similarities to a largely forgotten game: 2013's God of War: Ascension. While Nightreign initially appears inspired by battle royale giants like Fortnite, with its shrinking maps and three-player team survival format, a deeper look reveals a stronger connection to Ascension's multiplayer mode, Trial of the Gods.

Ascension, often considered a black sheep in the God of War franchise, introduced a cooperative PvE mode that shares striking similarities with Nightreign. Both feature:

• Team-based gameplay: Teams of two or more players face increasingly difficult enemies.
• Boss encounters: Players battle bosses from previous games, echoing Nightreign's inclusion of bosses from the Soulsborne universe.
• Time-limited challenges: Both games incorporate a countdown mechanic, adding urgency to gameplay.
• Shrinking or confined maps: The play areas in both are either small or progressively decrease in size.
• Enhanced player mobility: Both games enhance player movement speed and jumping capabilities, similar to Nightreign's spirit horse mechanic.

The parallels extend beyond core mechanics. Both games were developed by studios primarily known for single-player titles, without direct involvement from their respective series' creators. This creative freedom led to unexpected design choices, prioritizing fast-paced action and resource management over the more deliberate style of their parent games.

Early impressions from prominent Soulsborne YouTubers and gaming news outlets describe Nightreign's gameplay as a frantic, exhilarating race against the clock. This contrasts sharply with the more methodical approach of Elden Ring, emphasizing speed and efficiency.

Ascension's Trial of the Gods similarly adjusted its single-player formula for a more intense, action-oriented experience. It increased player movement speed, improved jumping, and introduced new abilities like a grapple attack – mechanics mirrored in Nightreign.

This unexpected connection between two seemingly disparate franchises highlights the innovative potential of exploring different game designs within established universes. Nightreign's homage to Ascension's often-overlooked multiplayer mode suggests a willingness to experiment and potentially revive a forgotten formula for a new generation of players.

What game had the best now-forgotten multiplayer mode?

God of War: AscensionAssassin's Creed BrotherhoodMass Effect 3Batman: Arkham OriginsBioShock 2Other (let us know in the comments)AnswerSee Results