Moldy Storytelling

[rhoenix]

So, I found this video today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHSEFMYjbnE

The video itself covers its idea and concept quite well. What attracts one to a given setting can be as varied as the people who might see it, but the commonalities still arise to the surface.

A newer, shinier setting offers the idea of hope, progress, and forward momentum - a "moldier" setting shows the assumptions of a previous generation laid bare, the popular conceptions that once encouraged people in new directions now become dogma, and the beginnings of the new beginning to manifest.

"It is the fate of an empire to die," as the video says - the how and why remain compelling though. More so than newer, shinier story/game settings.

Is this aspect something you appreciate about Elden Ring? If so, why?

[Artek [General]]

Its not just Elden Ring - this is the staple of how FromSoft make their games, starting from Demon Souls. The world is pretty much already dead, empires ruined and fallen, and you are universally an undead creature summoned in attempt to do SOMETHING about it.
Its a very unique vibe and the only game i know that managed to replicate this exact feeling was Hollow Knight and nobody else.

[rhoenix]

Originally posted by Artek General:

Its not just Elden Ring - this is the staple of how FromSoft make their games, starting from Demon Souls. The world is pretty much already dead, empires ruined and fallen, and you are universally an undead creature summoned in attempt to do SOMETHING about it.

That's definitely fair. You're right that all of them follow variations of the formula - Elden Ring just has a bit more elbow room with the nuances due to the open world, I think.

Originally posted by Artek General:

Its a very unique vibe and the only game i know that managed to replicate this exact feeling was Hollow Knight and nobody else.

That's an excellent example, too - however literal in parts. I still replay Hollow Knight from time to time.

Warframe (and Destiny 2, in fairness) has a similar feel - the former empire is gone, and what remains now are those feeding on the scraps of what remains, with old sins coming to light and home to roost.