Elden Ring is a Masterpiece , one would say one of the best game ever, it doesn't mater if you like the Dark Souls .
The world/environment is one of the most stunning in gaming ever, from the way the light pokes through trees as you are ridding you horse, to fog or snow rolling the hills, to rain or your torch lighting up some underground caves. As for the topography is absolutely crazy how this game plays with elevation, honestly don't think there is a game to top this. Keep in mind that beside the map that is around 40km square, you also have large underground areas, but also huge caves or catacombs. It's not that its a big place, it's more of how dense is everything. It's hard to describe but every you go, the developers have something for you, even if got there with hard difficulty or by mistake, there is a lot to explore, more important you don't get bored .

The combat will be very punishing at beginning but that is only to encourage you to explore side quest and grow your character . Does matter how you want to play, you like close melee or ranged attacks, but most important the game allow you to do what ever you like. You'll be able to switch weapons from left to right hand, heavy attacks , stance breaking, you also have horse combat that is an entire thing on it's own. Also, spells, ashes of war that you can attach to weapons, crafting....there is a lot in the combat , that is all a legacy of souls games that got better in Elden Ring.

This is a game that is meant to be played, it rewards you exploring and the map is very big and dense, again is not boring. After spending 180 i still have not beat the last boss :) but i'm getting there .