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CRITIK

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Item: Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJun 21, 2024

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperFrom Software

Overview

In Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree players step into the Land of Shadow to explore a new adventure full of mysteries and danger, to confront threatening bosses with new weapons and armor. Follow in the footsteps of Miquella and unravel the dark side of the Elden Ring story. The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion features an all-new story set in the Land of Shadow imbued with mystery, perilous dungeons, and new enemies, weapons and equipment. Discover uncharted territories, face formidable adversaries, and revel in the satisfying triumph of victory. Dive into the riveting interplay of characters, where drama and intrigue intertwine, that create an immersive experience to savor and enjoy.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics found the story of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to be very good, with several positive aspects highlighted. Critics like GameMAG and Meristation praised the compelling narrative that intertwined new characters like Mikella with existing ones, emphasizing themes of overcoming difficulties and narrative depth. The expansion was commended for providing new insights into the world and characters, as noted by Atomix, who appreciated the cryptic and minimalistic storytelling that focused on player interpretation and hidden details. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming lauded the rich lore, intricate world design, and atmospheric storytelling in the Shadow Realm, adding depth to the overall narrative. On the other hand, some critics had reservations about the story of Shadow of the Erdtree. Dot Esports and TheSixthAxis criticized the confusing nature of the narrative, which raised more questions than answers and required additional resources like lore videos for full context. PCGamesN highlighted jarring moments in the storytelling that impacted the potential fulfillment of the narrative, while Noisy Pixel mentioned that the abstract and convoluted story took a backseat to combat and exploration, potentially disengaging some players. The underwhelming ending and disappointing final boss, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis, were also points of criticism regarding the narrative's execution. Overall, despite some mixed opinions and criticisms, the consensus among the majority of critics is that the story of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a strong aspect of the game. The expansion was praised for its ability to delve deeper into the lore, introduce new characters and mysteries, and expand on the narrative established in the base game. Critics like Game Revolution and Impulsegamer appreciated the intriguing storyline with major surprises and plot revelations, while PC Gamer and Wccftech commended the masterfully embedded storytelling that challenged assumptions and expanded thematic scope. The narrative developments in the DLC were seen as important by GAMINGbible, shedding light on dark themes and adding depth to the world of Elden Ring. Overall, the positive reception towards the story of Shadow of the Erdtree indicates that it successfully enriched the overall experience for many players and critics alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on the story of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Positive reviews praise its compelling narrative, new characters, and rich lore, while negative feedback points out confusing storytelling and an underwhelming ending. Despite mixed opinions, most critics agree that the expansion adds depth to the game's world and characters, making it a strong aspect overall.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about the gameplay of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, praising its challenging combat, diverse mechanics, and new elements that enhanced the overall experience. Critics like But Why Tho?? and GameMAG highlighted the introduction of new blessings, equipment, and challenging boss battles that provided a mix of familiar and fresh experiences for players. The expansion was commended for offering engaging combat with new weapons, spells, and character progression systems exclusive to the Shadow Realm, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Gamepressure. The addition of new gameplay mechanics tied to collecting fragments of the shadow tree for character enhancements, as mentioned by GameMAG, further enriched the gameplay experience. Overall, the gameplay was lauded for introducing new elements like Scadutree fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes, providing a fresh and challenging endgame experience, as emphasized by Hooked Gamers and GINX TV. While the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree was highly positive, some critics pointed out certain negatives. The SixthAxis mentioned that the new mechanics like Scadutree Fragments and Revered Spirit Ash did not feel well-implemented and did not fit with the rest of the game's design, suggesting a lack of cohesion in the gameplay experience. Additionally, Game Revolution noted that while the expansion introduced increased difficulty, some felt that it lacked a super challenging boss equivalent to Malenia, potentially leading to a slightly less intense experience for some players. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is exceptional, with the majority of reviewers praising its challenging combat, new mechanics, diverse exploration, and engaging boss battles. The expansion was commended for introducing a variety of new elements such as weapons, spells, armor, and enemies, all contributing to a rich and rewarding gameplay experience. Despite a few criticisms regarding the implementation of certain mechanics and the level of challenge in specific boss encounters, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards the positive, with critics like TechRadar Gaming and XboxEra highlighting the compelling new weapon types, intricate level design, and challenging encounters that make the gameplay a standout feature of the expansion.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praised the gameplay of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for its challenging combat, new mechanics, and engaging boss battles. The expansion introduced exciting elements like blessings, equipment, and character progression exclusive to the Shadow Realm, enhancing the overall experience. While some critics noted issues with certain mechanics and a lack of super challenging bosses, the consensus leans heavily towards the exceptional quality of the gameplay, with new elements like Scadutree fragments and Revered Spirit Ashes providing a fresh and rewarding endgame experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, highlighting various positive aspects. Atomix commended the game for maintaining the familiar aesthetic of Elden Ring while introducing new biomes, enemies, and armor designs, enhancing the visual experience with eerie and beautiful environments in the Shadow Realm. But Why Tho?? and Game Revolution appreciated the diverse environments, detailed level design, and verticality aspect, providing a sense of exploration satisfaction. Additionally, Meristation and PCGamesN highlighted the impressive audiovisual presentation, particularly in boss encounters, and stunning armor sets like Fire Knight and Armor of Night. On the other hand, a few critics mentioned some drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. Vandal noted technical performance issues like rendering problems, impacting the overall experience. TechRadar Gaming highlighted performance issues on both console and PC, especially in dense locations, affecting the immersion in the detailed environments. XboxEra pointed out rough texture work up close, which could detract from the otherwise beautiful vistas and diverse locales present in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. The game is praised for its stunning visuals, diverse environments, intricate details, and impressive level design. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming, GameMAG, and LevelUp appreciated the hauntingly beautiful and dangerous terrain, immersive ambiance, and consistent art direction that enhanced the player's experience. The majority of reviewers found the game to be visually stunning, with captivating and grim visuals that maintain the signature FromSoftware style, making it a visual masterpiece that rewards exploration and provides a memorable experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Elden Ring's Graphics and Visual Design, praising its stunning aesthetics, diverse environments, and intricate details. Atomix, But Why Tho?, and Game Revolution highlight the game's eerie and beautiful environments, while Meristation and PCGamesN applaud its audiovisual presentation in boss encounters. Some critics mention technical issues like rendering problems and rough texture work, but overall, Elden Ring is hailed as a visual masterpiece that immerses players in a hauntingly beautiful world full of exploration and danger.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for its exceptional quality. Atomix highlighted the atmospheric sound design, incorporating classic choirs during battles and a mix of ambient sounds and melodic moments, enhancing the immersive experience. Checkpoint Gaming appreciated the distinct scores for each area, filled with haunting melodies that build tension and anticipation. Dot Esports commended the epic orchestral soundtrack, particularly during boss encounters, stating it is among the best in FromSoftware's history. GamersRD also noted the religious themes in the soundtrack that enhanced boss battles, with dynamic music transitions during boss phases, contributing to the immersive experience. The melancholy score mentioned by Impulsegamer further complemented the Land of Shadow's atmosphere, creating an overall captivating experience. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree was positive, there were no significant negative criticisms mentioned by the reviewers. This lack of negative feedback suggests a high level of consistency and quality in the audio aspects of the game, as highlighted by Meristation's comment on the impressive sound design enhancing the overall experience. The absence of negative critiques indicates a strong cohesion between the sound design and music, effectively immersing players in the game world without any notable flaws or drawbacks. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Critics like Gamepressure and PC Gamer praised the dynamic and immersive sound design, with impactful music enhancing boss fights and setting the mood for various encounters. Vandal and XboxEra highlighted the new orchestral music as epic and fitting the dark fantasy theme of the game, further solidifying the positive reception. The exceptional quality and consistency of the sound design and music, as noted by Noisy Pixel and TheXboxHub, contribute significantly to the overall immersive experience of Elden Ring, making it a standout aspect of the game that resonated positively with the majority of critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree sound design and music, praising its exceptional quality, atmospheric soundscapes, distinct scores for each area, epic orchestral soundtrack, and seamless integration with gameplay. With no major negative criticisms, the audio elements are highly consistent and immersive, earning widespread acclaim for enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Voice Acting

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Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on PS5, the majority of critics highlighted a stable experience with minor issues. Dot Esports mentioned minor bugs like bosses stopping mid-fight, while Impulsegamer reported issues with premature story progression and falling through the map. However, GamersRD and Meristation did not specify any major technical issues, indicating a smooth gameplay experience. Metro GameCentral noted a glitch with ground textures loading slowly but did not consider it game-breaking. Overall, the PS5 platform seems to offer a relatively stable performance with some minor bugs that could potentially be addressed in future patches. Moving on to the PC platform, there were more mixed opinions regarding the technical performance of Elden Ring. While Gamepressure and GINX TV reported stable performance on high graphics settings, GamingBolt and Vandal encountered performance issues impacting frame rates during boss fights. Wccftech highlighted frame rate drops and occasional freezes, indicating room for improvement in optimization. The varying experiences on PC suggest that the game's performance may depend on the hardware configuration and settings used, with potential for future updates to address performance issues. On the Xbox Series X platform, critics had a generally positive experience with the technical performance of Elden Ring. TheXboxHub noted no slowdown or stuttering even with high particle effects, while XboxEra reported a stable expansion without major bugs or online disconnects. TechRadar Gaming mentioned occasional visual oddities and performance dips, particularly in dense areas, but overall considered the game to be playable. The consensus among critics on Xbox Series X is that the game offers a smooth performance with minor issues that do not significantly impact the overall gameplay experience. In conclusion, while Elden Ring showcases a generally stable technical performance across different gaming platforms, there are some platform-specific issues that critics have highlighted. The PS5 platform appears to have minor bugs that may need addressing, while the PC platform shows a wider range of experiences from stable performance to performance issues depending on the hardware setup. On the Xbox Series X platform, the game generally runs smoothly with occasional performance dips in dense areas. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Elden Ring delivers a solid technical performance with room for improvement in addressing specific issues on each platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics found Elden Ring to have stable technical performance on PS5, with minor bugs like bosses stopping mid-fight. PC reviews varied, with some reporting stable performance on high settings and others encountering frame rate issues during boss fights. On Xbox Series X, critics had a positive experience overall, noting occasional visual oddities. While the game generally runs smoothly on all platforms, there are platform-specific issues that may need addressing in future updates.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the replay value of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, highlighting various positive aspects that contribute to its high replayability. Critics like Atomix and Impulsegamer commended the game for offering new challenges, secrets, customization options, and a significant amount of high-quality side content, encouraging multiple playthroughs. The diverse weapon options, challenging enemies, and vertical exploration mentioned by Meristation and Checkpoint Gaming also add depth to the replay value. Additionally, the vast new arsenal, new weapon types, and enhancements system mentioned by Metro GameCentral and Slant Magazine provide unique surprises for players, further enhancing the replayability of the game. On the flip side, some critics did point out a few negatives regarding the replay value of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Critics like GINX TV and Hooked Gamers expressed concerns about certain areas feeling empty or less rewarding after defeating mainline bosses, potentially contributing to a sense of hitting a ceiling prematurely. The lack of new trophies mentioned by MeuPlayStation was also seen as a downside, impacting the exploration experience for completionists who rely on achievements as guidance for uncovering missed content. Additionally, PC Invasion highlighted that some rewards may feel underwhelming for players with maxed-out weapons and builds, potentially diminishing the satisfaction of replaying certain sections of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. The game's offering of new challenges, vast content, diverse gameplay elements, and high-quality side content makes it highly replayable for a wide range of players. Critics appreciated the expansion's ability to provide hours of engaging gameplay, new experiences, and opportunities for exploration and experimentation with different character builds. Despite some minor criticisms, the majority of reviewers found the replay value of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to be very good, making it a worthwhile investment for fans of the game looking to delve deeper into its intricacies and uncover all it has to offer.

TL;DR

replay value

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree receives high praise for its replay value from critics, who laud its new challenges, customization options, and diverse content that encourage multiple playthroughs. While some critics mention concerns about certain areas feeling empty and lack of new trophies, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's vast content, challenging enemies, and unique surprises make it a highly engaging and worthwhile experience for players seeking hours of exploration and experimentation.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, it is evident that the majority of critics were highly impressed with the expansion. Positives highlighted by the critics include the captivating story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design. Atomix praises the expansion for expanding on the successful elements of Elden Ring, offering a unique and rewarding vertical exploration experience in the Shadow Realm. GameMAG commends the DLC for its rich and immersive experience, appealing even to those who may not have enjoyed the main game, showcasing unique pace, mood, and overall coherence in gameplay elements. The expansion is lauded for its challenging combat, superb visuals, and creative design, enriching the Elden Ring experience, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming. On the flip side, some critics did mention a few drawbacks of Shadow of the Erdtree. PlayStation Country expressed a preference for more focused content and tighter design, pointing out issues with dungeon count and pacing. The Sixth Axis found significant issues in gameplay mechanics and story, despite acknowledging the stunning world design. However, these criticisms were in the minority, with the overall sentiment leaning heavily towards the positive aspects of the expansion. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. The expansion is praised as one of the best in recent years, with critics like Meristation commending its experimentation, excellent level design, challenging difficulty spikes, and sense of mystery and discovery. The general sentiment is that the DLC successfully enhances the Elden Ring experience, offering a robust and complete standalone experience that is highly rewarding for both hardcore fans and new players. Despite minor complaints and some technical issues mentioned by a few critics, the overall verdict of Shadow of the Erdtree is overwhelmingly positive, making it a must-play for fans of the base game and a strong contender for one of the best expansions ever released.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree for its captivating story, engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design. The expansion is lauded for its unique vertical exploration experience and challenging combat, enriching the overall game experience. While some critics noted issues with dungeon count and pacing, the general consensus leans heavily towards the expansion's positive aspects. Overall, Shadow of the Erdtree is hailed as one of the best expansions in recent years, offering a rewarding experience for both hardcore fans and new players alike.

CRITIK

Reviews

191 reviews found

100

But Why Tho?

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is praised for its familiar yet unique experience, earning a perfect score of 10/10 as a thrilling final adventure with its own identity.

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100

Checkpoint Gaming

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Erdtree enriches the Elden Ring experience with its atmospheric storytelling, challenging combat, superb visuals, and creative design, making it one of the best FromSoftware experiences to date.

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100

MeuPlayStation

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Erdtree is praised as one of the best expansions in the industry, offering a robust and complete experience that could stand as a standalone game. Despite some drawbacks like the incomplete story and absence of new trophies, the DLC enhances the journey with new content and epic moments.

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100

Game Revolution

Jun 20, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a fantastic expansion that seamlessly integrates into the main game, providing both quantity and quality content that enhances the overall experience.

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100

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Erdtree is a must-play DLC expansion that delivers high-quality content additions, worth the two-year wait and highly recommended for both hardcore fans and new players.

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100

Wccftech

Jun 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow of the Erdtree is praised for its quality content, engaging open-world design, and ability to evoke wonder despite lack of innovation and technical hiccups.

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100

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Jun 21, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is an awesome expansion that enhances the Elden Ring experience, providing a challenging and satisfying gameplay experience.

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100

GamingBolt

Jun 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Exceptional expansion surpassing typical standards, offering an abundance of content comparable to a full-fledged game. Stable PC performance would have enhanced the experience.

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100

Vandal

Jun 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The expansion is highly praised for its quality content, level design, challenging bosses, and gameplay enhancements, making it a must-play for fans of the base game.

100

Meristation

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is praised as one of the best expansions in recent years, showcasing experimentation and excellent level design, with challenging difficulty spikes and a sense of mystery and discovery.

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