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 multiplayer spin-off, unveiled surprising similarities to a less celebrated game: 2013's God of War: Ascension. While Nightreign initially appears to borrow heavily from battle royale titles like Fortnite, with its shrinking map and team-based combat, a deeper look reveals a stronger connection to Ascension's often-overlooked multiplayer mode, Trial of the Gods.

Ascension, a prequel to the God of War series, faced criticism for not matching the epic scale of its predecessors. However, its multiplayer mode introduced a unique cooperative PvE experience. Players, after a specific point in the single-player campaign, chose allegiance to a god, receiving unique weaponry and abilities. This is strikingly similar to Nightreign's core gameplay loop.

Both Nightreign and Trial of the Gods share key features: co-op gameplay with escalating difficulty, boss encounters from previous titles, time-limited challenges on shrinking maps, and a focus on fast-paced action. Both games also feature enhanced player movement, mirroring the increased speed and agility found in Ascension's multiplayer compared to its single-player counterpart. This is evident in Nightreign's faster running and jumping mechanics, compensating for the absence of Torrent, the mount from the main Elden Ring game.

The similarities extend beyond mechanics. Both games were developed by studios renowned for their single-player experiences, without direct involvement from the original series' creators. This lack of oversight may have contributed to the bold experimentation seen in both Ascension's Trial of the Gods and Nightreign's design.

Early player feedback on Nightreign's network tests echoes the experience of Ascension's multiplayer: a frantic, exhilarating race against the clock. This contrasts with the more deliberate pacing of Elden Ring's single-player mode, forcing players to adapt to resource limitations and rely on instinct.

The unexpected connection between these two games highlights a fascinating convergence of design philosophies. While seemingly disparate at first glance – a brutal Soulslike and a power fantasy action game – both Nightreign and Ascension's Trial of the Gods offer a unique, high-octane multiplayer experience that prioritizes speed and efficiency. This shared emphasis on frantic, adrenaline-fueled combat makes a compelling case for Ascension's multiplayer as a now-forgotten gem.

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