So, I've literally only watched the gameplay trailer, but according to IGN's description, FromSoft is making a co-op standalone spin-off of Elden Ring called Nightreign.
While my first assumption was that this would be a second expansion to Elden Ring (something I never expected them to do,) instead this appears to be a multiplayer-focused, randomized "rogue-like" system that has the players eventually face off against someone called the Nightlord after facing a number of randomized enemies.
Bizarrely, among the enemies seen in the trailer was the Nameless King and his friend/mount the dragon known as the King of Storms, from Dark Souls III.
So...
On one hand, I think we might be looking at a kind of corporate cash-grabby thing here, spitting out a multiplayer live-service game that borrows the IP of something I consider a really passionately-wrought work of art.
On the other hand, this is coming from FromSoft, so it's possible that it's the "FromSoft" version of a live-service game much in the way that Elden Ring was their version of an open-world game - which, in practice, was really just one of their normal Souls-likes that just so happened to be in a vast world.
I'll be honest, online multiplayer is not something that gets me excited. I barely have any interest in playing with random players online, with the exceptions of the true anonymity of Magic the Gathering: Arena (which seemed to borrow some strategies from Hearthstone) and the, well, totally online World of Warcraft (which is kind of grandfathered in now since I've been playing it for eighteen years).
Indeed, I actually love that Elden Ring is about as opt-in to its multiplayer as any previous games - you can enjoy the bloodstains and notes left by other players in Elden Ring without worrying about being invaded - something I freaking love (if I understand correctly, the only time you can get invaded is if you're already playing co-op or if you put down an invasion sign).
So, we'll see.
The real question I have, though, is about the lore. The trailer is tantalizing, with what looks like ghostflame spreading out across the Lands Between. What is this Nightlord? Is it connected to Morgott's Night's Cavalry, or perhaps the Dark Knights like Jolan? Might it have something to do with Godwyn?
It does look like there will be some significant new means of traversal in Nightreign, including what appears to be the ability to summon a spirit-eagle who will fly you around.
Anyway, details are sparse for the moment, but I'm sure to keep an eye on this.
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