Story and Gameplay
We got our review copy a bit late but wanted to share our quick thoughts on the the highly anticipated Switch 2 edition of ELDEN RING. This is an absolute modern classic, and there's not much to say that we didn't cover in our original review beyond reminding everyone, Soulslike fan or not, that this game deserves to be played on any platform. The Switch 2 version isn't perfect, but it's extremely well done. The Tarnished Edition content is welcome, though not a game-changer by any means. New starting classes, new armor, etc. are a nice touch, but it's the base game that remains one of the best ever made.
Graphics and Sound
The audiovisual presentation is stunning whether you're playing in handheld mode or docked. I just wish more Switch 2 ports had a performance mode option to reduce graphical fidelity and try to hit 50 or 60 fps. Either way, this Switch 2 port is definitely polished and I’m glad we got a solid and smooth version of this gem.
The soundtrack and sound effects remain some of the best in the industry. No complaints here and fans will be pleased at this sonic landscape.
Feedback and Verdict
At $79.99 MSRP, the price is a bit of a mystery, since the original game was $59.99. Yes, the DLC and new content are included, but it still feels like a big asking price and knocks our score down a bit. Beyond that and the performance mode option I wish were here, there's little to complain about.
The Switch 2 version of ELDEN RING is finally upon us, and whether you've played it to death before or never touched it, this version rocks and I highly recommend it. Playing through it again reminded me how much I love this masterpiece and FromSoftware in general. Every Switch 2 owner deserves to have this in their library, even if they have to wait for an eventual (maybe) sale.
