Reviving the Legacy: Elden Ring Channels Forgotten Divinity

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 largely forgotten game: 2013's God of War: Ascension. Unlike its parent game's open world, Nightreign adopts a streamlined survival format, pitting three-player teams against waves of enemies and bosses in shrinking maps, reminiscent of Fortnite's battle royale structure.

Elden Ring Nightreign Screenshot

Image credit: Sony Santa Monica / Sony

While Ascension, a prequel to the God of War series, is often considered the franchise's black sheep, its multiplayer mode, "Trial of the Gods," offers a compelling parallel to Nightreign. Both feature cooperative PvE gameplay where teams face increasingly difficult enemies and bosses from previous titles (e.g., Hercules from God of War 3, the Nameless King from Dark Souls 3). Both incorporate countdown timers and shrinking maps, creating a frantic, time-sensitive experience. The similarities extend to gameplay mechanics: both games enhance player speed and jumping abilities, and Nightreign even echoes Ascension's grapple mechanic with its Wylder character.

Elden Ring Nightreign Gameplay

Image credit: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco

This connection is particularly noteworthy given the contrasting styles of the Soulslike genre and the God of War franchise. Nightreign's fast-paced, resource-constrained gameplay, described by YouTubers as prioritizing "speed and efficiency," stands in stark contrast to the methodical approach often employed in Elden Ring. However, this shift reintroduces a level of challenge absent in recent Soulslike titles, offering a unique experience for seasoned players. Nightreign effectively captures the exhilarating, frantic rush of Ascension's Trial of the Gods, allowing players to feel the power and urgency of a Spartan warrior against the clock.

The comparison highlights the unexpected influence of a less celebrated game and underscores Nightreign's departure from the typical Soulslike formula. It suggests a potential for a thrilling, high-octane multiplayer experience that blends familiar elements with a fresh, time-sensitive approach.