Elden Ring Nightreign's Network Test Reveals Unexpected Inspiration: God of War: Ascension

The recent network tests for Elden Ring Nightreign, FromSoftware's upcoming multiplayer spin-off, revealed a surprising influence: 2013's often-overlooked God of War: Ascension. Unlike the open-world Elden Ring, Nightreign adopts a streamlined survival format, pitting three-player teams against waves of enemies and bosses in a shrinking map, reminiscent of Fortnite's battle royale structure.

While Ascension is remembered as a less successful entry in the God of War franchise, its multiplayer mode, "Trial of the Gods," shares striking similarities with Nightreign. Both feature cooperative PvE gameplay where teams face increasingly difficult enemies, including bosses from previous games (Hercules in Ascension, Nameless King in Nightreign). Both also incorporate time limits and shrinking play areas.

The parallels extend beyond core mechanics. Both games, developed by studios primarily known for single-player titles, incorporate increased movement speed and enhanced jump capabilities, creating a fast-paced, action-oriented experience. This contrasts with the more deliberate pacing of their respective parent games. As VaatiVidya noted, Nightreign prioritizes "speed and efficiency."

The comparison is significant, considering the contrasting design philosophies of the Soulslike genre and the God of War series. Nightreign's challenging, time-sensitive gameplay, however, echoes Ascension's Trial of the Gods, offering a frantic, exhilarating experience that differs greatly from the more measured approach of the main Elden Ring game. This heightened challenge, absent in recent Soulslike titles due to player skill progression and powerful builds, is reintroduced in Nightreign.

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Ultimately, Nightreign's design, unexpectedly influenced by Ascension's often-overlooked multiplayer, offers a thrilling, fast-paced experience that challenges players in a way that differs significantly from the core Elden Ring experience.