The Game's Evasion Move Deserves to Be Celebrated
Having spent time with this acclaimed title, or nearly any third-person combat game, you're probably familiar with the fantastic technique referred to as the “dodge roll.” This avoidance maneuver allows your character to carry out a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to dodge any enemy attacks and gain space from the bad guy. Seems useful, right?
This rolling move, nevertheless, has received a lot of flak, and not just as a result of the somersault; it's been labeled foolish, a easy way out, and an unrealistic move — and sometimes, I agree. Just imagine me somersaulting past hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But this game's evasion move is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls dodge rolls, and here's the reason.
In Elden Ring's case, the designers identified a great way to counter all sentiments suggesting the technique is overly simple: merely bestow all foes overwhelming force, triple that, and every Tarnished who ventures close them will feel immensely thankful because of their evasion move, myself included. When the stakes are this high, successfully rolling to victory seems like an accomplishment, instead of an unfair advantage.
No other evasion method in the game approaches this feeling of accomplishment and dependability, because swift moves offer limited distance and defensive postures get quickly shattered by strong enemies. Someone once recommended leaping as the primary game evasion method, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow might boost my prospects of defeating bosses (inexperience, possibly).
Mastering the Technique
Although this evasion move grants reprieve in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. Firstly, Elden Ring's dodge roll only triggers a window of invulnerability after you let go of the roll control, which prevents a rapid, fearful withdrawal from dangerous scenarios. Furthermore, even though it can transport you away from foes, it's far more effective to utilize it as a moment to move nearer, preferably behind the opponent, and deliver attacks. And, finally, you must still understand and anticipate enemy attacks, since evading too early of a prolonged preparation may end your invincibility prior to the hit connecting… resulting in severe damage.
A Well-Designed Feature
Even though rolling-dodging in quick succession could appear somewhat silly (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't practically possible in Elden Ring. Of course, that still doesn't make it a plausible battle technique — which is precisely why it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a realism-focused RPG — but this is a flashy fantasy title being considered, therefore, it doesn't matter?
Comparable to any well-executed evasion move, Elden Ring's rolling animation is improved by a brief tumbling leap at the beginning, offering a lively impression rather than plopping the player on the floor. Depending on your gear, the move can feel extremely nimble or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently faster and more fluid than the evasion moves found in the previous titles. Certainly, you will stick your large weapon into the ground if you're carrying one, but that's on you for failing to use a crossbow (In jest — steer clear of the game with projectile weapons).
Ideal Equilibrium
The game's dodging mechanic forms an optimal harmony between difficulty and chance, providing prospects of success while endangering that very prospect at the smallest error. Perfect this move, and you'll obtain not just victory, but satisfaction.
