Melina's Era Was Over

It could be said that in Elden Ring, anyone who enjoyed Souls-like games would find a great many Easter eggs within it.

For example, armor resembling the Onion Knight's set from Dark Souls, or the Praise the Sun gesture.

The saw cleaver from Bloodborne and the Immortal Blade from Sekiro could both be found in the game as well.

There were also story elements: the fall of the Nox alluded to the Cthulhu Mythos. The Nox discovered a supreme existence, and curiosity drove them to keep exploring, venturing ever deeper into unknown territory in pursuit of the truth behind it.

But because the Nox and that supreme existence were not creatures of the same dimension, merely catching a glimpse of it drove them mad and brought disaster upon the Lands Between.

Then there were the game's outstanding story design, character design, and Level Design.

In Elden Ring, players could immediately feel that familiar Soul flavor.

The game contained stories that were unbearably oppressive and despairing, as well as stories that brought warmth. Although they would most likely still end in despair, the Tarnished controlled by the players witnessed them all.

Sorcerer Sellen, found in the basement beneath Waypoint Ruins, served as the player's magic instructor during the early game and left an exceptionally deep impression.

She constantly cared for the Tarnished as her apprentice, and even when she was trapped and sought freedom, she merely asked her beloved pupil for help. Later, when she returned to the Academy of Raya Lucaria after the Full Moon Queen was defeated, Sellen made a promise to the Tarnished—"I only hope you remember that even if you become a king, I will still be your teacher, and you will still be my beloved apprentice. If you fail to become a king, then return to