The Elden Ring universe continues to expand, this time onto gaming tables. Steamforged Games, known for its adaptations of video games into board games, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for an ambitious project inspired by the chef -work by FromSoftware. On the other hand, the price of this immersive experience surprised many fans, even exceeding that of a modern game console.
An open world on stage: the ambition of Elden Ring in tangible format
Steamforged Games took on a daunting challenge: translating the vast and complex Elden Ring experience into a board game. This adaptation promises to capture the essence of the original game with a system modular and scalable. Players will be able to examine the Underworld using removable terrain plates, similarly simulating the “open world” aspect that made FromSoftware's title so successful.
The Elden Ring board game has several innovations:
- A diceless combat system, based on action and spell cards
- Extensive character customization
- Long game sessions, up to 90 hours of campaign time
- The ability to play solo or with up to 4 players
These features bring the experience closer to that of a tabletop role-playing game, while maintaining fidelity to the Elden Ring universe. Shadow of the Erdtree fans: The Elden Ring DLC that changes everything! will undoubtedly find in this physical version a new way of analyzing this exciting universe.
The dazzling success of an ambitious fundraising campaign
Launched on November 22, 2022, the Kickstarter campaign for the Elden Ring board game quickly exceeded its initial goal of 173,867 euros. In less than two weeks, the project reached nearly 2 million euros of contributions, testifying to the fans' enthusiasm for this adaptation.
Steamforged Games pulled out all the stops to promote its project:
- Eye-catching trailers
- Commented gaming sessions
- Detailed infographics
- Impressive figure visuals
This marketing strategy bore fruit, attracting nearly 7,000 contributors in just a few days. The enthusiasm generated by this campaign suggests a promising future for the game, despite its high price.
The cost of an epic adventure: when the board competes with the console
Steamforged Games' ambition is reflected not only in the game's design, but also in its price. The basic edition, covering the entirety of Necrolimbe (excluding the castle), is priced at 177 euros. However, it is the complete edition which made the community react with its price of 423 eurosthereby exceeding the cost of a PlayStation 5.
Here is an overview of the different editions and their contents:
| Edition | Content | Prix |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | Tearful Peninsula (20 hours of play) | 87€ |
| Standard | Complete Necrolimbe + Kickstarter bonus | 177€ |
| Complete | Added Voilorage Castle + additional bosses | 423€ |
These prices, to which delivery costs must be added (around €50 for France), have sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some see it as a justified investment for a prolonged, high-quality gaming experience, while others find the cost prohibitive.
The future of the elden ring board game: between passion and pragmatism
Despite its high price, the Elden Ring board game seems to have found its audience. Role-playing game enthusiasts and figurine collectors will find what they are looking for here. There quality of miniatures and the game system depth are particularly appreciated.
To make this significant investment profitable, several options are available to players:
- Group purchase with friends to share costs
- Using the figures for other games or as collectibles
- Exploiting the replayability potential of the single-player campaign
The future of the game will largely depend on the reception given to this first edition. If successful, it is likely that Steamforged Games will develop expansions covering other regions of the Underworld, effectively offering players the opportunity to gradually expand their experience.
Ultimately, the Elden Ring board game is positioned as a product premium for the most dedicated fans. Its high price reflects the ambition of the project and the quality of the components, but could limit its accessibility. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm generated by the Kickstarter campaign shows that many players are ready to invest in this new way of visiting the captivating universe created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George RR Martin.
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