The Game's Dodge Roll Deserves Praise
If you've played this acclaimed title, or just about any 3D action game, chances are you're familiar with the fantastic technique known as the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move allows your character to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to avoid all incoming damage and move away from opponents. Seems useful, wouldn't you say?
The evasion roll, though, has gotten a lot of flak, and not only as a result of the somersault; it's been labeled unintelligent, a cop-out, and an unbelievable technique — and occasionally, I agree. Just imagine me somersaulting past hostile mobs in another popular RPG — they can't hit me! But the title's evasion move is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls dodge rolls, and I'll tell you why.
In Elden Ring's case, the developers found a great way to address all opinions suggesting the technique is too easy: merely bestow every enemy unreasonable strength, triple that, and every Tarnished who approaches them will be eternally grateful because of their evasion move, I'm no exception. When the stakes are this high, evading successfully seems like an accomplishment, instead of an unfair advantage.
No other evasion method in the game matches this feeling of accomplishment and reliability, as quick dashes provide minimal movement and defensive postures are easily broken by powerful foes. A person once suggested hopping as the main game dodging technique, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, It wasn't clear to me receiving a fatal blow would improve my chances of beating enemies (lack of skill, maybe).
Mastering the Technique
Although the dodge roll grants reprieve in a famously difficult title, it demands ability. Firstly, Elden Ring's rolling dodge merely initiates a window of invulnerability after you release the roll control, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Moreover, although it may carry you off from foes, it's significantly more useful to use it as an opportunity to advance, optimally at their back, and land some hits. And, finally, you still need understand and anticipate opponent moves, as dodging at the start of a prolonged preparation may end your invincibility before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.
A Well-Designed Feature
While dodge-rolling in rapid sequence might seem rather absurd (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't really an option in this title. Naturally, that doesn't render it a believable combat move — the very cause why it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?
Like any proper evasion move, the game's evasion sequence is enhanced with a little somersault-y hop at the start, giving it an energetic feel rather than placing the avatar on the floor. Depending on your gear, the move can feel super agile or somewhat sluggish, yet it's always swifter and more seamless than the evasion moves used in Dark Souls. Certainly, you could plant your oversized sword on the floor while equipped with it, but that's your responsibility for failing to use alternative arms (Just kidding — don't play the game with a crossbow).
The Perfect Balance
This title's dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between obstacle and possibility, granting chances of triumph while threatening to take that hope away at the slightest mistake. Perfect this move, and you'll gain not just victory, but fulfillment.