"FrOmSoFtWaRe OnLy MaKeS bAnGeRs"

It's true, FromSoftware truly has a knack for creating unforgettable experiences, even way back on the PlayStation 2. While many know them for Dark Souls, Bloodborne, or Elden Ring, diving into their earlier work like Evergrace and Eternal Ring offers a fascinating glimpse into their game design philosophy. I recently decided to play through both again, and it’s been quite the journey, reminding me how much I love exploring their unique worlds. Evergrace, for instance, often gets overshadowed, but it holds a special place for me. The combat is definitely clunky by today's standards, feeling a bit stiff compared to modern action RPGs, but there's a unique charm to its emphasis on equipment, item management, and elemental resistances. You don't just hack and slash; you really have to think about your gear setup and character build. I remember struggling with certain bosses until I figured out the right combination of "Palette" abilities and elemental weapons – it felt incredibly rewarding when a strategy finally clicked! The story, too, with its dual protagonists, Darius and Sharline, and intertwining narratives across different timeframes, was pretty ambitious for a PS2 RPG. It wasn't just about linear progression; there was a real sense of exploration in its somewhat labyrinthine world, where secrets were often tucked away. The OCR mentioned "EVERGRACE ETERNA Play ING," and that "Eterna" part truly rings true – the world of Evergrace feels ancient, steeped in forgotten magic and lore, making every new area a discovery. It’s a game that rewards patience and pays homage to classic RPG mechanics. Then there’s Eternal Ring, another one of FromSoftware's early forays into action RPGs, released even before Evergrace. While it shares some DNA with Evergrace in terms of its dark fantasy atmosphere and challenging tone, Eternal Ring leans more heavily into its magic system. Here, you're tasked with finding and combining different elemental rings (fire, water, earth, wind, light, dark) to create powerful and diverse spells. This felt incredibly innovative at the time, offering a level of customization and experimentation that was truly engaging. I spent hours trying to craft the perfect spell for each situation, learning how different combinations yielded unexpected results. The first-person perspective also set it apart from many other RPGs of its era, making the exploration of its mystical, monster-filled island feel incredibly immersive, though sometimes a bit disorienting in its maze-like dungeons! The sense of isolation and constant threat really hooks you in. Playing these games now, you can really see the nascent elements of what would become FromSoftware's signature style: challenging combat that demands strategic thinking, intricate and often cryptic world-building, a strong sense of foreboding atmosphere, and a journey guided by mystery rather than explicit instruction. They weren't perfect – the graphics were rudimentary even for the PS2 and controls could be frustrating – but they dared to be different and laid the groundwork for the 'bangirs' (as the original post put it!) we know and love today. If you're a fan of their modern titles and curious about their roots, or simply looking for a retro RPG adventure, I highly recommend giving Evergrace and Eternal Ring a try. They might not be polished diamonds, but they're definitely intriguing rough gems that showcase FromSoftware's consistent, unique vision.