FromSoftware's Dodge Roll Deserves Praise
For those who have experienced this acclaimed title, or nearly any 3D action game, you're probably acquainted with the wonderful mechanic referred to as the “rolling dodge.” This evasion technique enables your hero to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward somersault to evade incoming harm and create distance from opponents. Sounds handy, right?
This rolling move, nevertheless, has gotten significant backlash, and not only because of the rolling; it's been called unintelligent, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I agree. Just imagine me rolling around nearby enemy groups in a well-known fantasy game — can't touch this Geralt! But Elden Ring's dodge roll is the dodge roll to outdo all previous dodge rolls, and I'll tell you why.
Regarding this title, the designers identified a great way to counter all sentiments suggesting the technique is too easy: just grant every enemy excessive power, increase it further, and each player character who approaches them will feel immensely thankful for their dodge-roll ability, me included. Given the intense difficulty, evading successfully seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.
No different defensive move in Elden Ring approaches this feeling of accomplishment and consistency, since rapid sprints don't cover much ground and defensive postures are easily broken by tough opponents. One player advised jumping as a go-to game evasion method, but in addition to lacking perfect repositioning, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of beating enemies (skill issue, perhaps).
Mastering the Technique
While the rolling dodge offers respite in a famously difficult title, it isn't without skill. Firstly, this title's evasion move only triggers a frame of protection following you release the roll control, which hinders a quick, panicky escape from dire situations. Furthermore, even though it can move you aside from opponents, it's significantly more useful to employ it as a chance to move nearer, ideally to their rear, and strike blows. Lastly, you still need grasp and foresee foe assaults, because rolling prematurely of a long charging animation may end your invincibility ahead of the attack striking… causing significant harm.
A Well-Designed Feature
Even though rolling-dodging in quick succession might seem rather absurd (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't really an option in Elden Ring. Naturally, that doesn't render it a realistic combat move — exactly the reason it would be pure horror to experience it in a product like Kingdom Come: Deliverance — however, this is a dazzling imaginative experience under discussion, therefore, it doesn't matter?
Similar to any respectable dodge roll, the game's dodge motion is improved by a little somersault-y hop at the commencement, giving it an energetic feel rather than dropping the character on the floor. Based on your equipment, the maneuver might appear super agile or somewhat sluggish, however, it's consistently faster and more fluid than the evasion moves featured in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you may embed your large weapon on the floor if you're carrying one, but that's your responsibility for failing to use alternative arms (In jest — avoid using the game using ranged options).
Ideal Equilibrium
Elden Ring's evasion system creates the perfect balance between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while risking the loss of that hope at the slightest mistake. Perfect this move, and you'll obtain not only success, but satisfaction.
