We first learned about Eldenring at E3 2019 and heard basically nothing about it for the next two years. But that wait is finally over. We finally have not only a gameplay trailer for The Elden Ring, but also a release date: January 21, 2022. That may seem like a long time away, but considering we had no idea how far along the game's development was, let's hope it won't be too long before we're waiting for the next installment in From Software's ongoing lineup of ultra-difficult, atmosphere-driven action/RPGs. .... We also learned that the game will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.

The trailer was unveiled on June 10 at the Summer Game Fest, the unofficial online-only kickoff to E3 2021. It was unveiled as a coda. The trailer itself consists of three minutes of game footage, consisting of both story cutscenes and actual gameplay. The setting is still very mysterious and opaque, and likely will remain so after playing the game.

Nevertheless, we now know much more about the Elden Ring than we did before. The game will be a dark fantasy action/RPG in the same vein as From Software's Dark Souls series. Difficult and demanding melee combat will once again take center stage, along with spell and weapon enhancements. The protagonist will fight not only humanoid enemies of roughly the same size as himself, but also flaming giants and multi-armed horrors. Players will be equipped with a variety of weapons and learn new magic and other skills as they progress.

Dark Souls fans will also be pleased to know that the Elden Ring has the ability to summon other players. According to a follow-up email from Bandai Namco, players can "traverse meadows, stifling swamps, and lush forests on foot or horseback, alone or online. Climb spiraling mountains, enter breathtaking castles, and witness spectacular locations on a scale never before seen in a From Software title.

Horseback riding is another new gameplay feature seen in the trailer. It appears that players can summon mounts at their whim. These horses can pull off some pretty impressive stunts, such as running straight up a mountain slope at certain launching points. Although mounted combat was not shown in the trailer, it does not seem impossible for players to fight or evade enemies on horseback.

Calling Elden Rings an "open-world Dark Souls" may be a bit reductive, but it certainly looks that way so far. Namco Bandai plans to hold its E3 conference on Monday, June 14, so it could be as early as next year.