The Game's Rolling Dodge Merits Recognition
If you've played the popular action RPG, or most other third-person combat game, chances are you're acquainted with the fantastic technique known as the “evasion roll.” This evasion technique enables your hero to carry out a front, lateral, or rearward tumble to dodge all incoming damage and create distance from foes. Appears practical, right?
The dodge roll, nevertheless, has gotten plenty of criticism, and not only because of the rolling; it's been called dumb, a cheap tactic, and an unbelievable technique — and sometimes, I see the point. You should see me tumbling about hostile mobs in The Witcher 3 — they can't hit me! But Elden Ring's rolling dodge is the dodge roll to surpass every other evasion moves, and I'll tell you why.
In Elden Ring's case, the designers identified a great way to respond to all views claiming the maneuver is too easy: simply give each opponent excessive power, multiply it, and all heroes who dares come near them will feel immensely thankful because of their evasion move, I'm no exception. Given the intense difficulty, evading successfully seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.
No different defensive move in the game approaches this level of gratification and consistency, because swift moves offer limited distance and defensive postures are readily overcome by powerful foes. Someone once recommended jumping as a go-to game avoidance strategy, but aside from not providing optimal placement, It wasn't clear to me taking a crushing hit might boost my prospects of beating enemies (skill issue, perhaps).
Perfecting the Skill
Although the dodge roll offers respite in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. To begin with, this title's rolling dodge only triggers a period of immunity after you release the dodge button, which prevents a hasty, frantic retreat from dangerous scenarios. Additionally, although it may transport you away from enemies, it's much better to use it as an opportunity to advance, preferably behind the opponent, and land some hits. And, finally, you must still understand and anticipate enemy attacks, as dodging at the start of an extended wind-up may end your invincibility before the blow lands… which will seriously hurt.
A Well-Designed Feature
Even though rolling-dodging in fast repetition may look a bit ridiculous (kudos to the Witcher anew), this isn't practically possible in the game. Of course, that doesn't render it a believable fighting maneuver — which is precisely why it would be dreadful to witness it in a title like a realism-focused RPG — but this is a flashy fantasy title being considered, so who cares?
Comparable to any well-executed evasion move, this title's dodge motion is enhanced with a small acrobatic jump at the beginning, offering a lively impression rather than dropping the character downward. According to your loadout, the move can feel incredibly quick or moderately cumbersome, however, it's consistently faster and more fluid than the dodge rolls found in the previous titles. True, you will stick your oversized sword on the floor when wielding such equipment, but that's on you for not just playing ranged weapons (I'm joking — avoid using the game with a crossbow).
Optimal Harmony
The game's dodging mechanic creates the perfect balance between obstacle and possibility, granting chances of triumph while endangering that very prospect at the slightest mistake. Master this technique, and you'll gain not only success, but fulfillment.
