The Game's Dodge Roll Deserves Praise
If you've played this acclaimed title, or just about any action-adventure title, you're probably well-versed in the wonderful technique called the “dodge roll.” This avoidance maneuver lets your avatar to perform a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to dodge any enemy attacks and gain space from foes. Seems useful, wouldn't you say?
The evasion roll, however, has received significant backlash, and not only because of the rolling; some have dubbed it foolish, a easy way out, and an unbelievable technique — and in some cases, I agree. Just imagine me somersaulting past nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But Elden Ring's dodge roll stands as the roll to top all dodge rolls evasion moves, and let me explain.
For this particular game, the designers identified an excellent method to counter all sentiments that the move is overly simple: just grant all foes excessive power, triple that, and all heroes who dares come near them will appreciate deeply because of their evasion move, me included. When the stakes are this high, successfully rolling to victory comes across as a triumph, rather than a cheap trick.
No other evasion method in the game matches this sense of satisfaction and consistency, since rapid sprints provide minimal movement and defensive postures are readily overcome by strong enemies. A person once suggested hopping as the main Elden Ring avoidance strategy, but besides failing to offer perfect repositioning, I didn't see how taking a crushing hit could enhance my odds of overcoming challenges (lack of skill, maybe).
Perfecting the Skill
Although the rolling dodge grants reprieve in an incredibly challenging experience, it isn't without skill. To begin with, the game's rolling dodge only triggers a period of immunity following you stop pressing the roll control, which stops a hasty, frantic retreat from dangerous scenarios. Additionally, while it might transport you away from opponents, it's far more effective to use it as an opportunity to move nearer, ideally to their rear, and deliver attacks. In conclusion, you still need comprehend and predict opponent moves, because rolling prematurely of a long charging animation may end your invincibility before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.
A Well-Designed Feature
Although evasion-rolling in fast repetition may look a bit ridiculous (credit to Geralt once more), this isn't truly feasible in the game. Naturally, that fails to transform it into a realistic fighting maneuver — exactly the reason it would be pure horror to witness it in a title like a historical simulation — however, this is a dazzling imaginative experience we're talking about, therefore, it doesn't matter?
Like any proper evasion move, the game's evasion sequence is enhanced with a brief tumbling leap at the start, offering a lively impression instead of plopping the player on the floor. According to your loadout, the maneuver might appear incredibly quick or relatively slow, but it remains quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls found in Dark Souls. Admittedly, you could plant your large weapon on the floor while equipped with it, but that's your own fault for not just playing a crossbow (In jest — steer clear of Elden Ring with projectile weapons).
Ideal Equilibrium
This title's avoidance feature establishes an ideal equilibrium between challenge and opportunity, providing prospects of success while threatening to take that hope away at the tiniest misstep. Master this technique, and you'll obtain not just victory, but gratification.
