FromSoftware's Dodge Roll Deserves Praise

For those who have experienced the popular action RPG, or most other 3D action game, chances are you're acquainted with the fantastic mechanic called the “rolling dodge.” This evasion technique allows your character to carry out a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to avoid all incoming damage and gain space from the bad guy. Seems useful, right?

The dodge roll, nevertheless, has received plenty of criticism, and not just as a result of the somersault; it's been called foolish, a cop-out, and an unrealistic move — and occasionally, I agree. Just imagine me somersaulting past hostile mobs in a well-known fantasy game — untouchable! But this game's evasion move is the dodge roll to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and I'll tell you why.

Regarding this title, the designers identified a great way to counter all sentiments that the move is not challenging enough: just grant all foes excessive power, multiply it, and each player character who approaches them will appreciate deeply for their dodge-roll ability, I'm no exception. With so much on the line, pulling off a perfect dodge comes across as a triumph, instead of an unfair advantage.

No other evasion method in the game approaches this sense of satisfaction and consistency, because swift moves offer limited distance and defensive postures are easily broken by powerful foes. One player advised jumping as a go-to game dodging technique, but besides failing to offer perfect repositioning, I didn't see how receiving a fatal blow could enhance my odds of defeating bosses (inexperience, possibly).

Learning the Move

But even though the rolling dodge offers respite in an otherwise brutal game, it demands ability. First of all, Elden Ring's evasion move just activates a frame of protection after you stop pressing the evasion key, which prevents a hasty, frantic retreat from dire situations. Additionally, while it might move you aside from opponents, it's far more effective to employ it as a chance to advance, optimally at their back, and deliver attacks. In conclusion, you still need comprehend and predict enemy attacks, as dodging at the start of an extended wind-up 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 (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't really an option in Elden Ring. Naturally, that still doesn't make it a believable fighting maneuver — the very cause why it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a realism-focused RPG — yet we're discussing a flashy fantasy title we're talking about, so who cares?

Similar to any respectable dodge roll, Elden Ring's rolling animation is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the commencement, offering a lively impression instead of placing the avatar onto the ground. Based on your equipment, the technique may seem incredibly quick or somewhat sluggish, however, it's consistently swifter and more seamless than the dodge rolls found in the earlier games. True, you will stick your large weapon in the dirt if you're carrying one, but that's your own fault for failing to use ranged weapons (Just kidding — don't play Elden Ring using ranged options).

Optimal Harmony

Elden Ring's evasion system forms an optimal harmony between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while threatening to take that hope away at the tiniest misstep. Master this technique, and you'll gain more than triumph, but gratification.