ELDEN RING is now available for Windows via Steam as well as for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4. This latest action/RPG from Dark Souls developer FromSoftware features a story from fantasy author/football blogger George RR Martin and (as we now learn) an all-caps title from publisher BANDAI NAMCO. Overwhelmingly positive reviews for the game started rolling out on Wednesday. The PC edition currently has a Top Critic Average of 96 on OpenCritic and a Metascore of 95, placing it at #12 on the list of Best Video Games of All Time on Metacritic. On the other hand, the reviews on Steam are currently "mixed," brought down by complaints about performance issues (what's being done about those is covered in a story below). Also, for the style-conscious, a line of licensed ELDEN RING clothing launches at noon EST today on CLOAK. Here's the game's Official Launch Trailer from earlier this week, and here's word:

Take on the role of a Tarnished, a visitor from another land washed ashore onto the edge of the brutally broken realms of The Lands Between. Devastated by the shattering of the Elden Ring, which kept peace and order throughout the land, players must hunt down former rulers and demi-gods to piece the Elden Ring back together and take the mantle of Elden Lord. From heavy-hitting knights, nimble thieves, elusive archers, and powerful sorcerers, or a mix of multiple disciplines, ELDEN RING allows for a true role-playing experience giving players the ability to experiment and find their preferred play style. Equip skills to weapons from a myriad of options found throughout the land to further expand and enhance combat options. Players can also summon spirits they find on their journey to fight alongside them to help even the odds against tougher foes.

ELDEN RING weaves FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed level design and unique storytelling expertise with a handcrafted overworld filled with exciting and mysterious content players can uncover by exploring the diverse world either on foot or riding Torrent, the Spectral Steed. There is always something exciting or unexpected to find behind every corner of this vast world.

ELDEN RING features both cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes. Summoned players can help each other tackle tough enemy encounters or explore the world together. Players can also invade other people’s worlds in the game’s completive multiplayer mode. It’s kill or be killed as the invader tries to defeat other players for valuable rewards.

“ELDEN RING brings FromSoftware’s unique perspective on action-RPG gameplay and fantasy storytelling into its biggest title to date,” said Mike Chang, Senior Director Digital Marketing and Business at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “We are incredibly excited for returning fans and new players to explore this first step in this very exciting new franchise.”