FromSoftware's Dodge Roll Deserves to Be Celebrated
If you've played this acclaimed title, or nearly any action-adventure title, you're probably well-versed in the wonderful mechanic called the “rolling dodge.” This defensive move lets your avatar to perform a forward, sideways, or backward somersault to avoid all incoming damage and gain space from foes. Sounds handy, wouldn't you say?
The evasion roll, though, has gotten significant backlash, and not only due to the tumbling; some have dubbed it dumb, a cheap tactic, and an implausible action — and occasionally, I concur. You should see me somersaulting past nearby enemy groups in The Witcher 3 — untouchable! But the title's evasion move stands as the roll to top all dodge rolls rolling dodges, and here's the reason.
For this particular game, the creators discovered a clever approach to address all opinions suggesting the technique is not challenging enough: merely bestow all foes excessive power, triple that, and each player character who approaches them will appreciate deeply because of their evasion move, myself included. When the stakes are this high, evading successfully seems like an accomplishment, not a cheat.
No other evasion method in this RPG matches this feeling of accomplishment and consistency, as quick dashes don't cover much ground and blocking attempts are easily broken by strong enemies. One player advised hopping as the main game evasion method, but besides failing to offer optimal placement, I didn't see how getting my skull smashed in would improve my chances of defeating bosses (inexperience, possibly).
Mastering the Technique
But even though the rolling dodge offers respite in an incredibly challenging experience, it demands ability. First of all, this title's rolling dodge only triggers a period of immunity once you stop pressing the roll control, which hinders a hasty, frantic retreat from perilous circumstances. Moreover, while it might transport you away from opponents, it's much better to utilize it as a moment to move nearer, optimally at their back, and land some hits. Lastly, you still need understand and anticipate enemy attacks, as dodging at the start of a long charging animation may end your invincibility before the blow lands… resulting in severe damage.
A Harmonious System
While dodge-rolling in fast repetition might seem rather absurd (give it up for Geralt again), this isn't really an option in Elden Ring. Certainly, that still doesn't make it a believable fighting maneuver — which is precisely why it would be terrifying to experience it in a product like a realism-focused RPG — however, this is a flashy fantasy title under discussion, thus why worry?
Comparable to any well-executed dodge roll, the game's rolling animation is spruced up with a little somersault-y hop at the commencement, giving it an energetic feel instead of dropping the character on the floor. Depending on your gear, the maneuver might appear super agile or relatively slow, but it remains quicker and smoother than the dodge rolls found in the earlier games. True, you may embed your large weapon into the ground while equipped with it, but that's your responsibility for failing to use a crossbow (Just kidding — don't play the game using ranged options).
Optimal Harmony
This title's evasion system creates the perfect balance between obstacle and possibility, offering hope of victory while endangering that very prospect at the smallest error. Master this technique, and you'll gain not only success, but fulfillment.
