What if From Software had started working on an Elden Ring much earlier? Say, around the time of the SNES? These YouTubers show us what that could have looked like.
Elden Ring is not only a great game in terms of content, but it's also demanding when it comes to its technical requirements. At launch, especially regarding the PC version, there were some issues. Many players experienced lag and crashes, and even today, you still need a fairly decent computer to enjoy From Software's open-world RPG. But what if you could scale down Elden Ring to run on an SNES? These YouTubers have explored this idea further.
This Is What Elden Ring Would Like On SNES
On the YouTube channel 64 Bits, a video was released showcasing how Elden Ring could look if it were demade for the SNES.
Unfortunately, it's not actual gameplay footage but an animated video instead. Nonetheless, it's very impressive how the creators managed to blend the look and feel of Elden Ring with the pixel charm of Nintendo's classic console.
The directors behind the video explained in a separate video that they attempted to mix Elden Ring with SNES games like Terranigma, Secret of Mana, and Final Fantasy 6. They also discuss how certain parts of the video were created.
For example, the Erdtree is actually a screenshot from the original Elden Ring, which was lowered in resolution and edited slightly to resemble Super Nintendo graphics. The characters seen in the video are digitally drawn and animated.
Interestingly, the creators didn't notice that Radahn in Elden Ring doesn't have feet or didn't care, as they drew them for their version of Radahn. We can overlook that detail; the fight against Radahn didn't really give you time to contemplate the boss's choice of footwear, after all. And they got the most important thing right: Leonard, the ridiculously tiny (compared to Radahn's size) horse.
If you're interested in animation processes, the creators' commentary provides a nice glimpse behind the scenes. By the way, 64 Bits has also made more animation videos for game demakes, including, for example, God of War for the PlayStation 1 or Palworld for the Nintendo DS.