So, here’s the scoop. FromSoftware, the brains behind the Soulsborne series, just launched this new spinoff, Elden Ring Nightreign. They tossed in eight new bosses called “Nightlords.” I managed to take down all of them before I even sat down to write this — quite the feat, if I do say so myself. But there’s one that kinda haunts my thoughts: Libra, Creature of Night. Imagine this goat-headed demon chilling at the end of something called the Equilibrious Beast Expedition. Yeah, I know, wild imagery.
When you first stumble into his domain, he’s just hanging out, looking all unassuming in a hooded human form. I thought, “Hey, battle time!” and shot an arrow — because why not? To my surprise, he didn’t attack back; instead, he gave me this growl and a lecture about my “unwise” choices. Turns out, you can actually chat with the guy.
And get this: a golden scale pops up above his head, offering some real monkey’s paw deals. Like, you could trade three levels for a legendary weapon. My favorite twist? Gain some levels but lose one every time you drink a healing flask. Sure, you could skip the deals, but where’s the fun in that?
Once you’ve made your choice, “the time is ripe,” and Libra morphs into this monster, launching magical attacks your way — and we’re talking Madness-inducing stuff here. It’s like a bullet hell scenario if you let him, but if you get up close, he’ll just swing a staff around, easier to handle. But then there’s this Madness-inducing move — he slams the ground, creating a nasty miasma. It’s a headache, literally. Yet, in a twist, picking up these little golden crystals during his magic attack can heal you and reduce Madness. Who knew?
This whole ability to suck in Madness and throw it back, it screams Dionysian chaos rather than the more typical world-destruction vibe. It feels pretty fresh in a game like this. Oh, and fabulous side note: Libra has this weird double weakness. Madness makes him angry — in a berserk kind of way — but you can counterattack big time if you dodge his moves.
Not much in the game dishes out Madness, though, so gotta be strategic. He’s also vulnerable to Fire and Holy attacks, something to remember. And if Libra decides to meditate in a shield, surrounded by golden glyphs, you better interrupt him. Take down those glyphs, or smash the shield somehow, to throw him into a frenzy.
Libra is a peculiar mix of mad genius. Honestly, as much as I dig all the Nightlord skirmishes, Libra’s got a certain chaotic charisma. I’ve had my butt handed to me and vice versa, but it’s been a joy. Now I’m just eager to dive back in with friends for more chaos.
Elden Ring Nightreign, this quirky spinoff, shakes up the usual Soulsborne gameplay with roguelike and co-op features. Though it isn’t perfect — like, c’mon, just one map and not enough variety in enemies? — it’s still shaping up to be a must-have for action fans this year. It’s retailing for about 40 bucks, but snag it for 34 at Newegg with some nifty promo codes. Worth it if you ask me.
