Nodusfall: When the Ghost of Elden Ring Haunts a New Generation of Games

A trailer lasting less than two minutes was enough to ignite the global gaming community. Nodusfall, the new game from HoYoverse – the name behind Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail – has just revealed its first images, and immediately been labeled a 'rip-off' of Elden Ring. But is it too early to conclude? This article provides an in-depth analysis of the controversy, based on data and expert opinions. HoYoverse has long been known for its colorful anime style, but Nodusfall marks a major turning point: abandoning anime aesthetics entirely to dive into a realistic dark fantasy world, with high-fidelity graphics and co-op boss hunting for up to four players. As soon as the first trailer was released, the gaming community immediately compared it to Elden Ring – FromSoftware's masterpiece that won Game of the Year 2026. Characters in the trailer, such as a winged figure reminiscent of Malenia, or a white-haired woman evoking Melina, became the focus of criticism. 'Too many similarities,' 'this is a cheap copy' – such comments flooded forums. Some players even placed screenshots side by side to prove the 'rip-off.' However, according to industry analysts, concluding that Nodusfall is a copy of Elden Ring based solely on a trailer is hasty and unfounded. The original article from VuaBong.vn pointed out: 'Elden Ring has set a new standard for the soulslike genre, and any game pursuing a similar style will be compared. But that does not mean they are copies.' The key lies in gameplay. While Elden Ring is a single-player experience with limited PvP elements, Nodusfall focuses on group boss hunting – a mechanic closer to Monster Hunter than Dark Souls. This difference could completely change how players perceive the game. If HoYoverse proves its own identity through upcoming gameplay footage, the current controversy could turn into a powerful marketing lever. 'The controversy from the first trailer is certainly not what HoYoverse wanted, but if they can prove their own identity, the current controversies can become motivation to attract more attention,' – quoted from the analysis. However, the reputational risk is real. Nodusfall faces a strong wave of backlash, and if subsequent gameplay footage is not convincing enough, the 'copycat' label may cling to the game throughout its lifecycle. HoYoverse has immense financial resources to invest, but convincing the hardcore gaming community – which already loves Elden Ring – is a significant challenge. Another perspective comes from the regional context. HoYoverse is a Chinese company, while FromSoftware is a Japanese studio. Historically, Chinese developers have often been suspected of copying ideas from Japanese and Western counterparts. The Nodusfall case fits that pattern. But as the original article noted: 'Calling Nodusfall a 'rip-off' is only a comment from part of the community, not an official conclusion. Game mechanics are generally not copyrightable; only specific expressive elements such as character designs can be challenged.' So what is the conclusion? At present, everything is speculation. Nodusfall could be a breakthrough for HoYoverse, or it could be a creative failure. The answer will only become clear when official gameplay footage is released. But one thing is certain: the ghost of Elden Ring will continue to haunt the gaming industry for years to come, and any dark fantasy soulslike game that launches will face inevitable comparisons. For esports fans, this story carries a broader message: the line between 'inspiration' and 'rip-off' is increasingly blurred in an era where every product is scrutinized under the microscope of the online community. Can Nodusfall create its own mark, or will it forever be 'Elden Ring's copy'? Let us wait and see.