The review will change once I finish the game.
I am reviewing the Launch edition as a package.
I received it today, beautiful box, glossy, and the folders inside are equally interesting. The contents are what make this (in my opinion) the best edition you can get if you're not going for the Collector's/Deluxe edition.
The postcards are very well printed, as is the poster, although it is relatively small, it is simply a decoration on a desk. The stickers are nothing special, but they are not disappointing, while the patch is really nice. Obviously, being a Steam key, there is no steelbook/CD, but the folder that contained the game has the artwork of the console boxes, and it is not just a piece of paper with the key.
I cannot recommend the game without having played it, but as for the editions, I would recommend investing in this one if you are already going to enjoy the game.
Obviously, it will be available until stocks run out, so hurry!
EDIT 5/4/2022
After 90 hours in Elden Ring, I can honestly say that it is a landmark game for the industry. We're not talking about graphics, technical aspects, sound, etc., as that is not where the essence lies. It is relatively beautiful, although it doesn't look as it should for a game in 2022.
The thing is, it offers an experience that truly has no precedent. I have played and completed all the previous Souls and Sekiro-Bloodborne games, and I truly have no words. You may have heard that it's like they took things from all the previous games and combined them into a new, massive Dark Souls on a gigantic scale. And they have indeed achieved that without the game feeling empty or boring ANYWHERE.
Shall we talk about weapons? Armor or magic? I have almost 100 hours and I am still finding NEW things, my friend, it's truly extreme. They have enriched the combat and the ways you can approach your environment to the point where you get lost because you don't know what to use first. The magic has gone wild, and you can EASILY complete the game exclusively with it (faith or int build), as well as with a combination of any melee or ranged weapons. The weapon arts, that is, the abilities that a weapon can adopt, are numerous and game-changing. Overall, very satisfied with the combat and equipment.
Its world is simply otherworldly, it is initially ENORMOUS, and with the exception of the catacombs and some arenas that have similar ones, it is worth exploring and finding areas that you wouldn't believe they managed to fit. I mentioned earlier that the graphics are not particularly impressive, however, the game truly manages to convey a beauty that almost takes your breath away without crazy lighting, without next-gen tricks, etc. Something that I consider quite difficult. Exploration and the way you progress in this world is more than half the game, without getting tiresome ANYWHERE. I don't want to say anything else because if you're still reading, you will probably play the game, and I want you to discover its secrets yourself.
As for its music, it is classically (pun intended) phenomenal, with an orchestral OST that elevates the game, the world, and the bosses. The changes that accompany the areas of the map are pleasant and often describe the feeling that the area itself creates without needing to see it. (The feeling of dread in Caelid, the loneliness of the first area, the wrath of the Capital). The use of it is successful, although it doesn't do anything innovative.
The enemies are constantly different, with their own movements without copying anything else in the game, except for some (mini) bosses that become regular enemies in variation in some areas in the endgame.
The negatives that I want to point out are that for PC, you will find some optimization issues, and generally your system may struggle to maintain stable frames in some areas. There is a bit of stuttering, an occasional crash which is normal, although compared to the Day One experience, they have improved (you couldn't play the first few days due to frame drops). Also, WHY, OH WHY, DOESN'T IT HAVE 21:9 ULTRAWIDE support? It's ridiculous not to have the option at least for the enthusiasts to change the aspect ratio! And even more ridiculous is that sometimes the game doesn't load the bars in the corners of the game and it looks as it should, but it adds them ON ITS OWN after a while. I imagine it has to do with the game's performance, but it's really disappointing that there is no fix/support yet.
The PvP, although enriched with all the known tricks, remains mediocre due to the insurmountable lag which unfortunately, at least for me, ruins the experience. (I have a decent network, the game's net code is a bit trash.) However, in co-op, it's relatively fine.
In summary, if you liked the previous games, buy it with closed eyes and you won't regret it. The experience of Elden Ring is something that I don't think I will experience again in my gaming "career," along with the pre-hype release, the lore, and the community. If you are new players, I would recommend playing some Dark Souls to acclimate yourself, as it is quite challenging in the open world and doesn't help you at all. I hope you have a good time!