I borrowed Elden Ring from the library just to see what the hype was.
I very much liked the beginning of the game, the open world, and the graphics. Creating a character was kind of cool. Trying to figure out the mechanics was interesting - killing animals got you bones, but killing soldiers didn't really net much if anything, no health potions, no cash. There's a lot going on. The monsters do seem OP. I wandered a great deal, summoned a horse (learning from zelda that horses are important) and flew up to the land of giants, which I quickly ran away from. Trying to leave the beginner area but at every turn dying.
Fun!
PS: at one point a voice asks for help and says no one will look him in the eye. Could not find him!