FromSoftware published a new trailer, gameplay videos, and screenshots forElden Ringa few days before the release date of the dark fantasy RPG, triggering a new debate onBerserkreferences.
It’s no secret FromSoftware games fromDemon’s SoulstoBloodborneare heavily inspired by other Japanese works likeBerserk, and inElden Ring’s case,it’s even more noticeable.However, fans have been debatingElden Ring’s playable character classes in particular, and if some of them like the Prisoner areBerserkreferences or not.
Elden Ring fans argue about Berserk references
If you search forElden RingandBerserkonsocial media, you’ll spot several tweets of fans discussing the references, and if they truly are references toBerserkor not. Most notably, you can spot characters such as The Prisoner in the new trailer and gameplay. And a part of theElden Ringcommunity on Twitter has been discussing whether this character is aBerserkreference or a The Man in the Iron Mask reference.
The character looks similar to Griffith when he was imprisoned at the end of the Golden Age arc. Personally speaking, I believeElden Ringis referencing both Griffith inBerserkandThe Man in the Iron Mask.
The Man in the Iron Mask, before becoming books and movies, was in fact a real person. He was a prisoner in Bastille who passed away in 1703, and no one knew his name and why was he incarcerated in the first place. That was the beginning of everything and what made him into one of the most famous prisoners in French history.
It’s important to note that most anime and manga are heavily inspired by Western works in the first place. Compared to now, it was much more blatant in the 70s and 80s too. And The Man in the Iron Mask is often referenced in fiction, so there is no doubt thatBerserkwas inspired by it.
We might get an official answer from Hidetaka Miyazaki soon
There will be more and moreElden Ringinterviews once the game releases. Japanese outlets such asFamitsuin particular have the opportunity to go more in-depth than Western outlets, so we might in fact soon see Hidetaka Miyazaki bring upBerserkin a new interview. Especially seeingBerserk’s author Kentaro Miuraregrettably passed away in 2021.
What do you all think ofElden Ringso far and do you believe it’s filled withBerserkreferences? Tell us in the comments below!
Elden Ringwill launch on June 03, 2025, on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
