I feel like aside from full-on accessibility settings for those who need them (which absolutely should be implemented and the FromSoft devs don’t get a pass on this), they could do something as simple as a 2% speed, health, & damage nerf to all their enemies and it could be enough for most newcomers that have paid for the game, but didn’t get anything out of it. Like me. There are probably a huge amount of people that bought the game because of glowing “this is GOTY” reviews and couldn’t get past even Margit.
There’s old guys like me too that don’t have the reflexes the younger gens do lmao. I had to get help from other players on a few occasions.
Honestly, summoning is the accessibility to get through hard areas in FromSoft games (not saying it’s good accessibility, mind you). Summons that won’t die in one hit basically trivialize most single-enemy boss fight since their AI spazzes out because it’s not meant to fight 2 opponents at once.
I’m in my 40s and I barely made it through a bunch because before playing I hadn’t gamed in a decade, this was my first souls-like, and I’m honestly just not that good.
I never summoned. I only played online long enough to do the white mask quest. I was proud of what I did and very happy with my 100% achievements.
That being said, I wouldn’t begrudge someone turning the difficulty down if it were available. I see anything that allows more people to enjoy it as a win.
One of the worst arguments I had online was about “what is accessibility? How does it fit into multiplayer?”
Is increasing the parry window accessibility? Should you be able to change yours in a competitive match?
Is changing health levels an accessibility option? Should you be able to change that in multiplayer?
My opposite number said they should be able to do whatever they want whenever they want, and if that means spoiling the game for an invader or cooperator well that’s their problem.
I’m sure most people have a more nuanced take.
Or, just make multiplayer (competitive, anyway) locked out if you’re using certain options. If you’re struggling and using accessibility options such as stat buffs/nerfs, you proooooobably don’t want to engage with invaders. And who cares if a friendly summon gets pulled into a slightly easier world? Oh no, I get easier souls, the horror. Now, everyone can play, AND we’re not interfering with anyone else’s gameplay in a meaningful capacity. Win/win.
